@Tucker--Runner Core I bet is very good, but it's not a gait analysis process. I have to say, for someone who has never experienced the gait analysis or the value therein, you sure are taking the time to try and poke holes or drive people away from the idea. If that works for you, fine. People don't have to go to Pursuit, there are other people and places, we know that. But many of us have had actual experience with them, been transforemed in ways you have NO experience with, and we're just sharing--just as many us share the story and evangelize the good things we have found here in EN with other athletes we think would benefit.
@Linda, it just seems like most are coming back with "glutes aren't firing", "need more strength" etc. this program is from the same coach and I figured why not try this first? It probably contains a lot of what he prescribes. Of course maybe it doesn't. You seem very defensive about these guys. Do you have some type of relationship, financial or personal?
LOL! I can't tell you how many times people have asked me if I "work for EN"? No, I don't work for them, or have any financial interest. Just sharing my story with commitment to what they stand for, and what they've taught me. People can do what they want, or don't want.
@Linda, I wish I was as patient as you are!!!! Thanks for sharing all your thoughts. Being in Brazil I went the virtual way and submitted all to PAP yesterday. Looking forward to their feedback. Happy New Year.
I am also in run jail after my evaluationyesterday. No areobars either. but regardless, I agree with Linda, very very helpful. I was a little disapointed to see my video, I thought that I looked better than that, when I ran but my posture and pronation are awful. I am actually crossing my feet under myself. This explains why I keep bonking my ankels together when I run. It is all strength and core for me, my hips and calf are weak and very tight.
This was a good time to do this for me. I can ride (but no aero) all I want this winter, and really work hard on strength.
@Christy-- When I would run with no socks I would sometimes get bloody ankles from the sole of my shoe scuffing the other ankle as it crosses in the middle. Do you mind posting your video? I'm now facsinated by all of this. I have only been doing the exercises for a couple of weeks but have seen some improvement in stability already. I still have a long road to go.
@Juan-- Please tell us how the virtual consult turns out.
@McKeeverstar-- I'll pay for $50 towards your PAP consult if you want to give it a try...
@Juan -- Eu sou português! Cresci bilingue. O meu sonho é a corrida Ironman Brasil. Algum dia. Permitam-nos saber sobre os seus resultados. Not even sure I got that all right, because I am SO rusty. You have to love this day and age when we can trade stuff like this, train and race together from places all over the world.
@Christy--remember, I started out as one of their top 5 dysfunctional athletes. That is NOT good. This whole thing has woken me up to the fact that I had NO idea how my body was handling the load I was putting on it. I sure could tell you my FTP, and what race wheels I coveted, but I had no idea how the crux of what I needed--my body--was able to handle the training. It's like once you know, you can't not know. Keep the faith. The results will be there.
@Linda-- Since you didn't directly answer Tucker I assume you must own over 50% stock in PAP. So with that said I was wondering if you could get me into an insider appointment and a free flight to Conn. for me.
I'm really hoping to get a break from work and make the trip in late Jan. or Feb. Just hoping I'm not put into running jail as this would be detriment to Wildflower.
@Trent, my friend, you are a devil! For the record, I did reply directly below. So, again, I do not own them, work for them, or have any stake. I would like them to succeed every bit as much as I wanted RnP to succeed in the early days. I evangelized for EN plenty as a member since day one. Got asked the same question on many occasions about my relationship here.
This whole aspect is VERY intersting to me, however, I came forth forth enthusiastically with something I experienced that changed my life (literally). I had an open heart to help, and then stood behind what I believed, and shared what I have learned. Then to have a nefarious or self-serving interest be construed by my sharing is fascinating. It's actually somewhat hurtful, truth be told. But I have learned something through all of this, so that's a valuable take-away.
And, for the record, I can't get you a freebie. But if I could, you know I would.
