Running Advice from pro or long time runners
QuestionableCarrot
Posts: 40 Member
In a nutshell I am back training hard after a huge lay off (back problems and other things have encroached) and I have already fell in love with working out again
Heres where I need the help
Last summer I complteted C25k and was running steadily three times a week and got all the custom fitting and proper warm up and cool down sorted. Fast forward - tendonitis in right foot.
As a result no running for four months and lots of physio and icing.
In May of this year I finished the C25k programme and vowed to take it easy this time for fear of hurting myself again - an even more comprethensive pre run programme and 15 minutes of good post run stretching. Admittedly I was running and improving faster than last time because I was cycling every other day as well.
Bang
Right foot tendonitis.
A question to the big runners out there who do the miles every week,. Do you think I could shorten my sessions to 2 or maybe 1 run a week to avoid this over use problem pain?
Any thoughts stories gladly received
Cheers
Heres where I need the help
Last summer I complteted C25k and was running steadily three times a week and got all the custom fitting and proper warm up and cool down sorted. Fast forward - tendonitis in right foot.
As a result no running for four months and lots of physio and icing.
In May of this year I finished the C25k programme and vowed to take it easy this time for fear of hurting myself again - an even more comprethensive pre run programme and 15 minutes of good post run stretching. Admittedly I was running and improving faster than last time because I was cycling every other day as well.
Bang
Right foot tendonitis.
A question to the big runners out there who do the miles every week,. Do you think I could shorten my sessions to 2 or maybe 1 run a week to avoid this over use problem pain?
Any thoughts stories gladly received
Cheers
0
Replies
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have you considered having your run gait analyzed? there are physical therapists who specialize in this and might be able to identify any issues with your running style that could be exacerbating the tendonitis3
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QuestionableCarrot wrote: »In a nutshell I am back training hard after a huge lay off (back problems and other things have encroached) and I have already fell in love with working out again
Heres where I need the help
Last summer I complteted C25k and was running steadily three times a week and got all the custom fitting and proper warm up and cool down sorted. Fast forward - tendonitis in right foot.
As a result no running for four months and lots of physio and icing.
In May of this year I finished the C25k programme and vowed to take it easy this time for fear of hurting myself again - an even more comprethensive pre run programme and 15 minutes of good post run stretching. Admittedly I was running and improving faster than last time because I was cycling every other day as well.
Bang
Right foot tendonitis.
A question to the big runners out there who do the miles every week,. Do you think I could shorten my sessions to 2 or maybe 1 run a week to avoid this over use problem pain?
Any thoughts stories gladly received
Cheers
try 2 x a week
try different shoes or lacing differently
try shortening the length of your runs as an alternative to cutting down to 2 x a week2 -
Thanks for the input....
Last year I started taking the lacing out of the middle of the show so that they don't come across the foot because of high arch. The shoes (New Balance Fresh Foam 1080) were custom fit so all good that end.
Yes running twice a week or shorter pace could be the way to go0 -
QuestionableCarrot wrote: »Thanks for the input....
Last year I started taking the lacing out of the middle of the show so that they don't come across the foot because of high arch. The shoes (New Balance Fresh Foam 1080) were custom fit so all good that end.
Yes running twice a week or shorter pace could be the way to go
i have had 2 pairs of running shoes that were custom fit for me... they were still the most uncomfortable shoes known to man after a few minutes running, so i wouldn't rule them out straight away if the tendinitis occurred after getting them.
icing even when there's no pain might help too?1 -
Im icing at every available min and using Arnica gel for the inflammation - its not as bad this time around which means I can hopefully get biking again soon.
Interesting to note what you say about the shoes but they have felt great from the moment I have got them. I think I have just went too hard too soon again.
I think running maybe once a week or twice at the most is the way forward0 -
What kind of pacing are you using? Have you tried slowing down instead of running fewer times per week?0
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Tendinitis is tough to deal with. It often never fully heals, so you just have to learn to manage it the best that you can. Where in your foot is the tendinitis? Do you use orthotics? I have had a metatarsal stress fracture and my doctor recommended orthotics. Because custom ones can be really expensive, she recommended OTC ones (Power Step is what I use) and they help be tremendously. Also, make sure you continue to do the exercises recommended by you physio. Otherwise, you will always be back at square one.0
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TavistockToad wrote: »QuestionableCarrot wrote: »In a nutshell I am back training hard after a huge lay off (back problems and other things have encroached) and I have already fell in love with working out again
Heres where I need the help
Last summer I complteted C25k and was running steadily three times a week and got all the custom fitting and proper warm up and cool down sorted. Fast forward - tendonitis in right foot.
