Plantar Fasciitis to Podium Finish

Have you been here before?

Three months away from a big race, a triathlon, an Ironman Triathlon! Rick Simpson found himself with a problem. Like many of us, he reached out to a friend.

It sounded just like this:

Hi Breeda,

I have pain in my right foot inside the plantar region near the calcaneus. It gets better after a couple of weeks off running (biking instead), but when I go back to running comes back.  I am using a sock & taping it. I am trying to find a way to train for my IRONMAN race on June 27 (run is a Marathon).

Which training device did you get which somewhat suspends you over the treadmill (lessens weight)??? Can you tell me any advantages or disadvantages??? What it will or will not do?? Is there a better device available now???  What would you recommend???

THANKS,
Rick

April 9th, 2021

Can you Relate to this?

Lucky for Rick, he reached out to just the right friend. Breeda is none other than Breeda Willis, Professional Distance Runner, Former Olympian, long-time LightSpeed Lift friend.

This is her response:

Rick,  

I have two LightSpeed Lift suspension systems in my house and it’s absolutely worth every penny - it’s a must-have! 

Malcolm Macaulay is the Duluth physical therapist. You should call him. (tell him Breeda recommend LightSpeed) He’s an amazing avid runner great shape and brilliant you will love him and the product! 

April 9th, 2021

Wasting no time, Rick reached out to Malcolm.

Hi Malcolm,


Breeda Willis suggested I contact you concerning the LightSpeed suspension system.  Currently, I have Plantar Fasciitis, and I need a way to train for my run portion of an IRONMAN Triathlon coming up on June 27 (the run is a Marathon).  I have been doing bike training instead of running & while this helps it is not as good as running.

April 9th, 2021

Not missing a beat, Malcolm replied:

Hello Rick,

My name is Malcolm Macaulay and I developed the LightSpeed Lift system to tackle problems just like you are having training for the Ironman.  Anyone signing up for an Ironman is committed to the training process and seeks a positive outcome.  Don’t let an overuse injury such as plantar fasciitis derail your plans.
As a PT I’ve treated thousands of running-related problems over the past 35 years.  I’ve used many exercises, stretches, manipulations, or fascial release techniques, and the rest all work to eventually allow people to return to their activity.  I realized that virtually all running injuries were related to excessive force applied to a body part that hadn’t had time to grow strong enough to handle the load.  This is what happens as we ramp up the mileage or pace of training required to participate in endurance activities such as Iron Man distance triathlons, marathons, or ultra-marathons.  Lessening the load to allow the body to build up strength gradually or recover from an overuse “itis” seemed a better long-term solution.


The solution was to develop a device that decreased the load slightly and allowed the body's cells to adapt gradually to the forces being applied.  Similar to growing calluses when you begin working with your hands.  The challenge of decreasing the forces of running - foot strike - was to allow the body to move as naturally as possible.  Oh, and the system had to be comfortable, affordable, and accessible for the normal public.   After much experimentation, the LightSpeed Lift system emerged.


The patented FDA-approved uplifting and offloading force is supplied by elastic cords that attach to the user's hip joint.  This allows full leg and arm swing, easy breathing, and normal foot landing but with 15-20% less impact.  Less impact means less chance of injury.  Less impact also allows the body to recover from an overuse injury such as plantar fasciitis while still running.


The amount of offloading is adjustable to your particular needs.  Use greater lift when you start so the injured tissue isn’t further damaged.  As the tissue strengthens and you note less pain lower the lift to prepare your body for the full impact experienced by road running.


Rick, you must be serious and dedicated to having committed to an Ironman race.  Give yourself the best chance of success in getting to the starting line healthy and the finish line with a smile on your face.  Call me to discuss making LightSpeed part of your training plan for this Iron Man and future endeavors.  You will not regret the decision and investment.  

Also, visit the website @ www.lightspeedlift.com,  to view the system in action and read how other athletes are using LightSpeed in their training plans.


I look forward to speaking with you soon.  Also, Listen to Breeda, she’s fabulously knowledgeable.

April 9, 2021

Sign you up, right? A couple of questions first.

Hi Malcolm,

Thank you for returning my e-mail so promptly. Knowing Breeda's running experience and knowing she has used your equipment for some time now and still likes it is important to me ..... her opinion matters. I have looked at your models & think the LS-300 may be adequate for my needs.  

Meanwhile, I have some QUESTIONS:               

1. How long do you expect the LS-300 to last with regular use???               

2. I believe these come with a 90-day return policy ..... is this correct????  Details???             

3. How long might delivery take???

Thank you,

April 10th, 2021

Great questions, Rick!

Hello Rick,

To answer your questions:

1. I would expect the LS-300 frame to last a lifetime with regular use.  The Lift Straps usually last 2+ years and the Magic Shorts about the same length of time.  Replacing the Shorts is $90.00 and replacing the Lift Straps is about $170.00

2. Our usual return policy is 30 days for a full refund.  The buyer is responsible for the shipping cost to return the product - about $175.00.

3. I would take about a week once payment is received for a LightSpeed to arrive at your location.

April 10th, 2021

Rick made arrangements over the following days and finalized a purchase of an LS-300 a week later. Two weeks after contacting Malcolm Macaulay and LightSpeed Lift, Rick was up and running. Installation around his home treadmill was a breeze, and he felt the "LightSpeed Smile" straight away. By May, Mr. Simpson had already logged many miles on his LightSpeed Lift system.

Hi Malcolm,

COMMENTS:

I am regularly using my LightSpeed Lift and am able to get in FAR more hours of run training this way than I could if I were just running. Since I train by BPM & time there has been a seamless shift in training to the LightSpeed Lift and the cardiovascular stress is the same (same BPM).  Also, I find an easy run/recovery day can truly be an easy run/recovery day.  Even on a tired day I still seem to be able to get in a good run if that is what is scheduled.

The LightSpeed Lift puts me in & keeps me in, the ideal position to run.  I believe this has promoted good form for me & maybe more importantly has made me keep that good form even on days I am tired. I find after about 2 weeks of LightSpeed Lift training I am "wandering around" on the treadmill belt much less .... I expect this to continue to improve & this will make me a more efficient runner.

I will be interested to see what the faster turnover (higher speed at a given BPM) will do for my racing.

The pain in my heel is slowly improving despite the hours of training

May 9th, 2021

WOW! This sounds pretty great so far!

Although we didn't hear much from him through May and June, we knew he was putting in the work for his Ironman in Coeur d'Alene. We were excited! Returning to work following the Fourth of July, Malcolm was pleased to see this in his email inbox:

I would not have been able to put in the run work I did without the LS-300.

July 7th, 2021
Rick Simpson wins Coeur d'Alene
He is winning the 70-74 age group, thanks to LightSpeed Lift and his LS-300.

Not only did Rick finish, He won!

On June 27th, 2021, Rick Simpson showed up healthy to the start line of Ironman Cour d'Alene. In under 13 hours, Rick won his age division of men aged 70-74. His marathon time was two hours faster than his peers. He did it! Rick could run safely at home using LightSpeed Lift, allowing him not just to participate but to compete.

LightSpeed Lift is here for you, too.

From rehabilitation to maintenance and even performance training, less weight makes possibilities accessible. What are you hoping to achieve? Contact us today to start a champion journey of your own.

info@lightspeedlift.com.au

1300 529 965