The Great Run Series Returns To Edinburgh

This weekend will see the return of the Great Run Series to Edinburgh for a 10 mile run around the Scottish capital. The event will see 5,000 people take to the streets, beginning in the city centre and progressing past some of the capitals most famous landmarks including Greyfriars Bobby, the Royal Mile, the Scott Monument and of course the iconic Edinburgh Castle.

The Great Run Series sees both professionals and amateurs take on the course, with 10 miles being a middle route for the fun runner between the 10K and half marathon.

The importance of preparation

The event is billed as a middle ground for runners looking to take the next step from a 10km before attempting a half marathon and therefore no easy task, which is why preparation of the body and mind is essential.

Pick a training plan ahead of the event which will allow you to gradually work up to the 10 mile distance, enhancing your speed and endurance. Failure to take small steps can result in injury by pushing yourself too far, therefore know your limits.

In the event of any injury then you should stop what you are doing and rest. The majority of running injuries are self-limiting and following a few days of rest you should be back on your feet. Rest, ice, compression and elevation of the affected area can also help in the immediate aftermath of the injury and help minimise the risk of further damage being caused.

Common knee injuries

There are a number of different knee injuries which can be sustained when running, the majority of which are from overuse and are typically self-limiting. Following overuse you may experience swelling and inflammation as the ligaments within the joint have been stretched beyond their normal range of motion.

When running in wet weather a slip or a trip can cause a sprain to the knee, where the ligaments have moved suddenly in an unnatural direction, resulting once again in pain, inflammation and hampered mobility for a few days.

Runners knee, as the name suggests, is a common running condition whereby overuse can create pain just beneath the knee. This is again a self-limiting condition though the use of a knee brace or strap to exert compression on the region can be beneficial.

Should your injury fail to show signs of improvement following a few days of rest then you should seek medical attention.

How can a knee support help?

A knee support should be used as part of your overall treatment programme and may even be recommended by your physiotherapist. In the event of being unsure as to which product to select you should consult a clinician.

The objective of a knee support is to offer compression or stability or even both, depending on the type of brace selected. They are designed to be worn when active to keep you active for longer by managing your specific condition.

Compression based supports are compressive sleeves which fit over the knee in a bid to help manage inflammation, which can also work to reduce pain. Stability based supports include a hinge and straps which act as external ligaments to compensate for the loss of stability in your knee, whilst offering compression to manage the inflammation.

Wearing a knee brace can offer that extra level of support and protection on your return to full fitness, with the psychological benefit proving very effective when embarking on a 10 mile course as in Edinburgh.

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