As a result no running for four months and lots of physio and icing.
In May of this year I finished the C25k programme and vowed to take it easy this time for fear of hurting myself again - an even more comprethensive pre run programme and 15 minutes of good post run stretching. Admittedly I was running and improving faster than last time because I was cycling every other day as well.
Bang
Right foot tendonitis.
A question to the big runners out there who do the miles every week,. Do you think I could shorten my sessions to 2 or maybe 1 run a week to avoid this over use problem pain?
Any thoughts stories gladly received
Cheers
try 2 x a week
try different shoes or lacing differently
try shortening the length of your runs as an alternative to cutting down to 2 x a week
Yes -- before cutting the number of days, I'd try shortening the session length. Trying to pack more into two days a week while already hurt/injured just seems like a recipe for further injury.1 -
Depending on where the tendonitis is, have you tried foam rolling? I often have trouble with my left Achilles’ tendon and foam rolling my calf helps a lot! Other things I’ve done are rest, NSAID’s and epsom salt soaks, supposedly the magnesium helps with inflammation. I have to admit that as unpleasant as foam rolling is, it’s the thing that has given me the best results for my Achilles.0
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Personally I'd suggest a physiotherapist for advice.
Once the tendonitis has eased and you're pain free can I suggest reading your pace, and possibly your distance. I wouldn't reduce the number of runs that you do, as the developmental effect does depend on frequency.
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physiotherapist might be needed
slow down and/or go shorter distances
stretch-dynamic before, static after.
roll and/or massage your legs
also, roll your feet
basically, get everything as loose as you can
imo-not a dr or a therapist, but tendonitis prone1 -
Try better insoles in your shoes, like Superfeet.
Or, maybe you are due for a new pair if you bought them last year.
Then, ice afterwards. (The other thing often recommended is an anti-inflammatory, like aspirin or ibuprofen, but I would advise against reliance on that. They probably interfere with healing.)
I don't mean to sound unsympathetic. But, do you want to be a runner? Then suck it up and keep running.
Most long-term runners are long-term because they simply run through these things. Medical experts estimate that half of runners gets injured every year. That sounds about right to me. Running through an injury probably makes the healing take a bit longer. But it probably also ultimately makes you stronger.
You could cut the mileage a bit until the pain gets somewhat better. But runners run -- hot, cold, rain, shine, pain, no pain.
See a doc if you need to, but keep running.5 -
Rather than a physiotherapist or a GP, go and see a podiatrist, one that specialises in runners/athletes.1
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Guys
Thanks for all the input - much appreciated
I am seeing a physiotherapist today; someone who specialises in running and football injuries. Theyre telling me it sounds like Peroneal tendonitis and that it wont be too bad.
Answering some of the feedback. Yes runners do get hurt and no I am not afraid or averse to hard work but I am thinking in the long run running for my health is going to counterproductive. might as well bike than get hurt right?
I am going to book in with a podiatrist after the healing is underway
Yes foam rolling is something that I want to try and intend to buy some stuff about it0 -
Consider indoor rowing instead of biking. As a former runner, biker and now rower, rowing tends to really balance out body imbalances that you tend to get from mostly running. If you can find a Concept2 or WaterRower to access instead of a bike and work on form a lot, I think you'll also find that might help you as well. There are many, many articles on various Runner's publications talking about this as very helpful cross training.
Ask you physio if rowing might be a good idea if they are familiar with it. A lot of the stretches I've seen recommended for Peroneal Tendonitis are flexibility stretches in the ankle. Indoor rowing would certainly do that for you. Really works on your ankle flexibility if done properly.0 -
I finally went to a running store and got fit for shoes that I totally hate and are so uncomfortable. I found ones that I liked to run in that are comfy to my liking (a netural shoe rather than a stabilizing one). No pain. Go figure.0
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Yes to whoever suggested a podiatrist! Tendonitis can be a bear to deal with, but sometimes a physio or podiatrist can get you back running and you can work on the root cause over time. I had an extremely painful foot, which turned out to be a tendonitis. The podiatrist took an over the counter insole and stuck on some padding so one particular toe wasn't pushing off. Pain subsided immediately.0
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I would look into the shoes but not just the running shoes. I started developing a lot of pain in my ankle and was thinking it was the camber in the road so I tried running on the wrong side of the road. The culprit turned out to be my favorite pair of sandals that I had been wearing on evening walks. I ditched them and all went back to normal.0
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the response and help on this forum is superb - thanks
Ive confirmed Peroneal Tendonitis but its not the end of the world. The cycling doesnt bother it and I am going to keep it slow to begin with. Ill also be making a visit to the Podiatrist as recommended!2 -
GiddyupTim wrote: »Try better insoles in your shoes, like Superfeet.
