The view of a recreational marathon runner

The G-Trainer and a Recreational Runner
“The G-Trainer allowed me to come back from injuries and overcome chronic pain. And it helped me achieve personal best times, which I love because I’m very competitive. I’m really excited that the G-Trainer can help me continue to race.” Tracey Slagle - Recreational Runner

Tracey Slagle related her story to Alter G and you can link to it and the Alter-G website at the foot of this post. For the summary:

• at 38 the accumulative stress of long distance running left Tracey with sore knees (sound familiar?). The pain limiting her ability to train and compete.
• at 10k all was well but Tracey was forced to stop at the Chicago Marathon of 2002 with 2 miles to go.
• Despite advice to quit she continued to train, compete in 10k, 1/2 and full marathons due to her love for long distance running but was concerned.
  
• Fast forward to 2007 and introduction of the G-trainer for recovery runs at sub-target pace and 85-90% bodyweight. Pain free running experienced!
  
• After watching the Nike runner Kara Goucher using the G-trainer over speed training was begun to lift Tracey's minute per mile pace in training from 9 to 7 minute miles.
• With 2 months use of the G-trainer Tracey achieved 2 personal bests back to back in the half marathon (1:48.07 in San Francisco).

This a great example for using the G-trainer treadmill not just for running performance but also injury prevention by reducing cumulative stresses from impact. In this case Tracey also uses the G-trainer when strong pain prevents her from running at all at 100% bodyweight. Tracey Slagle 1_17_08.pdf (application/pdf Object)

Top football star Kieron Dyer working on the G-trainer

Kieron Dyer has joined the list of elite performers who are benefiting from the G-trainer. Dyer of West Ham United has recently begun using it as part of his long rehabilitation process following his broken leg during a football match in August 2007. So reports the Evening Standard tonight.

It has been introduced to him by his physiotherapist following a further setback of a stress fracture in his shin.

Balance brought the G-trainer in from the US the same week that Manchester United and Manchester City introduced the anti-gravity treadmill to their players for rehabilitation, strength and conditioning. Our aim is for all those who are not Premiership footballers to take advantage of all that this technology can offer those needing in jury rehabilitation and fitness.

• Speed for all sports
• Strength for all sports
• Power for all sports
• Running performance for every distance from 400 metres to marathon, ultra distance and triathlon.
• Return to all sports after almost any lower limb injury
• Return to running after almosy any lower limb operation
• effective anaerobic intervals even for those who experience joint discomfort with impact

CLICK FOR THE FULL ARTICLE

Now we can play on our treadmill

After a frustrating wait, thanks to the inefficiencies of UPS, we are able to start experimenting with our G-trainer.

Ato (strength & conditioning physio) runs, Mick (podiatrist) observes, Tom Allen (Alter-G) explains

The shorts were missing! The shorts are integral to this thing working. They support you and create a virtual seal of the bag your legs are within. Its this that allows the blower to push air into the bag without it all leaking immediately.

Anyway we have the shorts now.

Graham Anderson the clinical Director at Balance had his first run on it last night....

"I had a workout on the G Trainer - wow I was impressed. 15 minutes quality run....I was knackered."

I havent spoken to him about the parameters he used but it will be interesting to hear. Graham is a recreational marathon runner with a PB of 3hrs26min. He also loves to be outdoors in the elements so for him to have enjoyed a treadmill run is very interesting.

Admittedly we are in a honeymoon period of keen excitement but we all feel that this really is a great tool to have at our disposal and presents us all with previously unavailable opportunities.