Running: Then and Now

When I first began running competitively on a regular basis, I was 17 years old.  All I needed was some light clothing, sneakers, and maybe a headband.  I barely even stretched back then because my eccentric cross-country coach thought stretching increased the risk of injury. Now I know better.

Running gear at age 17

Now, I need to spend at least 15 minutes stretching before I can even think about running.  In addition to wearing running clothing and a headband, now I also have to wear the following orthopedic items when I run:

Running gear now

1. Orthopedic running shoes with roll bar for pronation, extreme cushioning and stability bar for old people with bad knees, and all sorts of extras that make these shoes some of the heaviest running shoes currently available.  I have set new personal records in them so they are worth their weight and their price tag.
2. Custom made orthotic stabilizers which cost between $350-$400 a pair unless you have a benevolent chiropractor who sells them to you slightly less at his cost
3. Cho-Pat knee braces to protect against further wearing of the knee caps due to Chondromalacia Patellae (Runner's Knee)
4. Ace ankle brace to support my left ankle where a nerve was accidentally damaged during a procedure to "help" my knee
5. SI belt to help hold my tilted pelvis in a more suitable position
6. Heart rate monitor 
7. Stop watch and/or Runkeeper to help me keep my pace within the "safe" range.  
8. Arm band that holds an iPhone in case of emergency
9. Head sock to lock in heat during arctic style winter temperatures
10. UGG earmuffs to add additional warmth to my fragile ears and some style to my attractive (NOT!) ensemble.

I would add ear buds as item #11 to pipe in some music, but I have yet to find a pair that will stay in my ears (even without ear muffs).

After my run, I need yet more orthopedic equipment.

I use the balance ball and yoga mat for post workout stretching.  The ice pack helps reduce inflammation.  My physical therapist insists that I use the foam roller to loosen up tight muscles.  I also have to stretch out my ankles several times a day using the blue bands.

At some point each day, I also need to do some traction therapy which initially looked like this:

Now traction therapy is more comfortable and looks like this:

Running is much more of a hassle now, and I'm much more prone to injury, but I still love to run when I can!