Or, maybe you are due for a new pair if you bought them last year.
Then, ice afterwards. (The other thing often recommended is an anti-inflammatory, like aspirin or ibuprofen, but I would advise against reliance on that. They probably interfere with healing.)
I don't mean to sound unsympathetic. But, do you want to be a runner? Then suck it up and keep running.
Most long-term runners are long-term because they simply run through these things. Medical experts estimate that half of runners gets injured every year. That sounds about right to me. Running through an injury probably makes the healing take a bit longer. But it probably also ultimately makes you stronger.
You could cut the mileage a bit until the pain gets somewhat better. But runners run -- hot, cold, rain, shine, pain, no pain.
See a doc if you need to, but keep running.
I don’t agree with the advice to suck it up and run through pain. I had PF, ran through it, and ended up tearing my plantar fascia. I have heard the same thing happening to others. I also ran through a stress fracture in my foot and now have arthritis in that foot.
For sure running through DISCOMFORT is necessary, but pain is different and shouldn’t be ignored.8 -
Yes, it is true. I am not the most prudent runner to be giving advice.
I ran and played soccer with plantar fasciitis for 10 years before I was able to get it better. So take what I say with a grain of salt.
People need to be smart enough to know when to go to the doctor of physio, and it is not possible to judge when that is over the internet.
BUT, the fact is: People who do strenuous activities get dings and nicks and nagging injuries all the time.
When i say that statistics suggest that half of runners get an injury every year, those 'injuries' referred to by those statistics are injuries that the runners said impacted their training somehow -- meaning they had to take time off from running or they had to curb the distances they ran or something like that.
But it doesn't count the other myriad little, niggling injuries -- like a slightly strained ankle or a sore quad -- that every runner knows that you get, probably more often.
So, really, it is more than half of runners who have to deal with some kind of an injury in a year -- maybe two or three...
If we always waited only until we were 100 percent, most of us would never run and we certainly would never run enough to get any better.2 -
GiddyupTim wrote: »Yes, it is true. I am not the most prudent runner to be giving advice.
I ran and played soccer with plantar fasciitis for 10 years before I was able to get it better. So take what I say with a grain of salt.
People need to be smart enough to know when to go to the doctor of physio, and it is not possible to judge when that is over the internet.
BUT, the fact is: People who do strenuous activities get dings and nicks and nagging injuries all the time.
When i say that statistics suggest that half of runners get an injury every year, those 'injuries' referred to by those statistics are injuries that the runners said impacted their training somehow -- meaning they had to take time off from running or they had to curb the distances they ran or something like that.
But it doesn't count the other myriad little, niggling injuries -- like a slightly strained ankle or a sore quad -- that every runner knows that you get, probably more often.
So, really, it is more than half of runners who have to deal with some kind of an injury in a year -- maybe two or three...
If we always waited only until we were 100 percent, most of us would never run and we certainly would never run enough to get any better.
Very true. I have been running for 20+ years. I have had to seek professional advice regarding running related injuries twice during that time, but I can't remember the last time I did not have something nagging me. I am currently dealing with hamstring tendinitis. This is one of the injuries I saw a physical therapist for last spring. I have come to realize that it will probably never heal completely unless I stop running. But I have also come to realize that I am more miserable not running than I am from the pain of my injury, so I just do the best I can at managing it in the form of more rest days, more cross training, strength training and stretching. It just comes with the territory, especially as we get older.0 -
LeanButNotMean44 wrote: »GiddyupTim wrote: »Try better insoles in your shoes, like Superfeet.
Or, maybe you are due for a new pair if you bought them last year.
Then, ice afterwards. (The other thing often recommended is an anti-inflammatory, like aspirin or ibuprofen, but I would advise against reliance on that. They probably interfere with healing.)
