Martin Parnell

Injury is a part of a runner’s life.

During Marathon Quest 250 I had a major problem with a repetitive strain injury in my left leg and had to stop running for two and a half weeks. Other issues during the year included back pains, sciatic nerve issues, shoulder strain from the hydration pack, blisters (four) and falls (four).

After the last run on Dec. 31 things seemed to settle a bit. But recently I’ve develop rotator cuff problems in my left shoulder. My wife Sue’s been having some foot challenges and has had to give running a break.

We were trying to think about what we could do to keep the blood moving when Sue mentioned aquasize. She had been going to the Big Hill Pool two times a week and she said it was a great workout. I was a bit skeptical, but have read a number of articles promoting this type of activity.

One article in Runners World stated that for years, world-class runners have used pool running to maintain their conditioning when they can’t run. Former world marathon record holder Khalid Khannouchi ran in the pool to stay in shape when a foot injury prevented him from doing his normal training.

Janis Klecker, a 1992 Olympic marathoner, has done twice-a-week pool runs for years. “If I’m too tired to run,” says the dentist and mother of six, “I jump in the pool. It always re-energizes me.”

Also, Lisa Bentley, a three-time 3 times Ironman Canada women’s champion, is a great advocate of pool running.

A group of keen aquasizers prepare for a session at the Big Hill Pool. Photo courtesy Martin Parnell

Aquasize is an impact-free exercise class which uses water resistance to improve strength, flexibility and endurance. It can incorporate the use of flotation belts and foam dumbbells. As we age beyond 50, we lose one per cent of our muscle mass per year. So, it’s very important that we continue to exercise the muscles we have and aquasize can help you do this.

Well, if it’s good enough for a former world marathon record holder then it’s good enough for Sue and I. So on a Wednesday evening we went down to Bill Hill Pool and paid our $5.75 for a 45-minute session.

We headed into the pool and joined about 20 people. Instructor Miriam put us through our paces with a wide ranch of activities. We ran, stretched and completed various jumps and moves.

Towards the end Miriam threw some compressed foam dumb bells into the pool. They weigh about 500 grams each and are easy to lift above your head. However, we were told to put them below the water level and start pulling them down towards our hips.

OMG.

They suddenly turned into 20 pound weights. It was a terrific arm and shoulders work out. The 45 minutes flew by and it was then time for the hot tub. I was very impressed with the session and will definitely go back.

© 2011 Martin Parnell

mjparnell@shaw.ca

www.marathonquest250.com

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