Running pain

OnionMomma

Let me preface this by saying, I really think the problem is I need new shoes.

I have a pain running from right at my rear to the back of my knee. I have just started training for my 2nd 10K and want to move into training for my first half (will be on Oct 5th). I am not limping, nothing is swollen, it's more of a sore muscle pain then anything.

I am thinking, I"m going to lighten up and take more rest days than are on my schedule to help with the pain and not cause issues for when I move into my half training. (I can run the 10K that won't be a problem, I did one already and just wanted to follow a training schedule for my second)

Do you think this is a "shoes" issue or am I ramping up my running too quickly.

Prior to starting training, I was running 3 times per week and doing between 5 and 6 miles each time. Currently, I am following Hal Higdon's (interm.) schedule.

I have no problem cutting back my running now, getting a new pair of shoes, and then moving into half training at the right time, just wondering what other think first.

(I've been running for about 18 months but have just decided to start doing races)

Thanks for the advice.

harthron

I have returned to really running last year and one of the best things I ever did was actually go into a running store and have them watch me walk and jog around the store and they were able to then recommend a shoe for me and it helped so much. When I started running again I had the same thing, sore muscles but no pain or injury. Once I was in the new shoes everything felt better and I finished a marathon last year. I doubt I could have trained like I did without the new shoes. When I was younger and a regulare marathon runner I could have cared less about what running shoes I weared. Now that I'm older and wiser I've learned to seek out experts when it comes to taking care of my feet. I would suggest going to a local running store and have them watch you move around and fit you with the right shoe. I hope that helps.

OnionMomma

^^Thanks!

I was fitted for the pair I have. I am wearing Brooks Ghost 6 running shoes.

Now, they said, I am running fine but I have a sports med DR who about a year ago has me using inserts for pronation and P.F.

Since putting the inserts in my shoes, I have not had any issues with my P.F. at all.

I really need to go back and get fitted again. This last time, they put me in regular shoes (not stability). I wonder if I should try on some stability shoes to help.

With my current shoes, when they were new, the running store told me to try them without the inserts. That put me in pain. I was told by them that if that happened, to put the inserts back in and use them. Once I did that, pain went away.

UGH, I need to get to the store and get fitted again and tell them what's going on.

I met one of them at my last 10K. He won his age group (65+) with right under 45 mins.

I can only hope I can get that fast and stay that way at that age!!!!

kmegow

Shoes are frequently the problem with running injuries, so definitely work on that. But it sounds like your pain could be a hamstring strain. You might want to work with a trainer or PT. Ignoring a hamstring injury can be a big mistake.

BrianSharpe

How many miles do you have on your current shoes? (They may just be due for replacement)

There are numerous possible causes for the pain, overuse may be one of them - you could try dialing back the volume a little to see how you feel; another possible cause is hip or glute weakness - check out the videos on runnersworld.com

Cross training and strength training can help with a lot of these issues. If the pain continues look for a sports medicine specialist (most GPs know something less than diddly about sports injury issues)

schmenge55

If you can, have two pairs of shoes and rotate them. Allows your shoes to "recover" and get a little more life and different shoes (I sued different models) will fit you a little differently which I think helps. I usually retire shoes between 400 and 500 miles, depending upon the type of shoe.

My rule of thumb on discomfort is that if it is just annoying I tend to live with it (may ice, etc.). If it impacts my gait or pace I need to heed the advice of my discomfort

You mentioned increasing mileage. This is big cause of injury. Rule is no more than about a 10% increase in mileage per week. So going from say 15 miles a week to 20 is more than one should do