I don't mean to sound unsympathetic. But, do you want to be a runner? Then suck it up and keep running.
Most long-term runners are long-term because they simply run through these things. Medical experts estimate that half of runners gets injured every year. That sounds about right to me. Running through an injury probably makes the healing take a bit longer. But it probably also ultimately makes you stronger.
You could cut the mileage a bit until the pain gets somewhat better. But runners run -- hot, cold, rain, shine, pain, no pain.
See a doc if you need to, but keep running.
I don’t agree with the advice to suck it up and run through pain. I had PF, ran through it, and ended up tearing my plantar fascia. I have heard the same thing happening to others. I also ran through a stress fracture in my foot and now have arthritis in that foot.
For sure running through DISCOMFORT is necessary, but pain is different and shouldn’t be ignored.
Ditto, I agree. This is terrible advice. I ran through peroneal tendinitis and ended up with crutches and a boot for weeks.1 -
I ran through pain for over a year. I absolutely loved trail running. I would enter 3 to 7 mile races and it was the best thing I've ever done athletically. Chronic runners knee took the joy out of running for me. I had to start doing only Stationary bike and rowing to stop the pain and found out I loved rowing as much as running, though there are times I really miss the trails.
For me, the straw that broke the camels back was I would sit inflammed for hours (sometimes 2/3 hours) after every run. That's not healthy. Inflammation can wreak havoc on your body. When logic kicked in over my passion for running, I started feeling a ton better. I still miss the outdoors and running but I'd be lying if I didn't say I love the lack of pain more.
Rowing (for some) is a great transition -- very similar training, cardio efficiency and data overload that running has. I know a lot of older runners that have found indoor rowing (and outdoor rowing) and wish they had transitioned sooner. Many can just run into their 70s or later. I'm astounded by those people and envious too.
One of my worst running memories was staying with a guy probably in his late 60s/early 70s that had his knee completely dislocate on him on a soggy course (horrible course, had like 3 inches of rain the two days before). I had that happen to me in my early 40s and it's traumatic as hell. I was running my best race ever at the time but wanted to stay with him so he didn't go into shock. I felt just awful with him knowing that might be his last race. It's very sad when you love running and realize you can't any longer.
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amymoreorless wrote: »LeanButNotMean44 wrote: »GiddyupTim wrote: »Try better insoles in your shoes, like Superfeet.
Or, maybe you are due for a new pair if you bought them last year.
Then, ice afterwards. (The other thing often recommended is an anti-inflammatory, like aspirin or ibuprofen, but I would advise against reliance on that. They probably interfere with healing.)
I don't mean to sound unsympathetic. But, do you want to be a runner? Then suck it up and keep running.
Most long-term runners are long-term because they simply run through these things. Medical experts estimate that half of runners gets injured every year. That sounds about right to me. Running through an injury probably makes the healing take a bit longer. But it probably also ultimately makes you stronger.
You could cut the mileage a bit until the pain gets somewhat better. But runners run -- hot, cold, rain, shine, pain, no pain.
See a doc if you need to, but keep running.
I don’t agree with the advice to suck it up and run through pain. I had PF, ran through it, and ended up tearing my plantar fascia. I have heard the same thing happening to others. I also ran through a stress fracture in my foot and now have arthritis in that foot.
For sure running through DISCOMFORT is necessary, but pain is different and shouldn’t be ignored.
Ditto, I agree. This is terrible advice. I ran through peroneal tendinitis and ended up with crutches and a boot for weeks.
Sigh.
Nobody said there aren't serious injuries.
Nobody said there aren't times when you have to have wisdom enough to seek medical advice.
But, let's face it, strenuous physical activity will take a toll. At times, and at some point, you're just going to have to suck it up, buttercup, if you want to do demanding exercise.
Even the professionals get repetitive motion and overuse injuries.
I am sorry you guys got serious injuries. I would argue, however, that it is better to be active and reap the consequences, than to be timid and sedentary and reap the consequences of that.4 -
GiddyupTim wrote: »amymoreorless wrote: »LeanButNotMean44 wrote: »GiddyupTim wrote: »Try better insoles in your shoes, like Superfeet.
Or, maybe you are due for a new pair if you bought them last year.
Then, ice afterwards. (The other thing often recommended is an anti-inflammatory, like aspirin or ibuprofen, but I would advise against reliance on that. They probably interfere with healing.)
I don't mean to sound unsympathetic. But, do you want to be a runner? Then suck it up and keep running.
