Paula Radcliffe Sidelined from London Olympic Marathon Due to Arthritic Foot Injury

Paula Radcliffe, the world record holder in the women’s marathon, withdrew from the Olympics today. Radcliffe, 38, has competed in four Olympics, but has never won a medal.  She experienced a flare of degenerative arthritis in her foot about 3 weeks ago and just can’t push off normally. She was quoted to say that her joint was “degenerative and badly damaged’, but does not expect that this will end her career.

Radcliffe failed to finish the 2004 Athens Olympics marathon and was 23rd in Beijing four years later after deciding to race while still recovering from a stress fracture in her thigh. She finished fourth in the 10,000 meters in Sydney in 2000 and was fifth in the 5,000 in Atlanta.

She is a three-time winner of the London Marathon, and had hoped for one more big victory in the capital.

Sadly, this is probably the end of her Olympic hopes. At 38, it is doubtful she will return to top form in 2016 at the age of 42. Doubtful, but not impossible!

Degenerative arthritis of your foot can be treated with anti-inflammatories, injections, functional foot orthotics, physical therapy, and surgery. Surgery can included cleaning up the joint, fusing the joint or replacing the joint with an implant or spacer. If you suffer from arthritis in your foot, there are many treatments available. Contact us or visit your local podiatrist to discuss your symptoms and options for treatment.

All is not lost for Paula Radcliffe. She will return to running, but will probably never claim that elusive Olympic medal.

Dr Oz on Better Flip Flops

I couldn't have said it better myself....check out Dr Oz on why you should wear good, supportive sandals even when wearing flip flops. He recommends my favorite Orthaheel flip flops....available at Healthy Steps DFW in Grapevine :)

Which Hydrates Better: Water or Sports Drinks?

This time of year we seem to be focused on hydration. A heat wave is sweeping the country and runners are feeling like they are running on the face of the sun, even early in the morning.

 Water is by far the most popular fluid choice during exercise. However, sports drinks actually do a better job of hydration, while also providing other benefits that water does not. There are lots of ads out there touting that this drink or that drink are better than water. Is this true?

Yes!

Sports drinks actually do hydrate you better than water. This is because of three things:
 1. The osmolality of most sports drinks is closer to that of your blood, so it absorbs faster.
 2. Most sports drinks contain electrolytes, which help to regulate your fluid balance.
 3. There is sodium in sports drinks that actually makes you thirstier, so you actually drink more.

The ideal sports drink is under debate, but you should chose one that has at least 15mg of sodium and contains at least a little protein. It turns out the protein makes it absorb more too! One study showed that athletes retained only 53% of plain water, 75% of traditional sports drinks and 88% of a carbohydrate and protein mix sports drink.

Water is a great drink choice outside of workouts, but during exercise you're much better off with a sports drink. In this case, there's truth in advertising.

The Mezamashii Run Project: Test Drive a Pair of Mizuno Running Shoes

Mizuno is looking for a few passionate runner to test drive, and they hope, embrace their shoes. The word "Mezamashii" means brilliant or eye-opening. They want you to have that kind of fantastic run! If you are a passionate runner or triathlete, like most of my readers, then apply to be part of the project. What do you have to lose except maybe an exceptional running experience. (I am need to emphasize the I am not endorsing or being paid by their project, but I like the idea. Test drive and decide for yourself)

 

To apply to join the project, click here and then click on apply for an invite on the top right of the screen.

 

Good Luck....