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Dr. Daniel Clearfield, who treats plenty of runners in his sports medicine practice, says he’s training for the Cowtown Marathon because he thinks it will give him greater insight into the injuries and complications his patients face.

As an athlete himself, he has participated in various sports, but none that are endurance-based, such as long-distance running.

"I have endured many sports-related injuries which have helped me connect with my patients in what they are going through," said Dr. Clearfield, DO, Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at UNT Health Science Center. "I want to experience running a marathon for myself in order to help make me a better physician and all-around athlete."

He has faced some challenges to his goal to run the Cowtown, which will be held Feb. 23, challenges familiar to most runners.

"I have already learned that you can plan a great workout, push yourself to stick to that workout, and do everything by the book, and you can still suffer an injury or illness that can set you back," Dr. Clearfield said. "Learning how to deal with this and continuing on with my training without losing focus has been a real challenge."

He is now taking the advice he regularly provides to patients.

 "Take it seriously, give yourself time to plan a routine, start your routine and stick to it," he said. "You should not increase your total running mileage more than 10 percent per week. The long run of the week should not be more than two miles more than the prior week, and it should not be more than 30 percent of your weekly mileage."

To make an appointment with Dr. Clearfield, contact 817-735-DOCS (3627). To learn more about the Cowtown Marathon, visit http://cowtownmarathon.org/

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