Most long-term runners are long-term because they simply run through these things. Medical experts estimate that half of runners gets injured every year. That sounds about right to me. Running through an injury probably makes the healing take a bit longer. But it probably also ultimately makes you stronger.
You could cut the mileage a bit until the pain gets somewhat better. But runners run -- hot, cold, rain, shine, pain, no pain.
See a doc if you need to, but keep running.
I don’t agree with the advice to suck it up and run through pain. I had PF, ran through it, and ended up tearing my plantar fascia. I have heard the same thing happening to others. I also ran through a stress fracture in my foot and now have arthritis in that foot.
For sure running through DISCOMFORT is necessary, but pain is different and shouldn’t be ignored.
Ditto, I agree. This is terrible advice. I ran through peroneal tendinitis and ended up with crutches and a boot for weeks.
Sigh.
Nobody said there aren't serious injuries.
Nobody said there aren't times when you have to have wisdom enough to seek medical advice.
But, let's face it, strenuous physical activity will take a toll. At times, and at some point, you're just going to have to suck it up, buttercup, if you want to do demanding exercise.
Even the professionals get repetitive motion and overuse injuries.
I am sorry you guys got serious injuries. I would argue, however, that it is better to be active and reap the consequences, than to be timid and sedentary and reap the consequences of that.
I don't think anyone is suggesting to be timid and sedentary...and there's a difference between working through a little discomfort and soreness or being a little nicked up and running and pushing through an full on injury.
I have posterior tibial tendinitis that flares up from time to time. As per my podiatrist, even walking too much while it's flared up risks a full rupture and my arch collapsing...not quite the same thing as a little soreness in a quad or something.
As to the OP...my tendinitis is one of the primary reasons I stopped running and turned to my bike as my primary cardio. I was getting flare ups on a regular basis from running...like pretty much every month or two. I get maybe one or two a year now cycling.3 -
GiddyupTim wrote: »amymoreorless wrote: »LeanButNotMean44 wrote: »GiddyupTim wrote: »Try better insoles in your shoes, like Superfeet.
Or, maybe you are due for a new pair if you bought them last year.
Then, ice afterwards. (The other thing often recommended is an anti-inflammatory, like aspirin or ibuprofen, but I would advise against reliance on that. They probably interfere with healing.)
I don't mean to sound unsympathetic. But, do you want to be a runner? Then suck it up and keep running.
Most long-term runners are long-term because they simply run through these things. Medical experts estimate that half of runners gets injured every year. That sounds about right to me. Running through an injury probably makes the healing take a bit longer. But it probably also ultimately makes you stronger.
You could cut the mileage a bit until the pain gets somewhat better. But runners run -- hot, cold, rain, shine, pain, no pain.
See a doc if you need to, but keep running.
I don’t agree with the advice to suck it up and run through pain. I had PF, ran through it, and ended up tearing my plantar fascia. I have heard the same thing happening to others. I also ran through a stress fracture in my foot and now have arthritis in that foot.
For sure running through DISCOMFORT is necessary, but pain is different and shouldn’t be ignored.
Ditto, I agree. This is terrible advice. I ran through peroneal tendinitis and ended up with crutches and a boot for weeks.
Sigh.
Nobody said there aren't serious injuries.
Nobody said there aren't times when you have to have wisdom enough to seek medical advice.
But, let's face it, strenuous physical activity will take a toll. At times, and at some point, you're just going to have to suck it up, buttercup, if you want to do demanding exercise.
Even the professionals get repetitive motion and overuse injuries.
I am sorry you guys got serious injuries. I would argue, however, that it is better to be active and reap the consequences, than to be timid and sedentary and reap the consequences of that.
I've been reflecting on this, and would suggest that there is a big difference between a new or inexperienced runner cf an experienced one. Experience allows one to determine whether that pain is fatigue, or something to work through, something to ease back on our to go for some external support.
I'd also distinguish between chronic conditions and acute. About three years ago I had enough pain within 100 metres that I turned round and sacked the 10K I had planned. The pain indicated a potential injury that would have stopped running, or cycling, for six months. I did a 20K cycle instead and had a precautionary fortnight off running. Another time I've done a 20 miler with existing pain because I understood enough to know it wasn't harmful.
I've done enough in terms of both running and study of coaching to make those judgements, the originator hasn't.3 -
So you were able to complete C25K without any problems? So why not just keep on the same schedule for running that.
