SPARK Physio LIVE: October 2012

As far as orthotic devices go, there are so many options that it's hard to tell any client anything definitive. There are brand choices as well as stiffness and specific movement protection differences. It can make this process a confusing one for sure.

What we must be most aware of is that orthotic devices really shouldn't be used the way that most are using them. Like most pain, foot, ankle and/or lower leg pain is a sign that there is a mechanical problem somewhere in the system. You have to find what that problem is. Once that's discovered, you should select an orthotic insert that will give you some relief while you are working to correct the mechanics of the foot and ankle.

If this step is done right then after some time the insole will become obsolete. Podiatrists and some other specialist practices make a lot of money fitting people for very high priced insoles and selling folks the "cure" for their foot/ankle pain. In fact all they are really doing is making that patient dependent on that bit of plastic and rubber to keep their pain at bay.

If you have to tinker I ask many of our clients to try a couple different off-the-shelf insoles like superfeet first to see if they provide any relief. This actually can be diagnostic in nature so we listen closely when clients tell us that they have tried their luck at the mystical "orthotics".

So, the moral of the story? If you have pain down there it sounds more like you need more time on the table with a specialist who can assess the real problem! Find a good foot/ankle pro to help you with the details and kiss pain goodbye.

I can't imagine a better time training for the Tough Mudder. In the inaugural year of our SPARK Tough Training Courses we had some laughs, lots of sweat and the almost regularly occurring flesh wound. Everyone survived! A couple of us ran multiple races throughout the course of our training together that culminated with our completion of the Mid Atlantic Tough Mudder in September at Crumland Farms.

The following are some photo collages that Habi, one of our team managers and honorary team mascot, put together.

For everyone who trained: GREAT WORK! The SPARK Tough program couldn't be what it is now and what it will be in the future without you.

Stay tuned for the start of SPARK Tough II set to begin in November 2012.

New for this year: SPARK Tough Indoor which will run concurrently with the tried and true Original SPARK Tough "Outdoor".

Too many smiles. Must not have gotten

the workout going yet.

It was definitely cold during the

early weeks of SPARK Tough!

SPARK Tough "Arctic Enema" acclimation training. 5 gallon buckets
half full with crushed ice.

This was an awesome way to begin workouts.
The pics are priceless!

Are we doing buckets again today!?
C'mon man. I'm still cold from the last time we did them!

"I think I'm going to puke."
Me, "Ok. Take care of that and
hop back into these bear crawls!"

Love me some resisted sprint work.

Better when you double it with bear and
SEAL crawls, of course.

Too cold!!!!

Fun with ice, water and the
HORRIBLE slooooooooooow pour.

You can run, but you can't hide from the ice buckets!

I think I lost my mind during this workout.
Inspired by a BJ Gaddour pic from a while back.

Bear crawls, wheel barrows
and partner muscle ups.
Staples of SPARK Tough.

Gasser Hill will have a place in our hearts forever.
You gotta check this thing out.
The best part is that the dust and dirt
were great at exfoliating!

Wait. You want me to carry him where?
And then do WHAT!?
No help needed on these power muscle ups, thank you.

Superman Hill + Fireman's Carry + Piggy back ride??? I think I'll quit now (not!).
The look on the face of the lady getting
out of her car makes the pain of
this drill COMPLETELY worth it!!!