Invictus Physical Therapy & Sports Performance

11/13/2025

A little over 2 weeks ago I completed my 7th Marine Corps Marathon, I wanted to share how this one was different. When I signed up last spring, I had every intention of running the 50th Anniversary Race for my 50th trip around the sun. But then I had a bit of an injury, life got in the way, and I doubted my ability to train at a late stage so I decided I wasn't going to run.

Fast forward to last month when I started to wonder if I could gut it out without training. Could I walk a marathon and actually finish with ZERO training? Dumb idea right? But then I saw the Superman cape, finisher Blanket and kick-ass medal....and I really wanted that cape.

I made up several scenarios of how I could bail out if things went south throughout the course. I even had an escape route planned at Foggy Bottom to bring me back to the hotel. But once I got moving and felt the energy of the crowd, and thought about the reason I started running the USMC Marathon back in 2004 after losing a friend, I felt a strange sense of confidence- knowing I would beat the 14th street bridge and get my medal at the finish.

This was the most fun I've had in a marathon. I did not care about my time (other than beating the bridge) and I got to take in the sights of DC in a way I haven't been able to on my previous runs. I was able to take the time on the Blue Mile to read every name. Of all of the races I've finished, I'm most proud of this one. Yes- it took me almost 7 hours, and yes I am still sore 2 weeks later, and NO I would not recommend to anyone else to run a marathon without any training. But I proved to myself that I can do hard things. My husband said it was a gut check. I like to think of it as my way to show that I have the ability to be INVICTUS.

So whether your hard thing is a 5k, a marathon, a weight lifting PR, or even just a walk around the block- know that you can dig deep and find that inner strength. You are more powerful than you know. And our team will be here cheering you all along the way.

11/10/2025

Happy 250th USMC!

Video by Chief Warrant Officer Joshua Chacon, Sgt. James Stanfield and John Martinez

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/985153/250th-marine-corps-birthday-message

05/05/2025

Happy Monday! Just a quick update for our local clients. Sidewalk construction has begun in front of our office. We are open! But parking is tight- the Center Street Town Lot is the best bet to find a spot. Please allow extra time to find parking and make sure to follow the detour signs to get to the door. Thank you!

09/09/2024

Wanted to send out a huge congrats to 2 of our Invictus training clients. Both Erica and Laura crushed it on the course and ran personal bests earlier this summer in the LLBean 10k. We could not be more proud! They have both overcome some big hurdles and trusted us to help them prove they are UNCONQUERABLE. INVINCIBLE. UNDEFEATED.

Trying to hit a PR? Contact us - we can help!

03/06/2024

In our second KB demonstration video, Chuck demonstrates the Single Kettlebell Long Cycle Swing using two hands on the KB. The Kettlebell Swing is the foundational movement for many other KB exercises so it is important to learn this technique in order to progress with other exercises. The starting position for the long cycle swing is noted to be out in front so that you can generate the momentum to begin the swing without stressing your low back. Key elements for the SB Swing include driving your hips behind you and then exploding into hip extension while pushing your heels into the ground. The KB should not drop below knee height. Common mistakes include too much squatting and using the arms to lift the bell.

And yes, Chuck is still doing his 100 swings a day for those of you who were wondering....he's a beast.

In this video Coach Chuck Colborn demonstrates the Single Kettlebell Long Cycle Swing using two hands on the KB. The Kettlebell Swing is the foundational mov...

02/27/2024

https://youtu.be/D2meQLIBalc?feature=shared

We are starting a series of kettlebell demonstration videos that we will be uploading to our new YouTube channel. We hope you find these videos useful. We feel strongly that kettlebell movements are some of the best ways to perform functional strength training with low injury risk when performed correctly. This video is the first in the series with more to follow.

In this video Coach Chuck Colborn demonstrates a Single Kettlebell Press. It's important to note the rack position of the hand at midline and the ending over...

02/26/2024

This week, we are focusing on the nutrition needs of Female athletes. Understanding key aspects of the menstrual cycle and its impact on nutrition have come a long way in the past years. Peri and post menopause life cycle stages affect daily fueling, training nutrition including both marco and micronutrients, and hydration strategies. , , ,

02/20/2024

Let's talk about Protein. What are the different types of protein, and how can I incorporate them into my diet? Who may need extra protein: post-rehab/surgical patients, weight loss patients, competitive athletes depending on their periodization of training, and vegetarian athletes. Reach out to Invictus with any questions or to schedule a discovery call today.

02/14/2024

Keep that Immune System Strong! Learn more about Elderberry and its benefits! www.invictusptp.com.

02/08/2024

Meet Our Team

Coach Chuck Colborn, Director of Strength and Conditioning, has decades of experience working with athletes and military operators helping them to achieve performance goals. He specializes in multifaceted strength and conditioning programming with an emphasis on energy system development.

Heidi Horn, MS, RDN, CSSD, LDN, Lead Performance Dietitian, is a board-certified specialist in Sports Dietetics. She has spent her career developing nutrition programming for athletes, military Special Operators, pilots, and women in all life stages. She has vast experience in metabolic health and its effects on wellness & performance and is dedicated to helping individuals achieve a healthy sustainable lifestyle.

Emilie Schmidt, DPT, SCS, ATC, CSCS, founded Invictus Physical Therapy & Sports Performance, LLC after many years helping elite-level athletes and servicemembers, seeking to provide the same level of interdisciplinary sports medicine care to the general public. She is a board-certified Sports Medicine Physical Therapist, Athletic Trainer, and Strength & Conditioning specialist.

We work together as a team to develop the most comprehensive plan to help you achieve your sport, fitness, or wellness goals.

We offer on-site services in Brunswick, ME and Destin, FL*, and provide virtual appointments for all services throughout the United States and all US Military Installations.

*On-site Nutrition services only, within a 60-minute drive of Destin, FL