Dr. Leo Running Expert and Colby Alexander, a professional runner with Adidas, talk about how recently he underwent Haglund surgery on his right Achilles after struggling with pain for years. He had previously had the same surgery on his left Achilles in 2017. Despite trying various treatments, the pain persisted, affecting his performance and forcing him to undergo surgery. Colby's last fully healthy season was in 2016, showcasing the challenges and setbacks that runners face with injuries.

Colby has faced multiple setbacks and injuries throughout his career but always manages to bounce back. He attributes his resilience to his love for competition and racing. Despite undergoing Haglund surgery on both Achilles tendons, Colby remains determined to have a successful and injury-free season. He reflects on his best race experiences, including a memorable cross country race in high school where he placed seventh despite running in muddy conditions with inappropriate spikes. Colby's competitive spirit and belief in his abilities drive him to continue training and aim for personal records and potentially making the Olympic team. He credits advancements in training methods and technology, as well as his lower mileage due to injuries, as factors that could contribute to his success in the future.

Colby discusses various topics including their predictions for the Olympics, Colby's upcoming races, and the field for the Guardian Mile. They talk about elite runners like Johnny Gregorek and Craig Engels who will be competing in the Guardian Mile. Colby mentions his training strategies and past experiences with different workout schedules. They also touch on baseball, specifically the Cleveland Guardians and their recent success.

Colby also discusses his current training approach, focusing on building a strong base and avoiding speed work initially to develop his strength. He reflects on his past experiences with tempo runs and the importance of running within oneself to improve performance. His friend explains the concept of threshold running and the significance of being slightly slower to ensure progress. They talk about the training methods of Norwegian triathletes and the analogy of training to modern art. Colby emphasizes the need to have a logical and consistent training plan to perform well in races.

INTERMISSION for Zach Goulet's back bleeding.

Colby discusses his extensive experience with home modalities to address his injury history and biomechanical weaknesses. He emphasizes the importance of identifying and targeting specific weak points to improve overall health and performance. Colby shares his collection of tools, including scrapers, cups, massage table, red light therapy, grounding device, and a rotating disc platform called Standing Firm, which has been crucial in his rehabilitation. He highlights the significance of consistency in performing exercises and strengthening routines to maintain health and prevent injuries. Colby's friend acknowledges the challenge of staying consistent with exercises and stresses the importance of committing to a routine for long-term benefits. They also discuss the biomechanical aspect of rehabilitation and the effectiveness of certain exercises in addressing chronic issues. Colby shares his journey of learning how to use the Standing Firm platform and the positive impact it has had on his health. They joke about the outdated website of the Standing Firm product and express enthusiasm about creating instructional videos to help others benefit from similar tools.

https://standingfirm.com/

In a conversation about injuries and rehabilitation, Colby and his friends discuss Colby's post-Haglund surgery experience and the challenges of botched professional cases. Colby shares his positive experience with his surgeon and his progress in recovery, noting improvements in his Achilles health. They reminisce about past track competitions and injuries, emphasizing the importance of staying healthy in high-level sports. Colby expresses his dedication to running and his potential future involvement in coaching or playing baseball. The conversation transitions to the possibility of Colby playing softball leagues post-professional running career.

The conversation revolves around the enjoyment of playing baseball and wiffle ball, reminiscing about past experiences and regrets in sports. The discussion also touches on the desire to improve athletic abilities, such as jumping higher and exploring regenerative medicine techniques. The conversation transitions to business growth and future plans for a clinic, focusing on incorporating new technologies and expanding services. The conversation concludes with a question about the decision to move back to Cleveland and offer services in the area.

The conversation highlights the love for Cleveland and its attractions, such as sports teams and the city's amenities. The speakers discuss the positive aspects of living in Cleveland, including the lack of traffic and affordable prices. They also touch on the perception of Cleveland by outsiders and the tendency of people to appreciate the city more after leaving. The conversation ends with a mention of the Guardian Mile event and the need for more awareness and participation in the race. They also discuss the scheduling conflict with the Burning River ultra race and suggest potential improvements for future events. The episode wraps up with a call for feedback and suggestions for future podcast topics and guests.

Guardian Mile Signup:

https://www.gohrun.org/register