Intermountain St. George Acceleration presents free summer running seminars

The Independent

In an effort to educate local athletes, runners, or aspirants in safe training techniques, Intermountain St. George Acceleration is offering three free summer seminars beginning this Tuesday, July 14. The free running seminars will aid endurance athletes in preparing for the St. George Marathon and other running events.

On Tuesday, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., physical therapist Jona Droubay will present a seminar, “Injury Prevention and Treatment for the Runner.” On Aug. 11 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., psychologist Dr. Ron Chamberlain will present a seminar, “Mindful Racing: Running Through the Pain.” Finally, on Sept. 15 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., St. George Marathon Race operations manager Kami Ellsworth will present a seminar, “Race Day Prep.”

These seminars will be held in the Acceleration training center, located on the lower level of the Dixie Regional Health & Performance Center at 652 S. Medical Center Drive in St. George.

In addition to hosting these running seminars, Intermountain St. George Acceleration also offers individualized training packages to assist endurance athletes with their preparation. Training experts can help athletes improve strength, flexibility and running mechanics. Their methods have proven to yield results, and on average, athletes who have used the program have noticed a 20 percent increase in agility and cutting speed, a 50 percent improvement in recovery rates, a 0.2-second improvement in 40-yard dash times, 2- to 4-inch improvements in vertical jump height, and increases in hitting velocity by 3 mph.

“A runner rarely, if ever, has the opportunity to actually see themselves run, not to mention have an exercise professional analyze every aspect of their form,” said Brennen Ames, certified exercise specialist at Acceleration. “In fact, minor improvements to things such as how your foot strikes the ground with each stride, the angle of your pelvis, and motion of your arms not only improve times, but help reduce and eliminate injury.”

For more information about the running seminars and other Acceleration endurance training programs, please call Ames at (435) 705-1260.