@Trent-- FWIW, I had never met Linda and didn't know anything about the PAP guys until I heard her story. I decided to give it a try. I went up there with the full intention of negotiating a better deal since I knew my wife wanted to go as well and I thought a "2-fer" extra discount would be appropriate. When it was time for me to leave and pay I didn't even attempt to negotiate a further discount because I truly believed that the time those 2 guys spent with me seemed like a bargain at $350 after the fact... A regular old Physical therapist or chiropractor or dentist or accountant or trainer at the gym should cost between $60-100 per hour. I had the undivided attention of 2 professional guys for almost 3.5 hours. I have since followed up with a long detailed email with more than a dozen questions that were all answered within a day. And I'm gonna schedule a skype follow up in a week or so all of which was included for the original price (then I will pay a bit more for the "Phase 2" plan and see where that takes me...) And these didn't seem like "normal" guys. They were passionate, personal, patient and educated in the way they analyzed me and answered my hundreds of questions. When I do things, I go "all-in". Is there a cheaper way to strengthen your core? Absolutely... but you could also get a long course triathlon training plan from a book and probably still finish an Ironman, but lets be honest, we're all on EN for a reason. I cannot sing their praises yet about how effective their program will be for me since I'm only a few weeks into it. All I can say is that I am totally satisfied so far.
@ Linda - FWIW, I understood clearly in your OP where you were coming from which peaked my interest and was excited for you. So were several others to the point of trying PAP for themselves. Just look at John W's post, it can't get a more glowing review than that. I wish everyone the best as they work to improve thier form and effiency.
One of the things that was blatently obvious to me when I first joined the Team was the supportive comraderie on the site and the complete lack of any type of demoralizing by anyone. I believe if you are knowledgeable on a topic, by all means share that knowledge and correct any falsehoods. But don't put things down just because you don't find personal value in something.
@Linda-- Ha Ha you know I was just harassing you. Couldn't resist as I knew how passionate you are about the whole process as it comes out clear in everything you write and describe about them. When you really believe something works you want others to benefit as you have (At least this is how all caring, loving, normal people in this world should be in my opinion) and when someone reverts or objects to that you have to stand up for what you know to be true (At least in your experience).
My whole point in the pun was all about jealousy as I'm far enough away that it makes it harder for me to just be able to set up an appointment and go or else I would've done been there and enjoying the benefits. I feel after all I've seen and read and heard from those who have dealt with the guys they spot on in helping you get better (in everything) and excel to your potential.
If I make the trip I'll have to let you know and we can share doggy stories over a beer (or whatever you drink) with the spouses.
@Trent, I just sent the PAP guys my video and photo documentation earlier this week. I have not run in over 2 months now and nothing else I have tried so far - chiro, massage, PT has made any noticeable difference. I am giving this a go. And given where I live, (like Juan I am out of the country!) I have to give the remote version a try. So far, they have been great in helping me get this set up. I will report back how the remote process goes.
And thanks to @Linda for getting this thread started! I wouldn't have known about these guys otherwise. I have my fingers crossed!
@Linda - I just cleared Level 1 and am on my way to start on Level 2. I am excited as Doc Kurt said level 2 is quicker and I should be ready to start my return to running in 3 weeks! Good timing as CDA is 21 weeks away!
I just completed the PAP evaluation and it was everything that Linda and others have stated. A full on 100% focused evaluation on me by two passionate and consumate sports medicine professionals! I too am in run jail, but am not going to worry about that (too much) . My goal of sub-12 at IMLP may be harder to achieve this year, but the long term benefits of a stronger Greg that can absorb more training will help me to achieve my long term goals. Eyes on the prize!
Since I've always known that my run form looks somthing like a slow-moving train wreck, I'll post the video and document my progression to the haus. Feel free to point at me and laugh.
To @Ann, Joanna, and Greg--so happy for all three of you!
A few things from my POV:
1. Do not be afraid of run jail. You have to appreciate the paradox...by not doing for a time in order to build up the foundation of real strength, you will get your running going in the ways you always wanted to. Don't rush it. You have no idea how many months I spent there, and while I was freaked out at first, I asked myself --how what I was doing was working out for me? It was sending me the other way. I know you have faith, but keep it going.
