New Runner Workshop Series Designed to Keep Runners in the Game, Not on the Sidelines

Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon and NOVA Pain and Rehab announced a series of Saturday workshops aimed at keeping runners on the roads and not on the sidelines with common runner injuries.

Entitled "Don't Let Injuries Finish Your Running Ambitions," these one-hour workshops will focus on running mechanics and preventing and managing common runner injuries. A free foot analysis/scan will be offered to all attendees following each workshop.

The first workshop on July 21 will focus on running mechanics, flexibility and strength training for injury prevention. The second workshop on August 18 will focus on common injuries with runners and what they can do if they have these problems. It also will review items from the first workshop.

Both workshops begin at 3:00 p.m. and will last for one hour. Both will be located at Ballston Crossfit at 1110 N. Glebe Road in Arlington, VA. Ballston CrossFit owner Mark Lofquist, who coaches runners about endurance, training plans, nutrition, and recovery and teaches "natural" running form, will weigh in with his knowledge and experience.

There is limited space so reserve now by e-mailing steve@wilsonbridgehalf.com. The date for a third workshop will be announced later this summer.

Dr. Erik Ward, a licensed chiropractor who has trained extensively in rehabilitation conditioning and the management of injuries, will be on hand this year at the October 7 Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon at the EXPO and the Finish Line Festival with his NOVA Pain and Rehab team as he was last year.

Dr. Ward believes that a major source of runner injuries derive from the feet, which is why he encourages runners of all abilities to take up his offer for a foot scan.

"The scans look at common foot issues associated with arch problems and foot pronation/supination," said Dr. Ward, who is an avid athlete himself. "The scan will also generate a skeletal image of how the person's feet are affecting their posture."

Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon Event Director and Founder Steve Nearman acknowledged the support of his race by Dr. Ward and his NOVA Pain and Rehab staff at all four NOVA locations.

"We certainly want our runners to be successful and to prepare for our race and walk about from our race in a positive way," Nearman said. "My coach has always told me that the key to success in running is time in the game. Dr. Ward's proactive philosophy is all about keeping runners in the game."

The Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon is a race in the 2012 RacePacket Grand Prix Series.