Testimonials
Dr. George Sheehan, Running Cardiologist during a Sports medicine clinic in Ridgefield, Conn., where he helped form the Wolfpit Running Club with Dr. Robert F. Weiss, who was the founder. This was followed by the inaugural 5 mile road race and a book signing of Dr. Sheehan's first book - Dr. Sheehan on Running.
Dr. Robert F. Weiss with Jim Fixx at Sports Medicine Clinic in Westport, Conn., prior to his first book signing - The Complete Book of Running (which was on the best seller book list for a number of years). Jim Fixx performed numerous clinics with Dr. Weiss and also field tested Dr. Weiss's first patented foot Orthotic.
As a lifelong athlete, it's comforting to be treated by a fellow athlete like Dr.Robert Weiss, a onetime football player and longtime marathon runner. All the better when that treatment is done so skillfully, in this case, by an outstanding podiatrist who is also a great guy who over the years has become a good friend.
It was Dr.Weiss who first noticed that one of my legs is shorter than the other and prescribed orthotics for both shoes, which have worked out very well, even to the point of preventing callouses and bunions from forming on the feet of that shorter leg. It's also nice to know that Dr. Weiss, like me, is also a writer -- in his case it's an avocation, not a vocation as it is for me.
Over the years I've found his "Running Doctor" columns both informative and helpful since they not only relate to long-distance runners like himself but to jocks like me who take part in a number of sports and to people who, though not heavily into sports, work out occasionally and sometimes develop problems with their feet (Bob Weiss's specialty) or ankles -- his son and associate, Scott's domain
Though he's been around a long time, I would not be about to challenge Bob Weiss in a long-distance race. He's just in too good shape. Maybe in tennis or shooting free-throws on a basketball court or in a 50-yard swim race, but not against the "Running Doctor" in a long foot race. He's too much of an expert in that sport, as he is in treating the feet of aging athletes like me.
Jack
(Jack , who lives in Wilton, Conn., covered sports for The New York Times for more than 30 years. He is now an author and a writing professor at Fairfield University in Connecticut and at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. also has written for Sports Illustrated, the Reader's Digest and a number of other national publications. He also is a former reporter for ABC News and CBS News. As an athlete, he now confines himself to tennis, golf, swimming and platform tennis.)
I knew the name Bob Weiss as my newspaper (The Hour) covered his accomplishments as a marathon runner. The first time I met him (1974), he proceeded to get my attention by standing on my desk to demonstrate the need for orthotics, especially for walkers and runners. He made sense, so I asked him if he would like to write a weekly column on the subject. In 1974, the "Running Doctor" column was born. .Also that year, at age 35, I took up tennis. It looked easy for a young "retired" jock. I soon found out that wasn't true. I was having problems with pain in my legs. I checked with Dr. Weiss and, after a complete examination, he changed my brand of sneaker and fit me with my first pair of orthotics.
For the next 20 years, I rose to the unofficial Top 25 media tennis players (minus media pros) in the country. During that time, my Patented-Orthotics along with Dr. Weiss' wisdom (not on tennis) guided me along to winning championships as US Open, National Associated Press Sports Editors, Family Circle, Tournament of Champions, and Dupont Cup. When it comes to the field of orthotics, there is nobody better than our "Running Doctor". If you don't believe me, just ask my wife, Patti, and two sons, Jeff & Rob, all of whom can speak about his expertise.
Lou
The Hour (Norwalk, Ct.)
Sports Editor (retired)
Hi Doc, I'm on my way to Delaware for the Senior Intersectional Tennis Competition. I don't think I would be going if it weren't for our visit last week. Your treatment for my plantar fasciitis seems to have it under control and I expect to be able to play the Senior Grass court Nationals next month also. Thanks for making it possible!
- Joe
* was inducted into the New England Tennis Hall of Fame at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, RI(1998). He was ranked #1 in the Men’s 35 Junior/Veteran Category in New England.
Dr. Weiss was the first podiatrist I saw who focused on helping athletes and made orthotics that I could comfortably run in. I ran varsity track and cross country throughout all four years of high school. I have been seeing Dr. Weiss for the last three years and his orthotics have made a huge difference in my running. Before Dr. Weiss I had seen several podiatrists andhad countless different orthotics, but Dr. Weiss was exactly who I was looking for—the Running Doctor. I am currently in my second year as a cadet at the United States Military Academy and am running with-out problems. Dr. Weiss is a phenomenal doctor and engineer of orthotics for athletes—I recommend him to any and everyone. He is also very kind and always a pleasure to see. Thank you for all you have done for me and all the other athletes you have helped.
