When entering Tough Mudder, the sports podiatrist in me naturally asked the important question:  What shoes should I wear?

This was tough because I knew it would be muddy and wet, so if my shoes were water logged they would weigh me down and make the 20km even harder, however if I wore really light shoes I would not get any protection from the pot holes and electric shocks.

Sports Podiatry is about being sensible and realistic, so as we often do, I went against my better judgement and wore the lighter pair of runners.  I began training in these and getting used to them, developing mild soreness in my calf and plantar muscles. There was also the occasional blister until the skin adapted!

Tough Mudder itself was extremely fun, with the biggest challenge being getting the entire team to the finish line in one piece. We shivered through ice cold baths, almost suffocated with smoke inhalation, fell off balance beams and conquered Everest (running up a skate ramp at full pace to meet your team at the top and then through the electric shocks).  I would recommend it to anyone who doesn’t mind getting cold, wet and muddy and loves a challenge.

Thankfully my runners held up ok, I had to throw them out right after the run as they came apart at the seams, but they did the job.  Putting my sports Podiatry hat on, my advice would be to train in the shoes you are going to compete in, ensuring there are no nasty surprises on race day.

Train well, train smart.

James Pope is a sports Podiatrist at Balwyn Sports & Physiotherapy Centre. He specialises in difficult foot and ankle issues and has a passion for helping clients reach their potential, without pain.

Call 9836 7000 to solve your foot problems today!

This week Balwyn Sports and Physiotherapy Centre celebrates its 2nd birthday. We would like to say a very big thank you to all our loyal customers, suppliers and supporters that have been on board for the journey. BSPC is fast becoming known as the centre for sporting excellence and general wellness within the Eastern suburbs. Happy Birthday!!!!

Clinical Pilates is a modification of traditional pilates, that is performed by a physiotherapist with extra training in the field of pilates and rehabilitation. Clinical pilates draws upon further knowledge and current research for best practice in rehabilitation and injury prevention. Amongst other benefits, clinical pilates helps to re-activate and retrain deep abdominal muscles commonly referred to as our ‘core stability’. Click here to view our class timetable.

Physiotherapy is concerned with identifying and maximizing quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment/intervention and rehabilitation. This encompasses physical, psychological, emotional, and social well being.

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