Alter-(OM)G

Ready for Takeoff!

Last Tuesday,  after I ran an hardcore solo workout of four mile repeats (5:32, 5:34, 5:38, 5:35), Team Citius had the opportunity of a lifetime: to run on an Alter-G tredmill.  This tredmill, for those who don't know, is a tredmill that can alter the gravitational pull on your body.  Basically, your lower body half is bubbled in, which allows you to control the weight of your body.  The machine is great for injured people, especially with stress fractures, because then they can run without the same amount of force on their bodies.  Most professional distance runners are also aware of the benefits of the Alter-G; they can up

their mileage without the same wear and tear on their bodies.  

Team Citius was like a bunch of little kids, glowing with excitement to play with a new toy, a new EXPENSIVE toy.  The Alter-G costs anywhere from 40K to 90K.  Despite the cost, I still want one and would highly consider selling my car and my husband's car to get one.  Just kidding (kinda)!

Each of us got about seven minutes to play on the cloud.  The feeling was so surreal.  After putting on spandex/wetsuit shorts, getting zippered into the contraption, and waiting for your bubble to fill up with air, slowly lifting your feet almost off the ground, you can start to go.  The people who worked at the facility laughed as each of us immediately jacked the tredmill up to 9 mph, noting that we were definitely "runners" because of how unafraid we were of acceleration.  

Running on the Alter-G

I started at 8.5 mph and gradually adjusted my body weight to 80%.  My legs moved effortlessly.  Actually, I could barely feel my legs moving because I felt so smooth.  The only reason I could tell my legs were working was the images from cameras that were positioned at several angles.  The video feed was shown right at the front of the tredmill so that I could see my form from various perspectives.  All I can say is that now I know what those Kenyans must feel like, because my stride looked ridiculously amazing!

After the tredmill, the facility used the Optojump computer program to analyze our running form and gait.  After watching my stride on a different tredmill, step by step, angle by angle, the therapist told me that fixing my stride would be a "piece of cake," that I had small issues to take care of.  For example, my left hip is a bit weaker than my right, and my left ankle could also use some strengthening.  What's funny is that I always thought my right side was weaker because my right side is the one that feels the most pain.  My right achilles makes popping noises and gets tight after long runs, and my right calf will feel more tight than my left.  

Piece of Cake Fixes!

I think it's funny that I believed that I had a discrepancy on the right side, but instead, the reason why this side hurts more is because it has the most stress on it and has to work a little harder. I think it's a good lesson to learn and to, literally, see for any life problem.  The stronger half overcompensates until it can no longer stand it.  A breakdown does not always mean a weakness; it simply means a strong overload.  I'll be sure to even these things out so that nothing breaks.  Where are those ankle weights?

As I ran my next workout, 4 miles of in/out 200s, a few days after the Alter-G experience, I thought carefully about my slower left side.  I consciously reminded myself to kick my left ankle up a little quicker than I am used to.  

In the pool on that same day, Coach Katherine told me how I was moving my arm over my head a little slower when I came up for air.  Obviously, I was slowing down because I was trying to give myself as much time "air" time as possible to take the precious breaths of air I now remember to take.  Just like my new ankle move, I manipulated my body to move my arm a little quicker, and guess what: I made the whole pool length.  I was so excited as I knew that this time I was going to make it all the way to the end without messing up! 

I guess the coolest part about my whole Alter-G (and pool) experience is that it really does put you on cloud 9.  The way the therapists were impressed at our running resumes, constantly using the word "elite" to describe us, and the high-tech experience that only "elite" runners usually get was awesome.  I have never felt more professional and am so thankful for Coach Vince for inviting me along, and even if we never get to float along on the miracle machine again, I know just the memory of this chance will help me get to my castles in the sky.

Team Citius: Vince Giambanco

Team Citius: Sam Snukis

Team Citius: Ryan Zillman