-Sara
It should be known that Dr. Robert Weiss has helped me immensely throughout my track years. I did not start until I was 55 years old and didn’t know anything about pronation and how I was hurting myself. He has kept me running pain-free with treatments at the Foot and Ankle Institute of Darien and a "special" pair of custom made orthotics. He really knows his stuff and keeps up to date on all the new procedures out there. At 73 years old, he still has me running in competition for the Masters and Senior Olympics. I have recommended some of my
-MBR
I Have been a patient of Dr. Robert Weiss for over 30 years. As a track athlete at Southern CT State University, a fellow runner referred me to Dr. Weiss to help alleviate my foot problems. His care and the proper fitting with his patented orthotics have allowed me to achieve a high level of success as a collegiate track and field athlete to a present day masters athlete. During my college competition, I obtained All New England status in the indoor 60m hurdles, outdoor 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles and was the 1980 Pentathlon champion. I also finished in the top three at the Eastern Regional championships in the 100m hurdles and 400m hurdles and competed at the national championships in 1981 and 1982 in the 100m hurdles and was a member of the sprint medley relay. Post College I have achieved All American status in the 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles, high jump, long jump, triple jump and 5 K road race. My professional career spans over 20 years of teaching experience at the high school, middle school and elementary level in a combination of Biology, Health Education and Physical Education and coaching cross country and track and field at the college, high school and middle school level. Currently I’m the assistant girls cross country coach at Cheshire High School and the assistant boy’s track and field coach at the Middle school. My three children are also patients of Dr. Robert Weiss and are each fitted with his patented orthotics. Through his expertise and compassionate care, Dr. Weiss has enabled me to maintain a high level of fitness and to help my children pursue their athletic goals in volleyball, basketball and baseball. Dr. Weiss is a very talented physician and I am very grateful for his hard work and dedication to the field of Podiatric Medicine/Surgery.
- Pamela
Joel S. "Jace" Jacobson is a USATF Masters track & field athlete. He has been active for about 8 years and his passion is the triple jump. Jace credits track and field with saving his life as his participation has resulted in improving his overall health. He is happy to have found a specialist such as Dr. Robert Weiss, who can empathize with him and take good care of his feet.
I Cannot imagine a more caring, concerned doctor than Dr. Weiss. He treats my foot problems – but he also is concerned about me as a total human being.
His exams go beyond thorough. His prescriptions take care of whatever ails me. But far beyond that, he makes me feel better as a person. If Marcus Welby needed a partner, Dr. Weiss would be first on his list.
I have recommended Dr. Weiss to athletes experiencing foot problems for years. I have been a very pleased patient just as long. I am happy to travel a few extra miles – because Dr. Weiss’s office is like a home away from home.
As a law enforcement officer on my feet all day long I had multiple injuries that Dr. Robert Weiss diagnosed and treated. Dr. Weiss took the time to coach me through, get me better and I have all the praise in world for him. I’m able to swim, bike and run all because of Dr. Weiss. Dr. Weiss is one of the main reasons I’m in such good shape at my age and I’m still able to get through my days pain-free to continue to protect the People.
-BH
The Running Doctor: Robin Williams — jogger, cyclist
A Darien foot and ankle doctor remembers consulting with Robin Williams during his filming in Connecticut.
By Darien Times on September 1, 2014
The Cathedral in the Pines in New Hampshire. A memorial to Williams is set up in downtown Keene, N.H. near to where the actor once filmed a movie. (Dr. Robert Weiss photo)
It was 2009 when I first met Robin Williams as he was filming Old Dogs “with John Travolta and Seth Green. A Hollywood studio group turned the old Swank Factory in Norwalk, CT into a studio. The fact that he was a winner of a Grammy for best spoken comedy album and one of the world’s biggest comedy stars had nothing to do with our discussions.
He had been referred tour office for consultation. We were both all about exercise and sports. He noticed and was pleased that I was residency trained at a children’s hospital in Philadelphia. Williams had an interest in children. It was mentioned that my residency was at The James C Giuffre’ Medical Center (formally St. Luke’s & Children Medical Center.) At that time Dr. Giuffre’ was “surgeon to the stars,” as well as Joe Frazier’s doctor. It was the first heavyweight championship boxing match between Ali and Frazier—also known as the fight of the century. Robin said to me, “You were with the heavy weights,” and I replied that now I’m with the real heavy weight of all times — the best of the best. He smiled and said thank you — a very gracious gentleman.
Robin Williams was known to be a jogger who took daily jogs across the Golden Gate Bridge, yet his true passion was cycling. We talked about biomechanics in sports. He was extremely bright and in tune with the world’s problems and its stresses. We both agreed that by overworking the anxiety type of stress against the positive stress of exercise, a good feeling can be produced. We had lost contact with him after his heart surgery, but had told him that he made the world a better place, as he made people laugh and spread happiness and healing.
Dr. Robert F. Weiss is a podiatrist specializing in foot and ankle surgery. He was a member of the Medical Advisory Committee of the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Marathon Trials. Weiss is a veteran of 35 Marathons & has a practice in Darien; . More info: therunning doctor.net