Running is a lifelong pursuit among many for which the destination may never be reached. Whether one is looking to complement fitness maintenance, to achieve endpoint goals, or to use running as a more introspective modality, it certainly plays a unique part of our contemporary fitness and sports culture. Much has evolved in our knowledge regarding complementary conditioning, injury prevention, mechanics of running injuries, and the unfortunate consequences of running-related injuries. It is with a sound knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, nutrition, and rehabilitation strategies that we facilitate the patient’s return to their pursuits, whether it is recreational, competitive, or just meeting the challenges of maintaining daily homeostasis in a hectic world. Sometimes, running serves as the only link for one’s social camaraderie and at times a conduit for solitary contemplation. Others are driven by the clock, the distance, or maybe the terrain. They are fighting a personal challenge with a new battle to be gallantly pursued and conquered each day, overcoming perceived limitations. Optimal running tolerance and performance certainly are necessities for those involved with many sports, although it must be balanced with agility, strength training, and other requirements specific to the objective. There are other obvious benefits from running, such as improved cardiopulmonary fitness, leanness, bone mass, balance, and maintained functional independence. Reaction time improvement and maintenance are adjunctive benefits with many of these complementary activities. The numerous benefits from running need to be tempered by the potential for abuse and by observing signs of overtraining, which can take the individual down a deleterious avenue, which is not always perceived or accepted by one whose identity and balance are inherent and maintained through running.
Our subspecialty of Physiatry naturally approaches injuries, disability, and rehabilitation from a multidimensional viewpoint. Dr Fredericson and Dr Tenforde have met the challenge of putting together a great issue that will aid the Physiatrist in treating a wide spectrum of patients.
Dr Fredericson has been an active mentor, speaker, researcher, and practitioner in this discipline for many years. We are certainly fortunate to have his gifted input and guidance for this project.
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