Perhaps just repeat the last 2 or 3 weeks. Keep on doing that for a few months and then very slowly increase the distance or time you are out for.
If you start to feel pain, then dial it back again to the last level of C25K where you were able to complete a week without issues.2 -
MeanderingMammal wrote: »GiddyupTim wrote: »amymoreorless wrote: »LeanButNotMean44 wrote: »GiddyupTim wrote: »Try better insoles in your shoes, like Superfeet.
Or, maybe you are due for a new pair if you bought them last year.
Then, ice afterwards. (The other thing often recommended is an anti-inflammatory, like aspirin or ibuprofen, but I would advise against reliance on that. They probably interfere with healing.)
I don't mean to sound unsympathetic. But, do you want to be a runner? Then suck it up and keep running.
Most long-term runners are long-term because they simply run through these things. Medical experts estimate that half of runners gets injured every year. That sounds about right to me. Running through an injury probably makes the healing take a bit longer. But it probably also ultimately makes you stronger.
You could cut the mileage a bit until the pain gets somewhat better. But runners run -- hot, cold, rain, shine, pain, no pain.
See a doc if you need to, but keep running.
I don’t agree with the advice to suck it up and run through pain. I had PF, ran through it, and ended up tearing my plantar fascia. I have heard the same thing happening to others. I also ran through a stress fracture in my foot and now have arthritis in that foot.
For sure running through DISCOMFORT is necessary, but pain is different and shouldn’t be ignored.
Ditto, I agree. This is terrible advice. I ran through peroneal tendinitis and ended up with crutches and a boot for weeks.
Sigh.
Nobody said there aren't serious injuries.
Nobody said there aren't times when you have to have wisdom enough to seek medical advice.
But, let's face it, strenuous physical activity will take a toll. At times, and at some point, you're just going to have to suck it up, buttercup, if you want to do demanding exercise.
Even the professionals get repetitive motion and overuse injuries.
I am sorry you guys got serious injuries. I would argue, however, that it is better to be active and reap the consequences, than to be timid and sedentary and reap the consequences of that.
I've been reflecting on this, and would suggest that there is a big difference between a new or inexperienced runner cf an experienced one. Experience allows one to determine whether that pain is fatigue, or something to work through, something to ease back on our to go for some external support.
I'd also distinguish between chronic conditions and acute. About three years ago I had enough pain within 100 metres that I turned round and sacked the 10K I had planned. The pain indicated a potential injury that would have stopped running, or cycling, for six months. I did a 20K cycle instead and had a precautionary fortnight off running. Another time I've done a 20 miler with existing pain because I understood enough to know it wasn't harmful.
I've done enough in terms of both running and study of coaching to make those judgements, the originator hasn't.
I give up.
Does anyone really believe I am advocating running through a broken leg or a torn ligament? And never going to the doctor for anything running or exercise related?
That would be patently ridiculous.
But, the originator is on the internet. If he has serious medical issue, he should be seeking medical attention. Not querying the Interweb yahoos for advice.
All I am saying is that each of us will, and does, get overuse and stress injuries from time to time. We can either chose to stop and not exercise -- which, it could be argued, might be worse, when one considers how often these things happen -- or we can, with prudence, push through.
The best do that. Roger Federer just exited Wimbledon, but before his exit, he played every other day, three and four hour matches for almost two weeks. I guarantee you he had aches and pains, despite the grass. He played through. That's why he is good.
I remember reading once about Allen Iverson near the end of his career. He had plantar fasciitis so bad he could hardly walk in the morning. And yet, he was playing games in the NBA.
Andre Agassi opens his memoir with a description of how his back was so bad from all his exertions that he had to sleep on the floor most nights.
Callous as it may sound, that is why those people are champions.
If we knock off every time we have injury and pain we may never progress and become stronger, or eventually lighter, which is easier on the body. Not if you figure you are likely to have an injury every year, more if you are new to exercise, or if you are always on the couch waiting to get better.
I am also not saying there aren't times when you need to modify your activities. Maybe you cannot run, so you bike. Maybe you cannot bike, so you swim.
