Hospital offers 4-week running clinic

Sonoma Valley Hospital’s Physical Therapy Department is offering a clinic for runners that will provide information on how to improve performance and reduce injuries.

The clinic, designed for both experienced and new runners, will be conducted over four sessions in May at the SVH Outpatient Physical Therapy facility located at 19312 Sonoma Highway.

Sessions will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, May 10, 17, 24, and 31. “Whether you’re looking to include running as a part of your workout, or taking your current running program to the next level, or even just getting ready for the upcoming Hit The Road Jack race, this is a clinic for you,” said Marek Grzybowski, SVH Outpatient Rehabilitation Manager, “Good running form matters whether you are just starting out or are an experienced marathoner.”

Each clinic session will consist of a lecture and running mechanics training session, followed by group exercises and self-assessments. Topics include:

? Runner’s Core and Postural Endurance;

? Runner’s Hips and Knees;

? Runner’s Feet;

? Runner’s Body;

“It’s good to have a second pair of eyes observe your running style,” noted SVH physical therapist Christine Cary. “If your running style is off, injury becomes unavoidable. Our goal is to create postural awareness for the runner that works with their uniqueness to improve form and reduce injury.”

The program will cover topics such as cadence and stability, injuries associated with poor running posture, techniques to assess your own running posture, foot strike/placement, and motivational tools for running. There will also be a presentation by the hospital’s Nutrition Education Counseling group on foods that fuel and foods that heal as part of the program.

The cost is $90 per person for all four classes. To register and for more information call 935-5345. Space is limited so early sign-up is encouraged.