High school athletes, I have a question for you–do you strength train? Plyometric train? For countless high school athletes, regardless of sport, the answer is often “no.” Common reasons that I hear are “I don’t have time,” “I don’t have access to weights,” “I don’t know how to lift or how much to lift,” and finally, an excuse I hear from my runners is “I don’t want to get big and slow.”  My goal today is to de-bunk those ever-common explanations for why high schoolers don’t make the time to strength and plyometric train, and more importantly why they SHOULD incorporate those aspects in ..read more

In the dynamic world of sports, every athlete strives for that extra edge – that secret weapon to propel them to the top of their game. At Runners’ Edge Alaska, we recognize the pivotal role that strength and power play in athletic success. Our comprehensive Strength and Power Testing services, leveraging cutting-edge VALD Force Plates and dynamometer readings, are designed to optimize your performance and minimize the risk of injury. The Importance of Strength and Power Testing in Athletics For starters, it’s a vital tool in injury prevention. Using metrics for strength and power, our ..read more

For swimmers and triathletes aiming to reach the pinnacle of their performance, the importance of dryland training cannot be overstated. While countless hours in the water are essential for mastering technique and building endurance, integrating dryland training into your regimen is equally vital. In this blog, we’ll explore why dryland training is indispensable for swimmers and triathletes, focusing on injury prevention and key training principles for an effective dryland program. The Importance of Dryland Training: Injury Prevention: Dryland training plays a critical role in injury pr ..read more

Soccer players– what scares you more: open water swimming with the possibility of sharks and jellyfish around, or tearing your Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) at the start of season? I’d bet it’s the latter.  What if I told you that I know a way to decrease risk of ACL injury by 50%? You’re in luck, because I’m about to unlock that secret for you.  Before you can know how to defeat an opponent, you first must know the opponent. Same is true with ACL injuries. Who is most at risk? How often does it occur? Why is this such a common foe for young soccer players? Once we know this in ..read more

Lower back pain is one of the most common ailments that people suffer from. It can be caused by a variety of factors, and it can range from mild to severe. Knowing what causes lower back pain can help you better understand how to prevent and treat it. In this blog post, we’ll explore three of the most common causes of lower back pain. Muscle Strain One of the most common causes of lower back pain is muscle strain. This occurs when the muscles in your lower back become overworked or strained due to an activity or exercise that you’ve done. Muscle strain can be caused by lifting heavy objects, b ..read more

Clock is winding down– three minutes left in the first half. Barrow girls are up by ten over Homer HS. The game is getting messy. Elbows flying, blood dripping, fans going so crazy the cops are called–essentially the perfect storm for injuries. Out of the corner of my eye I see a girl with the look of utter disbelief combined with hysteria. Her teammate raises her finger and draws a right angle in the air. I instantly get that “oh crap” feeling, as I suspect the girl dislocated her finger–that feeling is correct, index finger at a perfect 90 degrees. The Unpredictability of Sports Injuries ..read more

Attention ladies: did you know you peaked at age 30?  You’re bones that is.  As you get older, bone cells reabsorb faster than they are produced, thus minimizing bone minerals, mass, and structure. This increases the risk of fracture. As if fighting the natural aging process was hard enough, there are some additional factors that accelerate the decline in bone such as: low bone mineral density (BMD) prior to  age 30, low energy availability (EA), inadequate calcium intake, inadequate vitamin D intake, and improper loading of bone.  We will discuss each of these factors i ..read more

As we wrap up an incredible year at Runners’ Edge Alaska, it’s time to take a victory lap and highlight the content that resonated most with our athletes and active community. Join us as we unveil the top 5 most-read blogs of 2023, each packed with insights, tips, and expert advice from our PTs that scored big in capturing your attention and fueling your wellness journey. 1- 5 Ways to Self-Manage Knee & Ankle Pain to KEEP RUNNING Click here 2- How to Avoid & Manage Plantar Heel Pain (AKA Plantar Fasciitis) in Runners Click here 3- A Pain in the Butt? Understanding Proxima ..read more

In the aftermath of an auto accident, a critical yet often overlooked aspect emerges— “First Party” auto insurance. As icy roads in Alaska pose unique challenges, understanding this insurance coverage becomes paramount. While it may not be at the forefront of everyone’s mind, comprehending the power of “First Party” auto insurance, especially in a state where road conditions contribute to accidents, can make a substantial difference. Not surprisingly, Alaska has one of the highest rates of road crashes in the United States, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of auto insu ..read more

Embrace the Season, Strengthen Your Body, and Support NSAA! Join us for our Donation-Based Winter Workout Series at Runners’ Edge Alaska! ?️ When: Every Wednesday, November 15th – December 20th ? Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Our 60-minute classes are led by a dedicated sports physical therapist with a focus on getting you strong and ready for winter skiing and activities. Stay injury-free and make the most of the snowy season! Why Attend? ? Boost Your Winter Fitness ❄️ Prevent Injuries ? Support NSAA Suggested Donation: $35 per Class100% of your donation goes to the Nordic ..read more