For the past six months, I've been living in Virginia and working for a start-up called the Runner's Health and Performance Institute. Its goal was to become the go-to place for runners with injuries and performance issues in Northern Virginia. Unfortunately, I recently got the news that, because of some unforeseen challenges in gathering the resources necessary for the business, the RUNHAPI project is not going forward. While I'm disappointed that the business has to shut down, I'm also looking forward to new opportunities in the running community. As of tomorrow, I'll be moving back to Minnesota—hopefully in time to help out at a local high school for the spring track season! I also have some big things coming up for Running Writings, which I'm very excited about. My next booklet (or book, depending on where you draw the line) is one proof-read away from release, so look for a big announcement on that in the next few weeks. I'm also planning to revamp some of the older Injury Series articles, upgrading the citations and including new information on some great research papers that have come out in the last few years. I'll also be working on ways to make the information in the Injury Series available in a variety of formats—a book, posters, or maybe smaller summary sheets for people who don't want to read 5-10,000 words on their injury. If you have anything you'd like me to write about, leave a comment below and I'll look into it.
Outside of that, I'm thinking about what direction I'll go in the next few years. There is coaching, writing, graduate school and research, or who knows what else! If you've got any ideas (or better, any opportunities!) definitely drop me a line on the Contact Me page; I'd love to talk with you! Finally, I ought to apologize for the lack of content recently, which to some extent is a result of having to sort out how and when I'll be moving back to MN and so on. Look forward to more running writing in the future!
Good luck in your next adventure. I am sure you would make a terrific high school coach. Your approach to training and injury prevention is much needed in today's race all year, win now, run kids into the ground mentality.
John, I've enjoyed reading what you've brought to light regarding injury prevention and training. I started using a declining squat board to rehabilitate my calf - recommended by you - and together with your other advice, have reduced my injury incidence to an all-time low. I've gotten faster and stronger. I have no doubt that your coaching would build an excellent running team.
Your injury series has helped me on several occasions and I greatly appreciate it. Could you look into iliopsoas injuries, its association with the hamstring and gluteus medius, and proper rehabilitation?
Hi John- Sorry to hear RUNHAPI didn't work out. It sounded like such a great resource for us runners. My NoVa running friends and i were really looking forward to using it. Anyway, it just so happens i was looking up info on hill running and low and behold found an article you wrote on RunnersConnect. Are you actively writing for them now?
Would be interested to hear your thoughts on managing training load. Did any of the great coaches and runners do formal tracking/planning (a la Training Peaks and TSS, etc.)?
Managing overtraining?