2. Once you get past Level 2 I implore you to keep going in some way shape or form. Whatever avenue you take to keep up the functional strength building, do it. Keep doing what YOU need to do, not generic, random exercises. Get your butt and hips REALLY strong, and work to not only strengthen but STABLIZE your core. Big diff. Info below.
I've told you all I've made a study of this, and here's some of what what I've learned about how and why to be strong. This is what is lacking in virtually every athlete, and I do think it's that extreme. Al cracks me up when he says, "25,000 runners in the NYC marathon? 20,000 of them need this."
Here's a great article on the importance of the butt. Those glutes--lots riding on them. (haha!)
Here's info on why the core needs to be stable, not just strong. Good stuff.
The true goal of core development is to create stability, which is central for athletic performance, protection from injury, and overall good health. The pelvis and the lumbar spine, in particular, must be rock solid. Why does this matter?
Most athletes have no idea, but core stability is how you transfer power to your arms and legs. Without stability in the pelvis and the lumbar spine, the big agonist muscles, or prime movers (your glutes, quads, hamstrings, lats), cannot activate. Most athletes haven’t a clue that their ability to generate ballistic output and speed originates from a neutral pelvis and a stable lumbar spine—never from the limbs alone. The more stable the core, the more power you can generate with your extremities. Core stability allows your entire kinetic chain to fire at optimal efficiency. So if you swim, bike, run, play soccer--a neutral pelvis and a stable lumbar spine are the foundation of your performance potential. All your hopes, dreams, and goals for training and racing start with a stable core.
The core is also designed to reactively stabilize during dynamic movements. In other words, the core kicks in to prevent inefficient motion in the presence of motion elsewhere in the body. For example, as a runner swings her arms and legs, a properly-functioning core reacts to stabilize the spine, pelvis, and shoulders and allow for the transfer of power to the legs. This reactive stability, coupled with proper mobility, muscular balance, and overall functional strength allows for the optimal firing of your big prime movers. The supporting stabilizing muscles can then go to work to keep good biomechanical form over long distances. (This, IMO , is HUGE in the later parts of LC racing.) Reactive stabilization of the core is very close to the silver bullet athletes are constantly searching for. Employing a stable core is how your true athleticism emerges as you stop wasting energy and are able to transfer EFFORT from your sport-specific movement into SPEED throughout your training and racing.
A strong core can still be a weak core. This is a really important paradox for athletes to be aware of. Even if your core is strong—i.e. isolated abdominal muscles are well developed—if it is UNSTABLE, there is no doubt you are LEAKING SPEED. The instability creates compensations in your movements. As a result, you are forced to use all the wrong muscles to power your way through training and racing. Your risk of injury is also much higher.
Many, many athletes have been led to believe they are enhancing their training by doing exercises like sit ups and crunches. Core stability has no relationship to working abdominal muscles in isolation. Exercises like that allow motion to occur through the lumbar spine, negating, as we explained earlier, the functional purpose of that area of the body. The lumbar spine is not meant to greatly twist and flex, and the disks in the back are harmed by those movements. Sit ups, crunches, leg lifts and the like are completely counterproductive to your goal of becoming a better athlete. Strong abdominal muscles in an unstable core do nothing to stabilize you at the precise moment you need to mitigate unwanted movement to create power and speed.
To ignite your core into the wellspring of powerful athletic movement that it is designed to be, you must train the “core” in a functional, sport-specific, and authentic way. Quality functional movement and strength training is the way to go.
When you have a truly stable core, it is then—and only then—that you can safely and effectively increase load and dynamism in training. It is then that your sport-specific training will really begin to work, and the results you have been searching for will begin to manifest.
