This past weekend, the East Cobb – Marietta community showed up, bundled up, and laced up for the 2026 Polar Bear Run in Marietta, Georgia—and Advance Rehabilitation Physical Therapy was proud to be a sponsor of such an energizing local event.

The Polar Bear Run isn’t just about racing in chilly temperatures (though that’s definitely part of the fun). It’s about community, resilience, and celebrating movement—even when it’s cold outside. Those values align perfectly with who we are at Advance Rehab and why we do what we do.

Celebrating Our Own: Congrats to Analee Bradach!

Analee Bradach, PT, DPT East Cobb Advance Rehabilitation Physical Therapy Marietta","marietta georgia" One of the biggest highlights of the weekend for our team was cheering on Analee Bradach, PT, DPT, a Physical Therapist at our Advance Rehab East Cobb Clinic in Marietta, who took second place in her division with an impressive finish time of 21:47.

Analee’s performance is a true reflection of the dedication, discipline, and passion for movement that our clinicians bring—both inside and outside the clinic. Her commitment to running and overall fitness allows her to better understand the physical demands placed on athletes and active individuals, helping her provide exceptional care to her patients every day.

Her success is also a great reminder that our therapists don’t just coach healthy movement—they live it.

We Practice What We Preach

At Advance Rehab, many of our clinicians are runners, former collegiate athletes, endurance athletes, or lifelong movers. From weekend 5Ks to marathons, trail runs to CrossFit competitions, our team understands the physical and mental demands of training because we experience them firsthand.

This shared background allows us to:

Better connect with our patients
Understand sport-specific and endurance-related injuries
Promote long-term, sustainable movement—not just short-term fixes
Our clinicians’ passion for staying active strengthens the care we provide and reinforces our belief that movement is medicine.

Cold-Weather Running: Pro Tips from Our Therapists ❄️

Running outdoors in colder temperatures can be refreshing and rewarding—but it does require a little extra preparation. Here are a few pro tips from our Advance Rehab therapists to help you stay safe and comfortable when the temps drop: For a full list of cold weather running safety tips visit PTandMe.

1. Dress Smart (Not Heavy)
Layering is key when running in cold weather. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer and add lightweight insulating layers as needed. It’s best to begin your run feeling slightly cool, as your body temperature will rise once you’re moving.

According to Steve Demoss, Manager of Big Peach Running Company in East Cobb (Marietta), “Be careful not to fall into the overdressing trap. Remember, you will warm up and likely faster than you think. If you do like to be warm at the start, try wearing gear that can be shed easily (like arm sleeves) or a half zip or long sleeve that can easily be tied around the waist.”

2. Warm-up Longer
Cold muscles and joints need extra time to loosen up. A longer warm-up that includes dynamic movements—such as leg swings, lunges, and brisk walking—can help increase blood flow and reduce injury risk.

3. Protect Extremities
Hands, feet, and ears lose heat quickly in cold conditions. Wearing gloves, thermal socks, and ear coverings can significantly improve comfort and help prevent cold-related issues.

4. Watch Your Footing
Winter running surfaces may include frost, ice, or slick pavement. Shortening your stride, slowing your pace, and wearing appropriate footwear or traction can help reduce the risk of slips and falls.

5. Don’t Skip the Cool Down
Hydration and post-run stretching are just as important in cold weather. Muscles can tighten more quickly in low temperatures, so taking time to cool down properly supports recovery and flexibility.

Our Why: Community, Connection, and Healthy Lifestyles

Sponsoring events like the Polar Bear Run is about more than putting our name on a banner. Our why is simple: adam hughes advance rehabilitation physical advance rehab Marietta","marietta georgia"

To connect with our community
To encourage healthy, active lifestyles
To support people in moving confidently – at every stage of life

We love being out in the community and supporting events that bring people together through movement. If you have a community event you’d like Advance Rehab to sponsor, we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out to our Marketing Director, Adam Hughes, at adam.hughes@advancerehab.com

Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and braved the cold. We’re already looking forward to the next opportunity to show up, cheer loud, and keep East Cobb in Marietta moving—together.