Andy Nagelin is an avid runner and has been a returning patient at Fitzgerald PT on various occasions. He’s also been a member of the Melrose Run Club for 14 years. He lives in Melrose with his wife AnnMarie. In addition to running, he enjoys travelling, craft beer, gardening and a good book.
Q: When did you discover your love for running?
A: I was never a runner while in school and didn’t discover running until I was 38. And it was totally by luck. I was working for Hewlett-Packard in 2003 and they were a sponsor of the Boston Marathon. A collegue suggested that that I apply for one of the 100 bibs the company received and see what happend. He told me that it was a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to run the greatest marathon in the world. I really didn’t think I’d make the draw, and I didn’t. Over the holidays someone had to drop out and I was picked in the second draw. I didn’t start training for my first marathon until January or about four months before the race!
I’ll never forget my first training run for the 2003 Boston Marathon. It was mid-January and probably 30 degrees out. As we ran down the road I distinctly recall thinking to my self, “why the hell are we running away from a perfectly warm building?” It was an inflection point in my life. At that moment, running seemed insane. Especially in the cold. I very easily could have said, “see you guys back in the office” and turned around.
Looking back that was my first step in becoming a runner in so many ways. It was cold, so I kept on running. I got tired after a bit, so I kept on running. I loved being able to look around and see woods and fields, so I kept on running. Runners face challenges all the time. Sometimes time is the challenge. Sometimes the weather. Sometimes it is motivation and sometimes it is an injury. Pushing through all of that makes us runners and steels us for the other challenges in life. The love of running kind of sneaks up on you.
After my first Boston Marathon in 2003, I ran the Providence Marathon that October. But for the next few years I only trained if I had a bib for Boston. Absolutely insane! That is what I call “Runner 1.0” – you run with no plan and no clue. Around 2008 when I joined the MRC, I began to refer to my self as “Runner 2.0”. I began to run all year round and several days a week. After I joined the club I began to run 5Ks frequently and ran three days a week. Running became my lifestyle and to the shock of anyone who knew me all my life, I became known as a runner.
Q: As a runner, what types of injuries have you sustained over the years?
A: My first injury happened when a 3 mile lunch time run turned into a 7.5 mile run. I wasn’t familiar with the area and took a wrong turn. This was probably in 2004 or 2005. I was not an experienced runner and that run knocked me down. I ended up with hip pain in my left hip that lasted for about three years. Basically I gave up long distance running and took a lot of Advil for way too long. I really thought that my running days were over. My doctor sent me for x-rays and I had some PT, but it really just took time to heal.
After that I had a piriformus strain, patella pain, and strained a quad. Probably not directly related to running but Fitzgerald PT has also treated me for back and shoulder pain. I’ve worked with several doctors at Fitzgerald, including Holly. Currently I’m working with Dr. Sarah Machione. It started with Achilles tendonitis and other issues have cropped up along the way. Most are old injuries that have been aggravated when I started to run again.
Q: When did you first come visit us at Fitzgerald PT and how did you hear about us?
A: I think my first visit with Holly was for patella pain. Someone at the club recommended Fitzgerald PT. I think most people in the Melrose Running Club go to Fitzgerald PT.
Q: What was your experience like at Fitzgerald PT? What did you enjoy the most?
At Fitzgerald PT, they know how to talk to a runner. You can’t just tell a runner to stop running or that it’s bad to run or that there is no path back to the running you used to do. Runners are used to being challenged and no is not an answer. I have worked with Holly, Ilya and Sarah. They all knew how far to push and when my treatment was complete. It is similar to a coach/athlete relationship. A good coach or PT can read their athlete and push enough to make progress but avoid injury. I always feel that my PT and I are on the same team. Their goal is to get me back out running and my goal is to get back to running. They have the expertise and experience to treat and strengthen my body. I never leave a session feeling like I haven’t been challenged. Progress is what we are both looking for and leaving a session knowing that I lifted more weight or mastered an exercise is a great feeling.
As the patient I am the other half of this team. I know that progress does not come from two appointments a week. It comes from daily work at home and following instructions. As I said, they know how much to push you. And if you go beyond that you are pushing beyond what your professional thinks is prudent. When you are feeling good it is very difficult not to push just a bit further than the prescribed routine. I’ve done this even with my current treatment. Runners always push just a bit harder. Hills were made for running after all! I guess what I enjoy most is the feeling of teamwork. I also enjoy running on the Alter-G Zero Gravity treadmill.
Q: What would you say to someone that is hesitant to try PT or claims that “it doesn’t work”?
A: PT does work and it doesn’t hurt. Whatever is bothering you may twinge when you do an exercise or during your assessment, but it’s not boot camp. I’m hesitant to go to a chiropractor because of that neck snap thing. PTs don’t do that. I’ve known people receiving PT treatment and only doing the workout with the PT and never at home. That just doesn’t work. Just like school or your job: if you do the work and follow the plan you will be fine, and most likley back to the activities you enjoy. I’m not sure why people would be hesitant about PT. Most insurance plans cover it to some extent. Even if you only go a few times and develop a plan, you can use that plan at home. I’ve incorporated a few things from each time I’ve been in for treatment. You can learn things that you can use for the rest of your life.
Q: What’s the best advice you can give you can give your fellow runners?
A: Cross train. You need to stretch and do strength training. Most of us consider it a waste of time but it is the only way to keep running. If I had cross trained all these years I would have avoided some of my injuries. And been a better runner. I could write a book on running advice and tips. I can give you a few key tips if you would like.
Q: What is on your race calendar thus far for 2022?
A: I’m still in treatment and haven’t signed up for anything. I keep getting email announcements about races but I worry that I’ll push too hard at a race and suffer a set back. I’m looking at the Cambridge 5K Classic Series. The first race is in May and I should be recovered enough to run a moderate 5K. This series is one of my favorites. I’m definitely running the BAA 10K in June. That is my streak race and I’ve never missed one since they started holding this race. I’ll crawl on my hands and knees up Comm Ave if I have to! All my friends are running half marathons and Boston, and it’s killing me. But I’m several months away from being able to run a half. Maybe the BAA half in October. Patience is the name of the game. I will get there. Eventually I will take the hill.
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