@ Linda, tks again for sharing your thoughts and experience. I have received the initial feedback to my virtual consultation and (as expected) I'm heading to "jail" big time ..... (my program is in the mail!!!). While I will definitely follow their guidance (once received in a few days) I wonder how to deal with my season? I am racing and OLY next week, a half-Mary march 4th, my first HIM may 20th and my second HIM Oct 28th. Going to jail (right now) would mean dropping the entire season??? Ouch!!!!!
Hi Juan--In the end, life is short. I figure it always come back to balancing. You could always file away the info and take a breather after your March race or even the May event (assuming you are currently uninjured). There's time in the middle there to get really ready for Oct. If you do wait, I would just be careful not to let the advice and the work slide forever. It is what will maintain, enhance, and preserve your running over the long term. But I get the need to do things you've planned and shelled out money for. I really do. There are always different ways to skin the cat, and still get where you want to go over the long term, IMO.
I have been on the exercise plan for almost a week now, religiously doing my prescribed exercises twice a day in hopes of being able to get out and run sooner rather than later. I've been off since the 3rd week in November! The PAP guys have been amazing - super helpful and very quick to respond. Couldn't be happier so far.
For those of you who have done this, how long did it take to progress enough to be able to start trying to run again? I'm thinking 6-8 weeks. Is this realistic?
Hi Ann, I submitted my initial video to the guys at PAP in the week between Christmas and New Year's Eve, and they put me in run jail right around the first of the year. I am doing IMTX in May, so you can understand my concern about not being able to run! However, they reassured me that, if I worked hard, I would be ready. I progressed through Level 1 for about 3 weeks, had a Skype session with them, and they put me on Level 2 exercises for an additional 3 weeks. My second Skype session was this week, and they have now allowed me to be on an accelerated Return to Running program. So, yes, I think 6-8 weeks is realistic, although they will want to Skype with you and make sure that you are progressing and performing the exercises correctly.
I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Kurt and Coach Al at PAP! They are so smart, patient, and responsive to all questions and concerns. Hang in there!
I will echo all of what Kristen said about how awesome those guys are. I did my gait analysis in their lab on Dec 22nd. I religiously did my level 1 work and in mid-Jan had my skype and progressed into the level 2 stuff. I went back for another analysis on Feb 14th, and am no longer in run jail, but I'll call it run "probation" with the 6 week (or so) return to running protocol. I think each of those levels could have been accelerated by a bit if I were time crunched, but I am simply letting it play out. I'm now ~3 weeks into the return to running protocol and my legs are fried all the time. I've found that the exercises have changed from simply "stability" as in level 1 to now they are more of a functional "strength". The exercises take less time to complete each day, but they are much harder. I think this will still be a long process, but I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. I have taken this "return to running" protocol as an opportunity to really work on my cadence as I needed to do this anyways and this is a slow progressive way to do this. I used to run at a cadence of ~78 and now am running closer to ~89. I would not have had the patience or discipline to fix this aspect otherwise (I tried last yr and failed).
Ha-- Thanks Ann. I offered to pay those guys if they helped make me famous... My wife actually calls me "gunner student". I still have a long ways to go, but I'm getting there...
@John, Yup, it looks good - and a LOT better. How is your wife making out?
I did my Skype call yesterday and have been given the go ahead to start Stage 2. Maybe another 3 weeks before I can begin the back to run program. Given it has been almost 3 months since I have run, I am now starting to have dreams about it! I can hardly wait.
Have you noticed that your running is "better" - not just physically more correct, but also stronger, faster, more robust?
I've been doing the return to running program and did my initial consult with Kurt and Al on December 31. I progressed through Level 1 in 3 weeks, level 2 in 3 and am now on level 3 which I started a couple of weeks after I started the return to running program. I am currently on week 4 of the return to running program and I do feel a lot stronger. I am focusing on my running cadence and I can also feeel my glutes firing!
Stick to the plan and you'll be amazed at how strong and balanced you feel.
