Although I am relatively new to the sport of triathlon, I have been a runner for about 10 years. I've run many 5ks, 10ks, and even 3 marathons. After 2 failed attempts to qualify for the Boston Marathon, I thought I had pretty much maxed out my running performance potential. And I thought, as a triathlete, if I was going to improve my performance, it was going to have to be on the swim or the bike. I couldn't have been more wrong.
I first heard about the RUNSMART program from a friend who raved about it on Facebook. It seemed like a reasonable price. I'd already spent twice as much on a wetsuit, not to mention all the other gear that comes with the sport. I visited Steve at Buffalo Rehab Group where he carefully filmed me running from several different angles, with and without shoes. Then, he took the time to explain to me what makes us efficient runners. He explained a few mechanical details about how the body transfers energy while running and how to maximize the use of that energy to run faster with less trauma to the joints. He ran through a few helpful drills so I could practice and think about what I was trying to achieve, put me up on treadmill again, and filmed me again from several angles.
A few days later I received my analysis video, which contained before and after videos of my running playing side-by-side with voiceover analysis and advice. It really helped me understand how I could improve my running form and get the most from my efforts. Steve explained that I had spent 10years learning to run inefficiently and I needed to slowly give my body a chance to relearn a new running style. His video contained numerous drills and strength training exercises specific tailored to address my weaknesses.
I had my analysis done about a month ago and I've spent a little bit of time on each of my runs implementing his advice. I've also noticed that I seem to recover quicker from my runs since there is less strain on my knees and back. This last Sunday was my first chance to test this new running style at a 10mile race in Virginia Beach. Wow! I comfortably ran the race at a 7:10/pace, a new PR for me at that distance. I still can't hold my new form for the whole distance, my body is still getting used to it. Once I can, there is no doubt in my mind I can go well below a 7:00/mile pace for that distance.
I may have to even take another stab at that Boston Qualifier.
I highly recommend anyone who wants to be a faster and healthier runner book an appointment today and get a RUNSMART analysis done. It's money well spent. Unless, of course, you are a Western New York Triathlete racing in the 40-44 age group. Then RUNSMART is NOT for you!
Have a Great Race Season... I know I will :-)
Dave Strassburg
Runner / Triathlete
Owner and President of Strassburg Sock and Runner's Remedy Products
While completing my ninth Ironman I couldn’t help but marvel at how smoothly I finished the last mile and a half. After close to 20 years running, that includes 8 marathon’s and over 40 triathlons I have never run that well. Usually my hip flexors always seized up at mile 16, I would get calf cramps and the inevitable slowing down would occur. The difference this time? RUNSMART. At RUNSMART they taught me how to propel myself forward using the proper technique to stay injury free. And the proof is in the results. I’m running better than ever and not one injury since I started it. I wish I would have known about RUNSMART 20 years ago!
9-time Ironman Triathlon Finisher
As a novice runner, I participated in the RUNSMART program wishing to learn techniques to gain speed and to avoid re-injuring my knee. After listening to their advice on adjusting my running form, I shaved two minutes off my next training run and I PR'd (taking first place in my age group) in my next 5k. And my knee feels great! I would highly recommend this program to all runners.
Running Novice
I would like to extend my most since sincere gratitude to you and your staff for your help getting me back to into the sport of running. I was midway through training form my first Boson Marathon when my neck was injured. My doctor’s office had no solutions, but to tell me “It’s going to be pain management the rest of your life.” From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in good hands. You led me down a path of recovery that was just shy of a miracle! Within one week I was back training again; and on April 19th, 2010 I fulfilled my dream of running the Boston Marathon. I haven’t stopped since, and my running has continued to improve. I thought the 2010 running season would be my last, but thanks to you it ended strong. I am looking forward to 2011 going into the season healthier than I have ever been!
PR 2:53 Marathon; Boston Qualifier
Mike Harrison
Lifetime runner - AG 60-65
I’ve been running for about 17 years. I wish RUNSMART was around years ago when I repeatedly had nagging injuries on my left side, from my hip to the IT band to my knee and down to my ankle. Now I realize why I had so many aches and injuries. I was finally able to see from my video how my form was progressively getting worse. Knowing from qualified Physical Therapists what I needed to work on, which muscle groups were weak, I am now able to keep those areas strong. It’s actually very mentally and physically challenging AND productive working on specific areas that need to make my running smoother and faster. Had it not been for RUNSMART, I would never know how to improve my form in making different muscles fire when they are in motion. I had a knee injury from years ago that I decided to finally get taken care of and thank goodness I was able to run right up to my surgery date because I was stronger and more balanced from the areas that were now stronger!
5-time Ironman Finsiher; Kona Qualify/Finisher 2008
