"Chiropractic is so much more than 'back pain', so as much as anything it is introducing people to the idea that chiropractic is a great form of preventative healthcare, as well as performance optimisation."
Kuegler says the chiropractic work has been an instrumental part of helping him to the top of his game, and staying there.
What are some of the common problems people encounter with stress on the body from running, and what are some easy fixes?
Like anything patience is mandatory, so unfortunately there is no quick fix.
The stresses that runners encounter are generally as a result of repetitive low-load micro trauma causing cumulative overuse injuries, classic syndromes such as ilio-tibial band syndrome, shin splints, Achilles tendinopathy.
As a broad generalisation, the simplest solution to all of these is prevention. Prevention is best in the form of good technique, a functional understanding and awareness of pelvic tilt, a proper functioning spine and nervous system, and the tutelage of a mentor or coach.
People think when it comes to running that technique is simple but it is not that simple?
In a Western society, with so many layers of social conditioning, running technique is a poorly understood concept. Running should be simple, natural, and instinctive, but I think that has been un-learned.
Look at a child when they learn to walk and then progress to running, and that is the essence of how the human should move.
How many times have you competed in the Xterra series and what is your record like?
I started my endurance training in 2007 with a view to completing the 2008 Coast to Coast. What was then the Leppin Off-Road Run Series was my introduction to off-road running. I think Woodhill Forest was my first event, and I finished 20th in the long-course event (there was no super-long back then).
Things have become far more competitive in recent years and in 2010 I achieved a long-term goal of winning the Xterra Series. I have just started under the guidance of Sam Warriner, so all of my training is a little different this year, and unfortunately the Xterra series is not part of the grand plan. I will hopefully run one of the later races for a bit of fun. As far as I can recall the series has either been won by Michael Adam, Nick Hirschfeld or myself since 2007.
With the three of us not running for various reasons it is exciting to see new talent dominating the series.
What advice do you offer people taking on the Woodhill event?
Woodhill is an interesting event as the forest is sand-based so it holds up pretty well through the winter. It is also popular among mountain bikers so many of the features are eroded accordingly. Woodhill is one of the easier events in the series if there is such a thing.
My rule of thumb on any marked or unmarked off-road environment is to stay low. Erosion happens with gravity, and on the outside of corners. At Woodhill if you see a steep, sandy embankment, run for the cushioned shelf at the bottom rather than the top.
How do you approach the uphill and downhills?
Your body position should ideally remain constant whether you are on the flat, going uphill, or coming downhill. Uphill your cadence should remain constant and your stride length should shorten. Downhill your centre of gravity becomes both your accelerator and your brake.
Your cadence should again remain constant with the stride lengthening relative to how quickly you are travelling.
What is the key to running off-road on wet terrain?
Some key points for running off the beaten track:
Relax and smile. When the body is relaxed most things should happen gracefully.
Look up. This will allow you to form a picture of which way the trail is turning, or what the next obstacle might be.
Cadence. Running on- or off-road is all about cadence. Off-road this is three-fold: decreasing the load on the body with each step, decreasing the time the foot spends on the ground and hence minimising the risk of injury, and increasing the runner's ability to change direction.
Hands. Don't be afraid to use your hands - they are useful assets when it comes to grabbing on to trees and clambering over obstacles.
