ATHLETES GEL

Having suffered a complete hamstring tear in 2013, a mere three weeks after a successful effort at the Boston Marathon, my cascading injury cycle shifted to my left knee, probably a result of favoring a permanently weakened hamstring.

Meniscus surgery followed in 2015, and today, running as well as walking, is accompanied by pain, brought on by the onset of arthritis.

Physical therapy, hyaluronic acid injections, and an array of over-the counter topical ointments have failed to offer pain relief.

A few weeks ago, an Australian company, Athletes Gel, www.althetesgel.com, asked me to try their topical gel. Athletes Gel is all-natural ointment, which uses wintergreen, capsaicin, arnica, and clove. I’ve researched all of these anti-inflammatory medicines, and this product blends them together perfectly.  It smells great, dries fast, is non-greasy, water proof, does not stain, reduces inflammation quickly and activates pain relief minutes after applying directly to the skin.

I was using a popular brand-name capsaicin product on my knee when my sample of Athletes Gel arrived. The next day I applied Athletes Gel to my feeble knee, and the results were truly remarkable.

Athletes Gel seems to work instantly, and in addition to the pain reduction, it increased the flexibility in my knee.

I am rationing my sample until Athletes Gel hits the market on March 25.

If you suffer from pain or soreness from working out, from arthritis, or from every day overuse of muscles, I highly recommend Athletes Gel. Athletes Gel will help any athlete suffering from sprains, strains, external bruising and conditions relating to muscle fatigue, minor sports injuries and pain.

You’re going to be hearing more about this product in the coming weeks, as you will be hearing more from me. Thanks to Athletes Gel, I am able to run pain-free, thus my distance and frequency of workouts will increase.

Give Athletes Gel a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Visit them at: www.athletesgel.com.

GO TO 'MILL

A New Year has arrived, and for some, getting in shape or improving one’s physical fitness may be on this year’s resolution list.

Recent Arctic cold along with snow and icy conditions make outdoor running both difficult and dangerous.

Whether you are a beginning runner or an experienced one, treadmill training is an excellent alternative to outdoor running.

The newest generation of treadmills allows one to select virtually any type of workout. One can climb mountains or choose a workout that simulates running on the beach. You can run or walk, and you may select a pace that allows you to challenge yourself or a pace that is light and easy.

In order to adequately simulate outdoor conditions, it is advisable to place the treadmill setting on at least a 1 percent grade. A steeper grade, of course, will provide a more challenging workout.

Select a specific amount of time, or a prescribed distance you would like to run. Choose a pace with which you are comfortable, and you are ready to begin.

If you’re brand new to treadmill running, do not hesitate to clutch the side bars as you begin your workout. You may want to begin at a very slow pace, and increase it as you gain your balance. After a few minutes you should be accustomed to the treadmill belt, and you will be able to run safely and comfortably.

Many runners complain about the monotony and boredom of treadmill running, but that problem can be easily addressed. A lot of today’s treadmills synchronize you with television, a movie, or you can use your phone to listen to your own running playlist. Another technique is to use a towel to cover up the display screen, so as not to read the time and distance as frequently.

Some treadmill programs automatically vary your workout, by alternating speeds and elevation. If not, however, you can increase your speed, and create a type of ‘‘interval’’ session, where you run fast for a certain amount of time, followed by a slow period, then back to a fast interval.

Try to run as relaxed and naturally on the treadmill as you do when you run outdoors. Keep in mind that you may experience muscle soreness, aches and pains that you do not normally feel with outdoor running. This is natural, as you are employing different muscle groups for balance on the treadmill.

Running produces an incredible amount of body heat. Most novice runners tend to wear too many layers of clothing when they run outdoors during the winter. You will produce a lot of sweat when you run on the treadmill. The environment should be cool, and a fan of some type is also advisable. At the conclusion of the workout, drink plenty of water in order to avoid dehydration, and always keep a towel handy.

Treadmill running may require a short period of adjustment, but once that has passed, it can be both enjoyable and beneficial. Treacherous outdoor winter conditions may diminish your workout or cause injury. On the treadmill, you can map out your workout so that wind, ice, or even a chase by a stray dog cannot deter you.

Simply, with proper preparation, you can beat Mother Nature and make treadmill running work for you.