11 Mar Physical Therapist Shares Her Love of Running – And How Our Virtual Program Can Help Prevent Injury

Starting March 14th, Body One Physical Therapy will begin offering a free, virtual eight-week injury prevention program specifically created for runners as the Indianapolis Mini Marathon approaches in May. The program will be led by Dr. Tara Dawson, who is a runner herself and is training for the Mini. Each week, we will release a video featuring Tara demonstrating self-screens, stretches, and exercises specifically geared towards common movement dysfunctions seen in runners. As part of her residency curriculum, she has created a screening tool to help Physical Therapists identify risk factors for injury in runners. Many of the items on this screening tool will be addressed throughout the virtual injury prevention program. Read below as Tara explains her history as a runner and addresses why she believes all runners should be knowledgeable about injury prevention…

I caught the running bug my sophomore year of college. I was an athlete all throughout high school; I played travel soccer and was a swimmer. When my athletic career was over and I went to college, I struggled to find the motivation to exercise. My workout routines had always been centered around practices and games. I quickly realized something would have to change. I went out on a limb and signed up for the Evansville half marathon that would take place that Fall. I began a training program, and realized when I was training for a race I was able to stay motivated because each workout was purposeful and part of a bigger picture. Running began as a way for me to stay physically fit and disciplined in a workout routine; however, it has evolved to be so much more. It has become my number one answer to dealing with stress and staying healthy mentally. It has also been a way for me to develop friendships with my running partners. It fulfills the competitive edge I was missing when my high school athletic career ended. Since my first race, I have run about 2-3 half marathons a year, and last year completed my first full marathon. Running has become part of my identity.

I think my story resonates with many others who’ve caught the running bug over the years. Most runners will say their passion for running goes way beyond the desire to stay physically fit. The tricky part about having running as a hobby is that it is physically demanding on the body. Some distance runners are constantly fighting aches and pains due to the repetitive stress placed on the musculoskeletal system. The good news is, there is an abundance of research that exists to tell us how we can be proactive and reduce the risk for injuries. The virtual Running-Injury Prevention Program will highlight many of the key components to help prevent common injuries runners face. Whatever your purpose is for running, please join me in staying healthy this training season.

Tara Dawson

To learn more about the FREE 8-week Running-Injury Prevention Program click here.

To sign up for the Running-Injury Prevention Program click here.