Comments
@Tucker--Runner Core I bet is very good, but it's not a gait analysis process. I have to say, for someone who has never experienced the gait analysis or the value therein, you sure are taking the time to try and poke holes or drive people away from the idea. If that works for you, fine. People don't have to go to Pursuit, there are other people and places, we know that. But many of us have had actual experience with them, been transforemed in ways you have NO experience with, and we're just sharing--just as many us share the story and evangelize the good things we have found here in EN with other athletes we think would benefit.
LOL! I can't tell you how many times people have asked me if I "work for EN"? No, I don't work for them, or have any financial interest. Just sharing my story with commitment to what they stand for, and what they've taught me. People can do what they want, or don't want.
@Linda, I wish I was as patient as you are!!!! Thanks for sharing all your thoughts. Being in Brazil I went the virtual way and submitted all to PAP yesterday. Looking forward to their feedback. Happy New Year.
I am also in run jail after my evaluationyesterday. No areobars either.
but regardless, I agree with Linda, very very helpful. I was a little disapointed to see my video, I thought that I looked better than that, when I ran but my posture and pronation are awful. I am actually crossing my feet under myself. This explains why I keep bonking my ankels together when I run. It is all strength and core for me, my hips and calf are weak and very tight.
This was a good time to do this for me. I can ride (but no aero) all I want this winter, and really work hard on strength.
@Juan-- Please tell us how the virtual consult turns out.
@McKeeverstar-- I'll pay for $50 towards your PAP consult if you want to give it a try...
@Juan -- Eu sou português! Cresci bilingue. O meu sonho é a corrida Ironman Brasil. Algum dia. Permitam-nos saber sobre os seus resultados. Not even sure I got that all right, because I am SO rusty.
You have to love this day and age when we can trade stuff like this, train and race together from places all over the world.
This whole thing has woken me up to the fact that I had NO idea how my body was handling the load I was putting on it. I sure could tell you my FTP, and what race wheels I coveted, but I had no idea how the crux of what I needed--my body--was able to handle the training. It's like once you know, you can't not know. Keep the faith. The results will be there.
@Christy--remember, I started out as one of their top 5 dysfunctional athletes. That is NOT good.
I'm really hoping to get a break from work and make the trip in late Jan. or Feb. Just hoping I'm not put into running jail as this would be detriment to Wildflower.
@Trent, my friend, you are a devil! For the record, I did reply directly below. So, again, I do not own them, work for them, or have any stake. I would like them to succeed every bit as much as I wanted RnP to succeed in the early days. I evangelized for EN plenty as a member since day one. Got asked the same question on many occasions about my relationship here.
This whole aspect is VERY intersting to me, however, I came forth forth enthusiastically with something I experienced that changed my life (literally). I had an open heart to help, and then stood behind what I believed, and shared what I have learned. Then to have a nefarious or self-serving interest be construed by my sharing is fascinating. It's actually somewhat hurtful, truth be told. But I have learned something through all of this, so that's a valuable take-away.
And, for the record, I can't get you a freebie. But if I could, you know I would.
Thanks again Linda for your original post.
One of the things that was blatently obvious to me when I first joined the Team was the supportive comraderie on the site and the complete lack of any type of demoralizing by anyone. I believe if you are knowledgeable on a topic, by all means share that knowledge and correct any falsehoods. But don't put things down just because you don't find personal value in something.
Just my .02
My whole point in the pun was all about jealousy as I'm far enough away that it makes it harder for me to just be able to set up an appointment and go or else I would've done been there and enjoying the benefits. I feel after all I've seen and read and heard from those who have dealt with the guys they spot on in helping you get better (in everything) and excel to your potential.
If I make the trip I'll have to let you know and we can share doggy stories over a beer (or whatever you drink) with the spouses.
And thanks to @Linda for getting this thread started! I wouldn't have known about these guys otherwise. I have my fingers crossed!
---Ann.
I am too embarrassed by my video to post it on EN. I look so uncoordinated and clumsy.
