Stride Fit is the Perfect Stride for Runners

Frustrated with your running times? You say that you do it for fun and you enjoy nature and the beauty of God’s wonderful creation, plus the discipline and relationships gained. But, come on runners, don’t you wish you ran faster, were more consistent, and enjoyed winning once in a while? Winning can be fun too. I’m not talking about breaking a world record or making the Olympics; I’m talking about running your best, your very best, reaching your God-given potential that is locked inside you and wishes to come out. Dr. Patrick Kennedy has been working with runners for over 30 years with a very successful, one of a kind, 4-week program that helps runners of all skill levels achieve their own perfect stride as their stride becomes fit. He has combined chiropractic, physical therapy, some orthopedic procedures, neuroscience/mental training techniques, nutrition, and motivation that helps Olympic athletes, high school and college runners, as well as the weekend warrior. His success has been birthed out of his own athletic accomplishments as a member of the 1984 USA Olympic Swimming Team, 2-time American record holder, and World Swimming Hall of Famer. He knows what it takes to push the human body to its limits as an athlete and as a doctor. The question remains, do you want to be your very best?  

Week # 1

A comprehensive examination to determine structural, functional, neurological as well as mental and emotional imbalances or abnormalities using high-tech digital and laser technology to scan the body and analyze stress patterns in the body and the brain that could inhibit athletic performance. A full report of these findings will be given on the next visit.

  • Introduction to optimal nutrition for runners:

    • Discussing the importance of balanced meals/snacks for sustained energy levels

    • Highlighting nutrient-dense food choices for pre-race and post-race nutrition

  • Hydration strategies for runners:

    • Understanding the impact of hydration on performance and focus

    • Practical tips for staying hydrated during practice, on the track or on the road

  • Running-specific stretching exercises:

    • Demonstrating stretches for key muscle groups involved in the running stride (e.g., hips, legs, feet/ankles, back and even shoulders)

    • Emphasizing the importance of flexibility for a full range of motion in the stride

  • Dynamic warm-up routines:

    • Teaching warm-up exercises to activate muscles and prepare the body to run

    • Explaining the benefits of a dynamic warm-up over static stretching before running

Week 2: Chiropractic and Physical Therapy for Runners

  • Understanding chiropractic and physical therapy care and its benefits for runners:

    • Explaining the role of chiropractic adjustments in optimizing spinal health and mobility

    • Discussing the potential benefits for addressing common running-related musculoskeletal issues

  • Assessing posture, alignment, and body mechanics:

    • Teaching participants how to assess their own posture and alignment during the stride

    • Highlighting common biomechanical faults and their impact on performance

  • Chiropractic and physical therapy techniques for runners:

    • Administer chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy to improve spinal mobility, flexibility, and overall performance

    • Discussing the importance of joint health in optimizing the stride

  • Injury prevention and management:

    • Providing guidance on preventing running-related injuries through chiropractic and physical therapy care

    • Addressing common injuries such as foot, ankle, knee, hip, pelvic, and low back injuries

Week 3: Physical Therapy, Balance, and Coordination Exercises

  • Introduction to physical therapy for runners:

    • Explaining the benefits of physical therapy in improving running performance and preventing injuries

    • Highlighting the role of physical therapy in addressing muscular imbalances and weaknesses

  • Assessing and addressing muscular imbalances:

    • Guiding participants through self-assessment techniques to identify areas of weakness and imbalance

    • Explaining how muscular imbalances can affect each stride and lead to compensations and injuries

  • Developing a personalized exercise program:

    • Creating an individualized exercise routine to improve balance, stability, and coordination for runners

    • Incorporating exercises targeting core strength, lower body stability, and upper body mobility and relaxation

  • Resistance training exercises:

    • Discussing the benefits of resistance training for runners, such as increasing STRENGTH & SPEED 

    • Providing guidelines for incorporating FLEXIBILITY AS STRENGTH INCREASES

Week 4: Visualization and Mental Preparation Techniques

  • The power of visualization for runners:

    • Understanding how mental imagery can enhance performance and build confidence AFTER COMPUTERIZED BRAINWAVE ANALYSIS TO DETERMINE STRESS PATTERNS.

    • Discussing research on the effectiveness of visualization in sports psychology and go over option to use the BrainTap Fitness system.

  • Relaxation techniques for mental resilience:

    • Introducing relaxation exercises (e.g., deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation) to manage stress and anxiety

    • Practicing techniques to achieve a focused and calm state of mind on the track or on the road

  • Goal-setting and personalized mental preparation:

    • Discussing the importance of setting specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals

    • Assisting participants in creating their own mental preparation routine tailored to their running goals

  • Visualization exercises for different aspects of the race:

    • Guiding participants through visualizing successful practices and races

    • Providing tips on using visualization to handle challenging situations on the track or on the road

    • And most of all…HAVE FUN!