Running Specialty Program

My gait analysis review

"To provide some context, I have been running for two decades and have consistently positioned myself as a mid-pack runner, aspiring to finish in the top 49th percentile. My routine includes running 3 to 6 miles on a treadmill during winter and up to 15 miles outdoors in the summer each week. I have been loyal to the Brooks Glycerin brand of sneakers for at least 15 years. Fortunately, I have not experienced any orthopedic issues, but having recently turned 50, I was prompted to seek a gait analysis upon seeing an advertisement highlighting its role in injury prevention. I contacted Laura over at Strive.

My objective for the gait analysis was to evaluate the suitability of my current sneakers and to obtain recommendations for maintaining my running regimen over the next 25 years. I scheduled an appointment and was instructed to bring any running shoes and wear suitable clothing to facilitate the assessment of my hips and lower extremities. The facility features a treadmill equipped with an iPad that captures my running posture and alignment from various angles. After a 5-minute warm-up, the recording process takes approximately 2 to 3 minutes at my running pace.

Post-analysis, the data is reviewed on the iPad, and the application demonstrates whether I pronate or supinate. It also assesses the positioning of my legs, hips, and trunk, calculates my cadence, and provides tailored recommendations. In her assessment, she discovered a significant degree of pronation that I had not previously realized, which led me to switch to the Glycerin GTS model. Additionally, recommendations were made to increase my cadence and reduce stride length, which I implemented using a metronome app to adjust my cadence accordingly.

Over the subsequent two months of summer, I managed to run at least 50 miles and participated in several local races. I found that the Glycerin GTS sneakers accommodated my running needs without any issues, and I set a cadence alarm on my iWatch. I was also given exercises to enhance the intrinsic musculature of my feet, which, though unconventional, are crucial for long-term maintenance. Furthermore, I received advice to incorporate weekly strength training for runners to support ongoing physical health.

Overall, the gait analysis with Lauren from STRIVE PT proved to be an enlightening experience, yielding the exact insights I sought. I now have a comprehensive long-term program to follow, and it is up to me to adhere to it. For those who, like me, derive immense physical and mental benefits from exercise, consulting experts in gait analysis with the appropriate software and expertise is as vital as regular check-ups with family doctors and specialists for monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels."

SS 8.12.24