I just completed the PAP evaluation and it was everything that Linda and others have stated. A full on 100% focused evaluation on me by two passionate and consumate sports medicine professionals! I too am in run jail, but am not going to worry about that (too much)
. My goal of sub-12 at IMLP may be harder to achieve this year, but the long term benefits of a stronger Greg that can absorb more training will help me to achieve my long term goals. Eyes on the prize!
Since I've always known that my run form looks somthing like a slow-moving train wreck, I'll post the video and document my progression to the haus. Feel free to point at me and laugh.
@Joanna ... never too embarrassed as we all look pretty silly running from our back side.
@Greg ... Can't wait to see the progression and the pointing.
To @Ann, Joanna, and Greg--so happy for all three of you!
A few things from my POV:
1. Do not be afraid of run jail. You have to appreciate the paradox...by not doing for a time in order to build up the foundation of real strength, you will get your running going in the ways you always wanted to. Don't rush it. You have no idea how many months I spent there, and while I was freaked out at first, I asked myself --how what I was doing was working out for me? It was sending me the other way. I know you have faith, but keep it going.
2. Once you get past Level 2 I implore you to keep going in some way shape or form. Whatever avenue you take to keep up the functional strength building, do it. Keep doing what YOU need to do, not generic, random exercises. Get your butt and hips REALLY strong, and work to not only strengthen but STABLIZE your core. Big diff. Info below.
I've told you all I've made a study of this, and here's some of what what I've learned about how and why to be strong. This is what is lacking in virtually every athlete, and I do think it's that extreme. Al cracks me up when he says, "25,000 runners in the NYC marathon? 20,000 of them need this."
Here's a great article on the importance of the butt. Those glutes--lots riding on them. (haha!)
Here's info on why the core needs to be stable, not just strong. Good stuff.
The true goal of core development is to create stability, which is central for athletic performance, protection from injury, and overall good health. The pelvis and the lumbar spine, in particular, must be rock solid. Why does this matter?
Most athletes have no idea, but core stability is how you transfer power to your arms and legs. Without stability in the pelvis and the lumbar spine, the big agonist muscles, or prime movers (your glutes, quads, hamstrings, lats), cannot activate. Most athletes haven’t a clue that their ability to generate ballistic output and speed originates from a neutral pelvis and a stable lumbar spine—never from the limbs alone. The more stable the core, the more power you can generate with your extremities. Core stability allows your entire kinetic chain to fire at optimal efficiency. So if you swim, bike, run, play soccer--a neutral pelvis and a stable lumbar spine are the foundation of your performance potential. All your hopes, dreams, and goals for training and racing start with a stable core.
The core is also designed to reactively stabilize during dynamic movements. In other words, the core kicks in to prevent inefficient motion in the presence of motion elsewhere in the body. For example, as a runner swings her arms and legs, a properly-functioning core reacts to stabilize the spine, pelvis, and shoulders and allow for the transfer of power to the legs. This reactive stability, coupled with proper mobility, muscular balance, and overall functional strength allows for the optimal firing of your big prime movers. The supporting stabilizing muscles can then go to work to keep good biomechanical form over long distances. (This, IMO , is HUGE in the later parts of LC racing.) Reactive stabilization of the core is very close to the silver bullet athletes are constantly searching for. Employing a stable core is how your true athleticism emerges as you stop wasting energy and are able to transfer EFFORT from your sport-specific movement into SPEED throughout your training and racing.
A strong core can still be a weak core. This is a really important paradox for athletes to be aware of. Even if your core is strong—i.e. isolated abdominal muscles are well developed—if it is UNSTABLE, there is no doubt you are LEAKING SPEED. The instability creates compensations in your movements. As a result, you are forced to use all the wrong muscles to power your way through training and racing. Your risk of injury is also much higher.
Many, many athletes have been led to believe they are enhancing their training by doing exercises like sit ups and crunches. Core stability has no relationship to working abdominal muscles in isolation. Exercises like that allow motion to occur through the lumbar spine, negating, as we explained earlier, the functional purpose of that area of the body. The lumbar spine is not meant to greatly twist and flex, and the disks in the back are harmed by those movements. Sit ups, crunches, leg lifts and the like are completely counterproductive to your goal of becoming a better athlete. Strong abdominal muscles in an unstable core do nothing to stabilize you at the precise moment you need to mitigate unwanted movement to create power and speed.
