Dam Neck Morale, Welfare and Recreation Hosts Running Clinic

VIRGINIA BEACH, UNITED STATES

02.12.2009

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Naval Air Station Oceana, Dam Neck Annex, Morale, Welfare and Recreation hosted a running clinic, Feb. 12, at the base gymnasium to give Sailors insight and information on how to get the most out of running while avoiding common pitfalls.

Competitive runner John Lamagda, a certified running coach and manager of a local running specialty store, spoke openly to Sailors about the benefits of running the right way - something that begins well before a runners ever lace up their shoes.

"If you're not wearing the right shoe for your feet, you're going to get hurt," Lamagda said. "Runners get injured all the time, and more often than not, those injuries can be traced back to those runners not purchasing the right shoes."

Lamagda advised anyone who is serious about running, either as part of a fitness regimen or for recreation, to consider purchasing their shoes at a running specialty store as opposed to a "big box" sports or department store.

"Running specialty stores generally have more people working there who have the skill and knowledge and the specialized training to help put you in the shoe that's right for you," Lamagda said.

Many specialty stores perform an in depth analysis of foot structure, arch height, stride and foot motion while running. Lamagda explained that experts can then use that information to select a shoe that can help runners get the most out of their runs while reducing the risk of chronic injuries associated with poor shoe selection.

Cheryl Krieger, a Dam Neck MWR fitness trainer and a 30-year runner, echoed Lamagda's stance on picking the right running shoes. Krieger went even further, suggesting the same individual attention be paid to Sailors' footwear as early as boot camp to reduce lost time in the fleet.

"You simply can't put everyone in the same shoe and expect the same results or that no one will get hurt," Krieger said. "This is something big Navy should look at because there really is a need for people, especially recruits, to be in the right shoe," Krieger said.

Krieger believes that without proper education and training, it will be the recruits and their future commands who pay the price when a Sailor checks on board with shin splints, knee and back problems or the like and are forced into limited duty or worse right off the bat.

Krieger said that until things change, the responsibility of educating Sailors on how to pick the right shoe and proper running techniques oftentimes falls on the shoulders of MWR fitness personnel, which is a key reason why Dam Neck MWR hosts a running clinic each year.

"Ultimately, our goal is to keep Sailors healthy and help them set and achieve their own goals, whether it's improving their PRT score or getting into better shape," Krieger said. "The first step in helping these Sailors to reach their goals is to educate them; to get them started off on the right foot."

Lamagda and Krieger both agreed another key point in the prevention of running injuries is to never do too much too soon.

"If you've been 'couch potatoing' for a while and you decide to go running to get back in shape, know your limits," Lamagda said. "Don't push yourself too hard out of the gate, or else you'll end up doing more harm than good."

Lamagda further added that allowing the body enough time to recover is just as important as running itself.

"You can get into the shape you want," Lamagda said, "but you have to consistently train the right way and be patient; it doesn't happen overnight."