Running with Bikram

Bend it like Bikram
By Rhea R. Borja
May/June 2006
For the Washington Running Report
Yoga helps runners prevent injuries and build core strength

It wasn't long ago when local runner Kenneth Clair was a walking injury report. His knees hurt after runs longer than 8 miles. He suffered from shin splints and ankle problems. And Clair usually had to interrupt his marathon training because of back strain from running or lifting weights. The pain, said the 37-year-old federal government employee, was debilitating. "I would take a step, and CRACK!" he said. "I would eat Aleve like candy and hope for the best."

But at the Philadelphia Marathon last fall, the McLean, Virginia resident set a personal record of 3:30:58. Before that, Clair's personal best was 3:45. What gives? He pointed to an activity that seems counterintuitive to many runners: Yoga. Specifically, Bikram yoga... read more