To ignite your core into the wellspring of powerful athletic movement that it is designed to be, you must train the “core” in a functional, sport-specific, and authentic way. Quality functional movement and strength training is the way to go.
When you have a truly stable core, it is then—and only then—that you can safely and effectively increase load and dynamism in training. It is then that your sport-specific training will really begin to work, and the results you have been searching for will begin to manifest.
I have received the initial feedback to my virtual consultation and (as expected) I'm heading to "jail" big time ..... (my program is in the mail!!!).
While I will definitely follow their guidance (once received in a few days) I wonder how to deal with my season? I am racing and OLY next week, a half-Mary march 4th, my first HIM may 20th and my second HIM Oct 28th.
Going to jail (right now) would mean dropping the entire season??? Ouch!!!!!
Here is the video from my 1st evaluation @ Pursuit Athletic Performance 27 Jan 2012
Hi Juan--In the end, life is short. I figure it always come back to balancing. You could always file away the info and take a breather after your March race or even the May event (assuming you are currently uninjured). There's time in the middle there to get really ready for Oct. If you do wait, I would just be careful not to let the advice and the work slide forever. It is what will maintain, enhance, and preserve your running over the long term. But I get the need to do things you've planned and shelled out money for. I really do. There are always different ways to skin the cat, and still get where you want to go over the long term, IMO.
Tks again Linda.
I have been on the exercise plan for almost a week now, religiously doing my prescribed exercises twice a day in hopes of being able to get out and run sooner rather than later. I've been off since the 3rd week in November! The PAP guys have been amazing - super helpful and very quick to respond. Couldn't be happier so far.
For those of you who have done this, how long did it take to progress enough to be able to start trying to run again? I'm thinking 6-8 weeks. Is this realistic?
Would love to hear the rest of you are doing!
---Ann.
I submitted my initial video to the guys at PAP in the week between Christmas and New Year's Eve, and they put me in run jail right around the first of the year. I am doing IMTX in May, so you can understand my concern about not being able to run! However, they reassured me that, if I worked hard, I would be ready. I progressed through Level 1 for about 3 weeks, had a Skype session with them, and they put me on Level 2 exercises for an additional 3 weeks. My second Skype session was this week, and they have now allowed me to be on an accelerated Return to Running program. So, yes, I think 6-8 weeks is realistic, although they will want to Skype with you and make sure that you are progressing and performing the exercises correctly.
I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Kurt and Coach Al at PAP! They are so smart, patient, and responsive to all questions and concerns. Hang in there!
---Kristen
---Ann.
Ha-- Thanks Ann. I offered to pay those guys if they helped make me famous... My wife actually calls me "gunner student". I still have a long ways to go, but I'm getting there...
Here's the link if anyone is interested: http://pursuitathleticperformance.com/2012/before-and-after-video-triathlete-makes-dramatic-run-changes-in-two-short-months/
and here's the short video they used:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/vkUyNjfNWms" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>
I did my Skype call yesterday and have been given the go ahead to start Stage 2. Maybe another 3 weeks before I can begin the back to run program. Given it has been almost 3 months since I have run, I am now starting to have dreams about it! I can hardly wait.
Have you noticed that your running is "better" - not just physically more correct, but also stronger, faster, more robust?
Hope all the rest of you are doing well too!
---Ann.
I've been doing the return to running program and did my initial consult with Kurt and Al on December 31. I progressed through Level 1 in 3 weeks, level 2 in 3 and am now on level 3 which I started a couple of weeks after I started the return to running program. I am currently on week 4 of the return to running program and I do feel a lot stronger. I am focusing on my running cadence and I can also feeel my glutes firing!
Stick to the plan and you'll be amazed at how strong and balanced you feel.
Joanna