Why do we run?
[quote]Life is like a long-distance race that we all run. "Where you will surely hurt but you don't have to suffer."[/quote] The award-winning Japanese author and running enthusiast Haruki Murakami, dedicating an autobiographical book to his personal need for running, records the special effect it has on our lives.
The author Haruki Murakami
For the author, runners run "not because they want to live longer but because they want to live their lives to the fullest. Pushing yourself to the maximum within your own human limits, this is the essence of running and a metaphor for life itself". Through running, he describes how he found himself, the consciousness of his existence as a whole, as he incorporated the special ritual of solitary runs into his life.
Running embodies the feeling of freedom, giving you the endurance to overcome physical and mental obstacles as you level up and set new goals. It's the easiest and quickest escape from stress and the weight of everyday life, but it also presupposes proper preparation so that we don't shift the burden to our overworked legs!
We are in the season when our personal routes and training sessions culminate and prepare us for the challenging marathon, the [big]
classic-authentic Athens marathon.[/big] The marathon - a tribute to the Athenian hoplite, who in 490 BC announced the victory of the Athenians against the Persians in the Battle of Marathon, is considered one of the most difficult in the world, as participants are called to cover 10 kilometers uphill!
So, in anticipation of the great historical marathon from Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium, as well as all the smaller marathons that give us the motivation to keep our energy and performance high, protecting our legs is essential because, borrowing Murakami's phrase, "we don't have to suffer"!
Before mentioning the basic equipment for our training, it is useful to refer to the most common causes of discomfort experienced by those who love running.
Most common runner injuries
It often appears in road athletes and is related either to a weak quadriceps muscle or to the overuse syndrome of the knee from repeated flexion, irritating the patella, tendons, and ligaments of the knee. The condition causes pain in and around the patella when walking, running, kneeling, and even sitting.
- [big]Achilles Tendinitis[/big]
The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel, but because it lacks its own blood supply, it is particularly susceptible to injury. During intense athletic activity, due to sudden excessive use and upward flexion, local inflammation of the tendon can occur, triggered by movement, as well as rupture of some fibers.
Strain is mainly caused by factors such as insufficient training and warm-up, cold, or atrophy from previous injuries. Specifically, shin strain presents with sudden and sharp pain, likened to a "knife" and a "pull in the calf," tenderness upon palpation of the area, and can intensify over several days, even showing bruising in the affected area, preventing further training. Individuals with flat feet can also develop
shin splints or
tibial periostitis, with the main symptom being sharp pain on the inner-anterior surface of the shin, characterized as "shin pain" or a feeling of swelling in the shin.
A sprain is caused by an awkward movement or sudden change of direction, with the ankles and knees being the most vulnerable areas, and it is the most common athletic injury. A sprain refers to the injury or rupture of ligaments, in contrast to a strain which affects the muscles. In the case of a minor injury, it is accompanied by swelling and a painful sensation during an attempt to walk.
- [big]Plantar Fasciitis[/big]
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament, which connects the heel bone to the proximal phalanx of the foot. The pain radiates to the heel area and occurs more frequently in people with a high arch.
The Marathoner's Survival Kit
For all these common running-related injuries, there is the
Christou1910 line of athletic protective equipment, designed to prevent, relieve, and most importantly, not deter the runner from their goal – crossing the finish line! The marathoner's survival kit keeps the most powerful experience of the roads, intact from hardships!
- [big]Graduated Compression Sports Socks[/big]
Although it might seem... obvious,
graduated compression sports socks are considered the most essential health accessory that no runner should be without! Compression technology, from the ankle to the knee, counteracts gravity and supplies muscles with more oxygen, giving the runner the boost for new records and high performance! Common problems, such as cramps and pulls, are balanced, and muscles recover faster as lactate levels decrease and hydrogen ions, which are responsible for pain, are eliminated. Their clever weave allows the foot to breathe, keeping moisture and odor away from our athletic shoe!
- [big]Knee Brace with Silicone Pad[/big]
The
knee brace keeps the knee stable, with a special opening that fits in the center of the knee, flexible side stays, and adjustable adhesive straps that adapt as needed, so our movements are not restricted. The donut silicone pad provides the extra support needed, while the bandage warms up the muscles, protects the tendons, and enhances proper blood circulation, preventing blows and sprains. In case of injury, it relieves pain and swelling, significantly speeding up recovery time.
- [big]Ankle Brace with 4 Flexible Side Supports[/big]
The
ankle brace activates blood circulation in the vulnerable ankle area, properly warming up muscles and joints. The adjustable, adhesive straps stabilize the joint, while the flexible side stays allow even the most intense movement with safety! The open heel allows the foot maximum freedom of movement, enabling non-stop training, without the risk of injuries or sprains.
- [big]Protective Tube for Calluses with Organic Essential Oils[/big]
The
protective tube for calluses is a lifesaver for "half-dead" toes from hardcore training, which are in the process of healing, and for those still resisting the adversities faced by a runner's foot. As it wraps around the toes, the tube creates a shield of protection from constant friction, wear, and pressure of continuous training. Infused with a therapeutic blend of medical-grade organic essential oils, the tube prevents, softens, and naturally eliminates calluses with repeated use. The skin is soothed and regenerated, intense pain and heaviness are relieved, while also providing a feeling of freshness and health thanks to the aromatic molecules of the tube's essential oils.
Your "proudly injured" toes need protection
The big moment of the marathons is approaching, and with it, the opportunity for new unforgettable running experiences and personal conquests. Full of energy and anticipation, don't forget to equip yourself with the necessary accessories for every runner who respects their body! Very simply, along with your hydration and energy boosters, get from your nearest supermarket
(see the list here) and
Christou1910's protective health accessories from the company's stand in the cosmetics section. And happy training!
