Over the past few months, I have really increased the miles in my running routine.  Right now, I’m running about 30-40 miles per week, which is a lot for my body.

In the past, I’ve had my fair share of muscular discomfort when training for half marathons and marathons.  I typically get very sore in the IT band area (the outer portion of my thighs), my calf area, and very tight in my hamstring area.  Because of this discomfort, I know that stretching, foam rolling, and using the stick are imperative.

When I was training for the Colfax Half Marathon in the spring, I did all of the “right” things by stretching after each run, incorporating strength into my routine, and using the foam roller and the stick…but guess what.  A week after the marathon my right IT band was so tight it caused me serious knee and hip pain while we were visiting friends in San Francisco.  NOT fun.

So, remember how I said I was running up 40 miles a week right now because of half marathon training in hopes of obtaining a personal best time?

The only way I am able to do that is because I am really working to keep my muscles healthy and flexible.  

What is new about my routine?  I’ve started going to Novo Soft Tissue and Spine (a chiropractor) to help me with my SUPER tight muscles.

Guys…this has seriously been a game-changer, and I’m only telling you about this because I had NO IDEA that visiting a chiropractor could help me become a better and faster runner.

Prior to having personal experience with a chiropractor, I thought that they only adjusted people’s backs when they had neck, back, or shoulder pain.  In my mind, I had no need to visit a chiropractor.

After posting about my recent running routine and stretches for the IT band area, Novo Soft Tissue and Spine invited me to come in for a consultation and a few follow up treatments.  I am so thankful that I took advantage of the opportunity!

Because I am free of major injuries, my goals for my time working with Dr. King at Novo Soft Tissue are pretty basic:

• Maintain long term injury prevention (keep my muscles healthy!)
• Provide balance to my current workout and stretching routine
• Increase mobility and flexibility

After our initial assessment, we measured that my hands were 9 inches from the floor when I attempted to do a toe touch (I know, I’m seriously the LEAST flexible person in the world).

That is the BEFORE.  Since that day, I have received three 15 minute treatments that have consisted of various techniques to remove the muscle adhesion that built up due to my activity level and living life.

Here is the AFTER.

That is me touching the ground.  It may seem a bit trivial to some of you, but I have NEVER been able to do this.

In my treatments, we focused on removing the muscle adhesion.  Now that the restricting muscle adhesion has been removed, we are now going to work on strengthening the muscles.

I am absolutely loving my experience at Novo Soft Tissue and Spine, and if you are in the Denver area looking for a chiropractor I can’t recommend Dr. King enough!  His office has a bright and welcoming atmosphere, he is very knowledgable and answers questions in a thorough and understandable way, and he gives you results! 🙂 There is not much more I could ask for.

While I did receive complimentary treatment from Novo Soft Tissue and Spine, all opinions and experiences are my own.  I’m happy to share a wonderful resource for all of you Denver peeps!

I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Questions of the Day:

• Have you ever been to a chiropractor? What was your experience like?
• What do you do to keep your muscles healthy?
• Can you touch your toes?!