This is the 18th in a series of RunSmart videos. The series is on-going, with a new video released on a biweekly basis. These videos complement the material presented in the book “RunSmart: A Comprehensive Approach To Injury-Free Running”. The full series of videos can be found here. A compilation of the first 10 videos will be available on Vimeo as well.

For those of you that are interested in a more interactive learning environment, consider attending a Level One (half day), Level Two (one day), or Level Three (two day) RunSmart program. The Level One program is 4 hours and focuses on basic training principles, running mechanics, and injury prevention. The Level Two program is 8.5 hours and focuses on performance optimization and training program development. The Level Three program is a two day, 15 hour program that includes a comprehensive approach to running injuries. The next Level One program will be offered in Austin on June 30, 2012. The next Level Three program will be offered in Austin, Texas on August 17 - 18, 2012.

In this video, I discuss one of the most important principles for new runners and experienced runners – Keep It Simple. Start short, start with some simple goals, gain some success and let that drive your progression!

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[Note: This post is not in any way affiliated with ABC nor any of its associated television programs.]

The physical therapy profession is standing at a crossroads.

There is no doubt in my mind that physical therapists are the international experts in therapeutic exercise prescription. Physical therapists are the international leaders in non-surgical care for musculoskeletal conditions. There is now plenty of data to support that evidence-based physical therapy saves money while optimizing function.

But I would suggest that physical therapy in the United States is in need of an Extreme Makeover. And as soon as possible. Why?

It all starts with how we view ourselves.

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And then there is the sound of a basketball, bouncing off the rim. They call it a “brick”, and it produces quite the hideous sound as the ball goes “clank” off the rim. In my opinion, it might be one of the worst sounds in sport.

We got to hear that a lot this past Monday night. The sound was resonating, reverberating, echoing around Reliant Stadium during the NCAA men’s basketball final. What looked to be an exciting match-up between #8 Butler and #3 Connecticut turned into an event that only a brick mason could truly appreciate.

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In our time on the planet, we experience moments that can instigate joy and happiness, or pain and sorrow. It could be a moment of love, or anger, or frustration, or exhilaration. Each of of these moments will take us down a path in our mind’s eye, a path which is dependent upon how we perceive that moment at that specific point in time. The same issue, at different times of our lives, may lead to totally different responses, different reactions, and different actions. One day, a benign response; the next, a response that wreaks havoc on our soul, and creates disharmony and insecurity in us.

The power of the mind can take us into uncharted waters and places we’ve never been. The mind puts its own spin on everything. We could be emotionally labile – or emotionally volatile – and the mind spins its tales and weaves its webs and conjures up the net effect to our psyche and to ourselves.

The challenge is to stay in the moment, to accept the moment as it is, to reflect, and to act mindfully. No easy task, indeed.

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