I have been a triathlete for most of my life, competing at different periods of time as a pro. I had a triathlon and running coach early on in my career, but after that was on my own. I suffered through several periods with a variety of injuries IT band syndrome for a long period. After giving birth to three children between 2000 and 2005, I began to training seriously again, and in 2008, ended up qualifying as Connecticut’s female representative in the “Best of the U.S. National Triathlon Championship,” where I placed 19th.

Around this time, I started feeling hip and hamstring pain. I continued training, assuming that whatever the problem was would just “get better.” In January 2009, despite struggling with some residual pain, I managed some top finishes, including 10th overall woman at the National Duathlon Championship.

Unfortunately, the pain continued and I continued to train through it. Finally, out of pure frustration  – I resolved to try and solve these injuries, retiring from racing in July 2009.

Coach Al is a coach who believes in “quality of movement,” first and foremost. He knew that the long-standing injury issues I was battling were likely due to compensation, weakness, and imbalance in my body, combined with a lot of hard training with that poor movement. When I reached out to him, he did shut down my running, and while that was more difficult, I knew it was the only right way to proceed.

He told me our goal would be to find the root cause of the issues. Every time I had sought the advice of various physical therapists and other medical folks, even getting some prolo shots, it seemed everything I did with those medical professionals focused only on the symptoms, not on the cause of the symptoms – I still had no idea WHY I had been plagued with these issues. I was frustrated, to say the least.

The next step was a visit to the Pursuit Athletic Performance gait lab, with the hope of solving my issues and with the hope of working with Coach Al. I was still in a lot of pain, and had made several unsuccessful attempts to start running again.

During my initial analysis, as Coach Al was collecting the video of me running on the treadmill, he stopped and looked at Kurt, and said “come take a look at this.” He seemed to have an idea what was causing my issues.

Suffice to say, he was right! They started me on a series of stability and movements and told me I wouldn’t be able to run immediately, but if I stuck with the process, soon I would be running and hopefully, pain and injury free!

Months and now years later, I can’t believe how much better I feel. I thank God every day for being out of pain!  The last piece of the puzzle was some form and technique work with Coach Al, to help me dial in my stride appropriately, for much more economical and efficient running. If it weren’t for Coach Al, I wouldn’t be running right now, I am sure of it! He was the only person that focused on the root cause of WHY I was injured, and showed me the path, step by step, to a healthier and more powerful way to move. I have learned a tremendous amount about what it takes to improve as a triathlete, and, most importantly, to stay in the game! Because of his help, I believe my best races lie ahead. Thank you, Coach Al!

Coach Al – I just wanted to send a long overdue note to thank you for getting me back to running and racing triathlons.

You will remember I had severe ITBS (iliotibial band syndrome). For the last two years, I had gone through self treatment with rest, stretching and yoga. Then I went to see a sports medicine specialist getting MRI’s, injections and physical therapy.

When that didn’t work, I went to see a different sports medicine specialist and got more of the same. Finally I was told I would either have to stop running or consider surgery.

You know surgery for ITBS has pretty poor results. I am a physician myself, and am pretty comfortable with most standard medical therapies, but was not going to have surgery. I had pretty much given up hope of running more than a couple of miles ever again.

Then I saw you for a gait analysis.

The program is fantastic! I have done several triathlons this summer that include both Olympic distance and sprints.

I just completed my first half iron distance race after two-and-a-half years of being out of racing. It went great thanks to your gait analysis, the Return to Running program, and Coach Al’s awesome coaching this summer.

I was able to post the second fastest bike split in the half iron distance race, and still run a decent 1:37 half marathon on a hilly course. I could not be happier.

I think I see an Ironman in my future now, something I had given up on not too long ago. Thanks so much!

Todd Wilkens M.D. F.A.C.S.

NOTE FROM COACH AL: Todd had about given up hope on ever racing again. Through gait analysis, and our subsequent work together, he just went a 4:48 in a half Ironman–the first race of that distance he has been able to do in 2.5 years! He was fifth OVERALL, and took first place in the masters category. It is a super, super result. Not only are we over the moon at Todd’s finishing time, Todd is uninjured and pain free! Think about that! He rocked the house with a super solid result, and got on the podium. Thing is, now that he’s a stronger, more stable and durable athlete, he can begin to REALLY TRAIN and unleash his true potential. There are many great races and results ahead of him, no doubt in our minds!