After the gains experienced last week with the “runner’s high,” I wanted to see if I could break ground into distances that I’ve never traveled before using my AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill. And I’m happy to report that, with the full lower extremity support that the treadmill provides, I was able to run 5.06 miles AND recover faster the next day. Whereas I ran 4.5 miles the week before with a high level of soreness and tightness the next morning, I was able to run 5.06 miles with soreness but minimal tightness and absolutely no morning-after pain whatsoever. And let’s be clear, I’ve NEVER run over 5 miles at once in my entire life! Maybe it was due to the fact that I had a great running partner that kept my mind occupied
For some people, it’s music, but for me, if you give me a good movie, especially my favorite movie character of all time, and I could probably run for days on end! Obviously, it’ll be hard to watch a movie during the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon, but I’ll figure out how to get by.
Aside from the help that the AlterG provides, I’ve noticed that concentrating on cadence has really helped my heart rate and breathing. In concentrating on each step and the spacing between my knees, I have notice that my heart rate is steady and my overall breathing is better during my runs. In addition, the concentration on spacing has really help to erase any knee pain that I was having during my initial runs. Also, making sure to finish each stride by pushing off on the toe at the end of the motion. Because I have general knee tightness, I can’t bend the knee backward as high so I keep everything lower to the ground, which makes for a slower but overall non-painful run. In short regarding my running training, it truly is one step at a time in more ways than one!
With my diet, I’ve stayed the course with a larger percentage of good carbs, including the brown rice pasta that I discovered last week with my own homemade sauce, vegetables, lean ground turkey meat, and my usual organic, vegan protein shakes after my runs to help with recovery. In terms of additions, I have started drinking AMPED Hydrate from Isagenix (infused with vitamin C, B6, and B12), before and during my runs. So far, my energy levels have stayed consistently high through my runs and my Physical Therapy workdays in treating patients.
All in all, another good week of training!
Dr. James Pumarada is a licensed Physical Therapist specializing in Vestibular Physical Therapy and Running Physical Therapy with over 17+ years of experience. He is the co-owner of Complete Physical Rehabilitation, a Physical Therapy practice based in Elizabeth and Jersey City, NJ.