Don’t miss out on marathon season in Arizona. The mild winter and breezy springtime air provide Arizona with peak running conditions. As you prepare for these upcoming events, take the necessary precautions to avoid a nasty run-in with plantar fasciitis.
24th Annual Desert Classic Marathon
Saturday, January 27, 2018
Riverboat Village | 18300 W Bell Rd Surprise, AZ 85374
4 Events: Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
This long-standing event in Surprise, AZ has various start times and an early start option for each race. Hydration stations are located every two miles, which include water and Gatorade for the participants. The marathon ends with a grand awards ceremony, awarding each category of racers: top overall, top finishers by gender, and top finishers by age. Register before the race to receive a Dri-Fit shirt, custom event medal, and certificate.
2018 Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & 1/2 Marathon – 15th Annual
Friday, January 12, 2018 – Sunday, January 14, 2018
Tempe Beach Park Tempe, AZ 85281
6 Events: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 1 Mile & Kids Rock
With live local bands on the course to keep you rocking, you’ll easily see why this is the most beloved marathon and festival around the world. Race to the finish line for a beer and beautifully designed medal. Sign up to run for charity and help the event raise millions for one of the featured charities of your choice.
4th Annual Buckeye Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Obstacle Course
Saturday, December 9, 2017
Buckeye Municipal Airport | 3000 S Palo Verde Road Buckeye, AZ 85326
5 Events: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & Obstacle Course
If you like running downhill, this is the one for you! Descend 530 feet from the starting line in Sun City and make your way along the White Tank Mountains until you arrive at Buckeye Municipal Airport. The certified racecourse serves as a Boston/ National Qualifier. The race also benefits the City of Buckeye Youth Scholarship Fund. Register to receive a custom medal, Dri-Fit Tech T-shirt and entry to the post-race festival / ceremony.
Lantern Run PHOENIX
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Tempe Town Lake Tempe, AZ 85281
3 Events: Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
Prepare for a luminous run around the beautiful Tempe Town Lake. Once you’ve completed the race, release a beautiful lantern into the sky with several other marathoners for an amazing spectacle. The heart-pounding, eye-pleasing event requires early registration so that you can receive marathon items in the mail and a glowing finishers’ medal.
4th Annual Teen Challenge Freedom Run
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Rio Vista Park | 8866 W. Thunderbird Rd, Peoria, AZ 85381
3 Events: Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & 1 Mile
You’re invited to take on the Peoria runners series in a 5k, 10k, or half marathon. After the marathon, there will be an awards ceremony as well as food and drinks.
Registered marathoners will receive a Freedom Run Dri-Fit active wear t-shirt and a medal for competing. “All proceeds go directly to Teen Challenge of Arizona, helping accomplish its mission to provide families and individuals overcome drug addiction, alcoholism, or other life-controlling problems.” Run and make a change in the community.
Plantar Fasciitis (A marathon Runner’s Arch Enemy)
Phoenix has the perfect temperatures for running marathons from fall to spring. It’s not hard to enjoy an intense cardio workout while the sun slowly rises over the mountains, bearing a warm but non-domineering presence. One thing that may cause issues during one of these upcoming marathons is a bout of plantar fasciitis. Participating in one of these marathons can develop the terrible condition if not properly educated on preventing it. Take the right measures to avoid or heal plantar fasciitis to keep it from ruining this impeccable running season.
Plantar fasciitis is a nasty condition affecting the muscle (plantar fascia) that runs the length of the bottom of the foot. The muscle becomes inflamed, causing a sharp or deep pain most commonly felt in the morning or after running.
Prevention
Plantar Fasciitis is a common ailment that affects many, but runners are specifically at risk for the condition. Common causes of plantar fasciitis for runners include:
- Over conditioning
- Improper stretching or neglecting to stretch the calf muscles
- A sudden increase in mileage and/or intensity
- Standing or working on feet for long periods daily
- Improper posture or excessive pronation
- Poor arch support / worn-out shoes
- Age
It is imperative for any runner to stretch daily and thoroughly, paying special attention to the muscles in the legs. Stretching before and after a run is best, as well as in the mornings to avoid stiffness throughout the day, which can lead to plantar fasciitis on top of other muscles related injuries. Drink plenty of water before and during a stretch routine to keep muscles hydrated, flexible, and less prone to injury.
When conditioning for an upcoming event, an athlete should train smart, pushing only a little beyond the comfort level. Listening to the body is imperative, especially involving rest. All athletes are urged to set realistic goals by increasing workouts gradually. Vitamin C, protein, and hydration are crucial to helping the body repair broken down muscles. Toss out old running shoes every three months, or sooner depending on amount of use.
Recovery
Treatments for plantar fasciitis are conservative, hardly ever requiring surgery. However, recovery may take several weeks or months. It is essential to commit to a regimen of stretching and icing. Should pain persist beyond a few weeks, it is suggested to sleep with a night splint, which will keep the foot’s arch and calf muscles stretched throughout the night. Orthotics prescribed by a doctor can help distribute weight evenly, and supplementary physical therapy may be prescribed.
Inflammation can be eased with the use of NSAIDs or anti-inflammatory medication such as Advil, Motrin IB, Aspirin, in addition to ice. Continued running without the proper precautions and care will not help current plantar fasciitis long term. Additional therapies could include Cortisol or platelet-rich injections, which may help to relieve pain and aid in recovery. Shock therapy may be recommended to stimulate the muscle in more chronic cases. Further treatments can range from minimally invasive procedures to full-blown surgical intervention.
For treatment visit: https://rebuildingchampions.com/