Still, the fact of the matter is, most runners get shin splints when they first start running, in their first few years, for example. Most of us, when we get them, cut back a bit, for a little while. But we usually don't stop completely, or if so, not for very long, and at some point we run with the discomfort or pain and our body adapts and it goes away. Those who stop completely every time do not get the adaptation and most likely never become long-time runners.8 -
GiddyupTim wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »GiddyupTim wrote: »amymoreorless wrote: »LeanButNotMean44 wrote: »GiddyupTim wrote: »Try better insoles in your shoes, like Superfeet.
Or, maybe you are due for a new pair if you bought them last year.
Then, ice afterwards. (The other thing often recommended is an anti-inflammatory, like aspirin or ibuprofen, but I would advise against reliance on that. They probably interfere with healing.)
I don't mean to sound unsympathetic. But, do you want to be a runner? Then suck it up and keep running.
Most long-term runners are long-term because they simply run through these things. Medical experts estimate that half of runners gets injured every year. That sounds about right to me. Running through an injury probably makes the healing take a bit longer. But it probably also ultimately makes you stronger.
You could cut the mileage a bit until the pain gets somewhat better. But runners run -- hot, cold, rain, shine, pain, no pain.
See a doc if you need to, but keep running.
I don’t agree with the advice to suck it up and run through pain. I had PF, ran through it, and ended up tearing my plantar fascia. I have heard the same thing happening to others. I also ran through a stress fracture in my foot and now have arthritis in that foot.
For sure running through DISCOMFORT is necessary, but pain is different and shouldn’t be ignored.
Ditto, I agree. This is terrible advice. I ran through peroneal tendinitis and ended up with crutches and a boot for weeks.
Sigh.
Nobody said there aren't serious injuries.
Nobody said there aren't times when you have to have wisdom enough to seek medical advice.
But, let's face it, strenuous physical activity will take a toll. At times, and at some point, you're just going to have to suck it up, buttercup, if you want to do demanding exercise.
Even the professionals get repetitive motion and overuse injuries.
I am sorry you guys got serious injuries. I would argue, however, that it is better to be active and reap the consequences, than to be timid and sedentary and reap the consequences of that.
I've been reflecting on this, and would suggest that there is a big difference between a new or inexperienced runner cf an experienced one. Experience allows one to determine whether that pain is fatigue, or something to work through, something to ease back on our to go for some external support.
I'd also distinguish between chronic conditions and acute. About three years ago I had enough pain within 100 metres that I turned round and sacked the 10K I had planned. The pain indicated a potential injury that would have stopped running, or cycling, for six months. I did a 20K cycle instead and had a precautionary fortnight off running. Another time I've done a 20 miler with existing pain because I understood enough to know it wasn't harmful.
I've done enough in terms of both running and study of coaching to make those judgements, the originator hasn't.
I give up.
Does anyone really believe I am advocating running through a broken leg or a torn ligament? And never going to the doctor for anything running or exercise related?
That would be patently ridiculous.
But, the originator is on the internet. If he has serious medical issue, he should be seeking medical attention. Not querying the Interweb yahoos for advice.
All I am saying is that each of us will, and does, get overuse and stress injuries from time to time. We can either chose to stop and not exercise -- which, it could be argued, might be worse, when one considers how often these things happen -- or we can, with prudence, push through.
The best do that. Roger Federer just exited Wimbledon, but before his exit, he played every other day, three and four hour matches for almost two weeks. I guarantee you he had aches and pains, despite the grass. He played through. That's why he is good.
I remember reading once about Allen Iverson near the end of his career. He had plantar fasciitis so bad he could hardly walk in the morning. And yet, he was playing games in the NBA.
Andre Agassi opens his memoir with a description of how his back was so bad from all his exertions that he had to sleep on the floor most nights.
Callous as it may sound, that is why those people are champions.
If we knock off every time we have injury and pain we may never progress and become stronger, or eventually lighter, which is easier on the body. Not if you figure you are likely to have an injury every year, more if you are new to exercise, or if you are always on the couch waiting to get better.
I am also not saying there aren't times when you need to modify your activities. Maybe you cannot run, so you bike. Maybe you cannot bike, so you swim.
Still, the fact of the matter is, most runners get shin splints when they first start running, in their first few years, for example. Most of us, when we get them, cut back a bit, for a little while. But we usually don't stop completely, or if so, not for very long, and at some point we run with the discomfort or pain and our body adapts and it goes away. Those who stop completely every time do not get the adaptation and most likely never become long-time runners.
Kenny Rogers said it best...
You've got to know when to hold 'em,
Know when to fold 'em.
Know when to walk away
And know when to run.
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