Staying Healthy for the Philadelphia Rock-n-Roll Half Marathon

The Philadelphia Rock and Roll Half Marathon is one of the most popular races in Philadelphia.  With the race gun going off on Sunday, September 18th, runners are in the final stretches of their long training programs.  Most runners have ramped up to their

Meseret--Female Winner, 2010

maximum long training run and have logged their highest weekly mileage, leaving their bodies primed for injury.   One of the easiest ways to prevent injuries in the final two weeks is to begin tapering your running.  Tapering means running less and resting more.  Most  athletes who have been training for a race 10 weeks or more find tapering the hardest part of the training program as they feel they will lose conditioning.  This does not occur.  In fact, strength improves as your muscles have time to recover, inflamed tendons have time to heal and your immune system gets stronger. 

After the race, unfortunately some aces and pains can become a problem. The most common injuries we see are over-use injuries in nature. If pain does not resolve in a week after the race, it is wise to seek out a Sports Physical Therapist for a quick check-up. 

Starting September 20th,  Excel Physical Therapy and their partners, Apex Physical Therapy are offering free injury or free Functional Movement Screenings at the following locations:

1. The Valley Forge Running Co. ***

2. Philadelphia Runner–Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011  5:30-7:30.  Along with Excel PTs, Dr. Michael Ross-Sports Medicine specialist with The Rothman Institute will be on hand to answer any questions.

3. Philadelphia Runner–Thursday, Sept. 22nd, 2011–after the group run!   7:30-8:30pm

4. Bryn Mawr Running Company–Wednesday, Sept. 28th, 5:00-7:00pm ***

Good Luck with your race!