Growing up as an inactive child, I only got into fitness a few years ago and started running in January this year when I decide to compete in a Spartan Race. With an all or nothing personality, I soon found myself hitting 30 – 40km a week, without really considering the impact it would have on my body. I had no idea that there was a technique to running, I just put on my shoes and ran.
Within three months I had an injury and couldn’t run 500m without excruciating pain in my knee. I saw a physio for months but didn’t see any progress. I met with Aschton and he mentioned that he might be able to help me. We spent a 2 hour session looking at my running technique (which was dire!) and during this time he was patient and knowledgeable, taking the time to answer my questions, providing examples and filming my running so I could understand specifically what I needed to work on. He provided me with drills and mobility work to do in my own time and this was invaluable. If nothing more, I strongly believe that anyone who runs would benefit greatly from having this one session to understand their own running dynamics. There is so much you can learn about your own running that will make you a faster, more efficient runner, while reducing your risk of injury – surely that’s something every runner wants?
I chose to work with Aschton over a few months to really develop my knowledge and confidence and I am now at a point where my new running feels natural. There were moments where I felt that I would never get to that point but Aschton was the right balance of honest and understanding, providing explanations that were backed up with evidence for my endless questions.
The pain in my knee has improved steadily as my new technique has become more natural. I have shortened my stride and my cadence has improved greatly (I now have an average cadence of 175-185). I recently placed 2nd in a 21km Spartan race (December 2018) with no pain at all, something I could have only dreamed of a few months ago. My running is also far more efficient, with my race pace for the Spartan Sprint decreasing from 20:50/mile in March to 13:05 in December, a direct result of the application of the skills that Aschton taught me.
Whether you’re a fellow spartan racer; someone who has been running all their life; or someone who has their first pair of running shoes but doesn’t quite know where to begin, I highly recommend spending some time with Aschton. You can’t put a price on pain free running and I guarantee you’ll walk away with a piece of advice that will change your running forever! Read More