The Natural Running Network Live

Did you barely survive or thrive when crossing the finish line this weekend at Spartan Race World Championships Tahoe? Richard Diaz and Shan Khan dive into what was seen from those finishing the race, how ankle stability and foot strength is crucial to these distances, when and how you should start training for an endeavor like this, how grip intensive it was along with talk about what the live feed and the weekends event does for the future of OCR, and much more. Does single malt Scotch really help out the pre-race prep? You won't want to miss this.

The Obstacle Course Racing Season has a few big events over the next few weeks with Spartan World Championships this weekend, followed by OCR World Championships and Toughest Mudder but once these events wind down, what then? Are you planning an Off Season?  What will that look like, will you take a few weeks, months off to recover and prepare?  What will you do instead of racing or is it your plan to continue racing where ever you can find a venue?  Shan Khan and I visit this topic and discuss the options.  If you have put in a solid year of racing this episode is for you,

Before Natural Running was Vogue, before Born to Run, there was Pose Running. Almost cult like, Dr. Nicholas Romanov had spent a lifetime studying the way we should be running. Much of what he created is difficult to refute. It was fun to have a chance to discuss his theories and compare them to my own.  This interview was conducted over 2 years ago but I thought it was worth bringing back out for those who have not heard it. Enjoy!

Aside from hosting this podcast, Richard Diaz is one of the most saught after running mechanics in the world of Obstacle Racing.  Many of the elite professional athltetes from the sport count on him for advice and training support, too many to mention.  Durning this episode, he and his co host Shan Khan plan to accept live callers and field questions.

Topics include:

Running gait issues... how to transition from heel striking to forefoot runningStride length vs cadenceDealing with nagging injuries and preventionheart rate specific trainingHydration and feeding strategiesand much much more...

?The Spartan World Championships and Worlds Toughest Mudder Championships are right around the corner, If you are competing in these or other similar events, ere's your chance to gain some expert advice!  www.natruralrunningnetwork.com

He seems to come out of nowhere, when people start to wonder where he’s been, then like a wrecking ball, he destroys the competition.  Tough Mudder recently released its CBS debut of the new format in OCR competition, Tough Mudder X coined as the toughest mile on earth and offered $25,000 in a winner take all event.  Hunter made short work of the preliminary and then bettered his time by nearly a minute in the finals to take home the cash.  Then on to The US OCR Championships and once again Hunter succeeded over a highly competitive field to win both the short and long course events.

Stefanie Bishop is the real deal. Last year she literally ran away with the WORLDS TOUGHEST MUDDER CHAMPIONSHIP, this year as a tune up she participated in THE WORLD ADVENTURE RACING CHAMPIONSHIP.  Never heard of it?  Feature yourself and a team of companions with a map and compass braving 450+ miles through some of the most tortuous terrain and weather conditions imaginable with a goal of completion in 6 days. That’s how Stef gets her kicks.  Learn more about this adventure and her plans to defend her title and secure the prize money by pushing past 100 miles in 24 hours of hellish obstacles.

We often speak of “proper running” and when we invoke this term, its often met with controversy. Its time to put the quibbling to bed. Our guest, Dr Irene Davis is one the most respected authorities on the subject of running biomechanics. She does not pull her punches when it comes to running and what she refers to as “Running Evolution”. For many, this interview will be hard hitting and will at minimum, cause the heel strikers to pause and reflect not only on the way they approach their running but on running shoe selection.  Who is Irene Davis?

Dr. Irene Davis is the founding Director of the Spaulding National Running Center, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School. She received her Bachelors degree in Exercise Science from the University of Massachusetts, and in Physical Therapy from the University of Florida. She earned her Masters degree in Biomechanics from the University of Virginia, and her PhD in Biomechanics from Pennsylvania State University. She is a Professor Emeritus in Physical Therapy at the University of Delaware where she served on the faculty for over 20 years. 

Dr. Davis’ research has focused on the relationship between lower extremity structure, mechanics and injury. She is interested in the mechanics of barefoot running and its effect on injury rates, and is a barefoot runner herself. Along with gait analysis, her research encompasses dynamic imaging and modeling.

Heres a brief overview of what will be discussed:

Barefoot running, should you do it, where and how often?Running shoe design, whats the right shoe to wear?Is it okay to heel strike?What is the preferred approach, heel, mid or forefoot stride?

Nothing is more disheartening to an Obstacle Racer than an ankle inversion sprain weeks before that next big “A” race. Join Richard Diaz and his guest Dr Steve Capobianco Medical Director for Rock Tape as they discuss an easy ”do it yourself” treatment that can save you from serious down time away from training and racing. We’ll also discuss joint mobility and how this technique can be used to enhance range of motion.

#rockfloss #diazhumanperformance

I did this interview about a year ago but I wanted to bring it out of the archive because Doc Kaufman has some great advice for grip strength, dealing with blisters and basically everything you need to know about getting a good climb on! For those who are not paying attention; Doc Kaufman is part of  "The Wolf Pack" a team of professional climbers who were a dominating force on "American Ninja Warrior". Noah and I traded interviews, I on his show and he on mine. He was fascinated with the sport of Obstacle Racing and is a life long climber and E.R.  Physician. Suffice to say; he knows a bit about injuries and how to treat them.

For  years I’ve spent countless hours trying to unravel the truth behind what is considered to be proper running mechanics. Over the past 5 years I’ve been fortunate to have one the most innovative podiatrists in the world to use as a sound board. Dr Emily Splichal the founder of Evidence Based Fitness is back on with us again to share her knowledge and this time, we did deep and provide answers to the questions I am often posed with.

How do I deal with my nagging (fill in the blank) running related injuries?Is there a right and a wrong way to run?What exercises are best to develop my core strength and much more…

If you are a runner, an obstacle course athlete or even a fitness enthusiast, you can’t afford not to listen to the podcast!