Keep on Running, how do you maintain training schedules? Muscle Mechanics at The National Running Show 2026.

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Mar 24, 2026

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News | Pain | Rehabilitation | Sponsored | Sports & Exercise | Sports physiotherapy

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Administrator

Female Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 at the Thames Valley Business Awards.

Starting 2026 with a fresh perspective, new goals, and a London Marathon to train for. So many visitors returned to see our stand at The National Running Show in Birmingham NEC. Running has become a popular sport to access and get into fitness. Taking the research from The Running Conference hosted by Haku, the key data demonstrated a shift in trends to social running groups and accessible ways to join in regardless of ability or fitness level.

Muscle Mechanics saw an increase in return rate from the previous years visitors, demonstrating what we have to offer by way of recovery balms, has a place within this industry. Exploring the common areas of weakness within individuals that run for the first time or train over a few months for an event the knees, ankles and feet were hot topics.

Evaluation of walking gait, foot arch presentation and hip tilts made for an interesting weekend. Where fashion meets function, some runners were not completely sure if the shoe worked for them but were impressed by the level of science involved to create the shoe. So, sustainability, trends like featherlight with a high stack, midsole orthotic range and bounce back energy had a great feel of addressing the underlying issues of over pronation of the feet whilst running. However, our stand was extremely busy with enquiries as to how this problem was affecting their running.

Our Pain Relief balm almost sold out on day one with regards to joint aches and discomfort around the hip. We acknowledged the need for more insight to deliver a visual demonstration as to how the foot may pronate over time. Watching how trainers were being worn and where the weight distribution showed across the shin and ankle tension, Muscle Mechanics could spot a key pattern of movement. The way the ankle moved with an unsecure heel to when it had a higher back to the trainer to support the ankle affected the foot placement.

Our son Jenson has a similar issue, and it was a lightbulb moment that thousands of other people would need to look at this issue. Especially if they are growing into the sport from youth athletics clubs. So, evaluating and giving the runner some tips to best support their ankles happened to draw in a bigger audience. We will be looking at giving a talk at the next show to highlight the types of position that can create longstanding pain and instability of the whole leg system.

But for our company, we learned that many people battle with tight shins and calf strain. Even with intervention the problem remained. So, our recovery kits were in demand and Muscle Balm showed the ability like we knew it could with regards to tight shoulders and neck muscles. People new to the brand were impressed by the way it could ease mobility to regain a better form across the trapezius muscles. We even had diaphragm tension, intercostal inflammation, and rib cage restrictions. More talk about the leg length differences and how this impacts running and lower back pain.

As we train for London 2026, it is important to realise what the body can do when you rest. So many people were running everyday and hitting the wall with exhaustion. Even in well established gyms around the UK. The gym members were needing advice of how often they should be training. Bringing the question of small independents with personal service growing in demand again. The overall experience of Muscle Mechanics training for London 2026 and how the trends are emerging for more community-based influence, running is on the increase with more women joining challenging endurance-based events.

For #TeamJenson, we have learned about training the ankles with weight bearing exercise and applying Pain Relief the day after training. Spotting the signs of an over rotated shoulder, which is common for individuals that live with hemiplegia. Jenson is currently swimming both arms coordinated with backstroke and front crawl. The power produced when everything comes together, the speed and efficiency to swim further. Means all muscles are communicating well. Our goal is to attempt to jump from the ground and return to the floor still standing up. He has managed to jump into the pool, jump onto the furniture but not a jump from a standing position.

All our work to search for sports that are accessible, innovations to try and evaluate all feedback into Jenson’s movement recovery. To be recognised for this at a recent awards night in the Thames Valley, was simply incredible. We are sharing our story to help others looking for natural solutions to free up restrictions and neuro rehabilitation. So, we can all benefit from enjoying our active lives.

Wish us well by following Jenson’s Recovery Journey on our socials:
https://www.instagram.com/musclemechanicsbalms
https://www.facebook.com/musclemechanicsbalms
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-shamtally

Testimonials

https://www.muscle-mechanics.com“Great Stuff-Recovery Balm
Ordered this previously, after being given a sample at a race in Plymouth a couple of years ago. Have recently ordered my second tin as I was about to run out and had a calf strain. Thought I would be out for at least a couple of weeks, but I used this and it worked its magic along with some massage techniques. By two weeks I was completely back to normal. I am going to keep using it more often to prevent further issues. (Haymarr Jan 2026)”

“Pain Relief Balm
I was asked by my therapist to trial this balm for a swollen knee which did not work as results showed that I needed a replacement knee. However, I then tried it on my wrists and thumbs where I have rheumatoid arthritis and bingo! It works great for that. (Nathalie Yonow March 2026)”

If you wish to try out our balms, please look at our online shop here:
https://www.muscle-mechanics.com