RUNNING HELP

Hype

Right, so im not new new to running, i did a bit last year, i also did quite a bit of insanity.

I gave myself a goal for this year, to run a 5k race. Run it, not walk it. So, on Monday i started a training programme for complete beginners to just get me running a mile.

Today, on my second attempt, i found myself with a pain in the outside of my right foot, a pain in the backs of my knees and a metallic/blood taste in my mouth.

If anyone could share any thoughts on why this happens/d ? Or any solutions or general running advice, it would be greatly appreciated. I dont want to stop running and i have until Friday to sort this out.



If other footwear is required, i can only provide daps? or cheap trainers from tescos.....the ones i currently use are proper runners

Thanks in advance!

BerryH

First up, what was the session you did? A mile plan might make you go a bit too fast, whereas a 5K plan like C25K encourages you to go nice and slow with walk breaks and is better designed to get you to your goal of 5K.
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Three things cause pains when you start running - wrong shoes, running technique and just plain not being used to it. Please do NOT resort to your daps.

Did you get your running shoe properly fitted at a specialist running shop? If they're wrong for you they can cause problems, but to tell the truth despite everyone pushing running shoes on beginners, you should be OK in cross-trainers and the like until you start running half an hour or more.

Try not to over-stride when you run or to over-exaggerate the heel-toe action. Just let your foot fall naturally when you swing your leg forward - you might find you're naturally a mid-foot lander.

Finally as you're new to running, a few aches and pains are to be expected as you ask your body to do new things. Stretch, rest and ice any niggling aches.

I'm a veteran of running forums and the metallic taste has as many answers as people you ask! Here's one of the more sensible posts on the problem. In short, drink more water and run slower.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/392439-exercise-the-metallic-taste-in-the-mouth/

I'm sure I've pointed you at my beginner's tips before, but here they are again:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH/view/20-things-i-wish-i-d-known-about-running-when-i-started-103936

Remember point one - "When you start out, it’s HARD! Even if you think you’re fit, running is so different to anything else you’ve done before you will get out of breath quickly. Stick with it. Can’t manage a minute? Go slow. Still can’t? GO SLOWER! "

Good luck!

ASoulartist

Congratulations on starting running. That's awesome! I would suggest two things. Purchase some great running shoes and check out www.runnersworld.com. Both helpful places to start as you begin your running journey. Best Wishes, Sandee

billsica

Try not to over-stride when you run or to over-exaggerate the heel-toe action. Just let your foot fall naturally when you swing your leg forward - you might find you're naturally a mid-foot lander.

I actually try to use a half step. lean over like I'm nearly falling and try to use as little knee bending as possible.

kerrimullins

One thing that really helped me was what I read in a Men's Health magazine of my husbands. Run on the ball of your foot first. I was running heel to toe so when I started running on the ball of my foot, I was sore a couple of days in my calf muscles, but eventually the difference was huge. Also, I was having a lot of pain when I first started. Same proper running shoes.

AJSINK

The right shoes make all the difference!! I was getting shin splints and I went to a specialized shoe store where they properly fit you in the correct shoes for the way you run. I did not have an issue with shin splints until I started running for longer periods of time, but I could barely walk when they started. Since I've been fitted, I haven't had an issue...its been about a year ago...

Hype

Thanks all, no where local to get runners fitted, so im going to have to stick to my runners.

eolivero

1) Change your shoes (try a shoe store that has actual salespeople that KNOW shoes)
2) Breathing heavy can effect the taste in your mouth. The weather, the air quality, what you ate - all these things can cause a tatse in your mouth. Try a new piece of fresh gum befre you start running. When I used to run long distance I always had gum, your stomach can create some weird odors.

Hype

Thanks, ill give that a good friday - as for salepeople that know shoes - dont think there are any in my town!

BerryH

Thanks, ill give that a good friday - as for salepeople that know shoes - dont think there are any in my town!

Try Run and Become, Moti and Go Outdoors. I've been to a Run and Become before and they're pretty good - they let you run outdoors in the shoes you try. Bring your socks and current shoes!

lml1042

I agree with everyone that mentioned shoes. They make all the difference!

I was running with ill fitting adidas and had terrible shin splints. For Christmas I got asics gel kayanos and now I actually look forward to running.

I also started with the couch to 5K program. I'm on week 7 and LOVING it.

I also tried to follow all the "rules of proper running form" and found myself HATING running because it was just too much to remember. I just run whichever way feels comfortable. I've noticed that keeping my elbows tucked into my side and not letting my arms swing across the body has made a big difference.

Hype

Thanks everyone! Will look into those running places, maybe next time i run, ill leave my 'running partner' behind (my dog....)

smilebhappy

congrats on starting to run again....this is great!
I would just suggest new running shoes.
If you don't have a place near you that actually fits them (I don't either)
could you go to a sports store (like footlocker or olympia)? or do research online??
I got a pair of Acsics & love them!

Good luck to you!!!

tdrinkard85

If it is really cold outside I can taste the blood taste. It takes a few times out in the cold cold weather for everything to get adjusted where you don't have it anymore.

stef_3

Just keep running the pain will subside. No pain no gain right?

savlyon

I agree with everyone that mentioned shoes. They make all the difference!

I was running with ill fitting adidas and had terrible shin splints. For Christmas I got asics gel kayanos and now I actually look forward to running.

I also started with the couch to 5K program. I'm on week 7 and LOVING it.

If you are just trying to run 5Ks, please do not drop $150 on Asic kayanos. They are amazing shoes. I have them, I love them, but don't spend that much, it's unnecessary.

The only thing I would add is be sure to do strength training. Do squats, lunges, leg curls, leg extensions, etc... build your muscles so they can withstand it.

Otherwise, great advise here.

LorinaLynn

Just keep running the pain will subside. No pain no gain right?

As someone in a brace for the next four weeks with a fibula stress fracture, I have to disagree with this. A little ache is one thing. Pain means STOP.

Hype

Thanks guys! All noted will have a word with the trainer place, get some decent ones for the moment, no big bucks, as i cant afford it and im not running no marathons! Im a while off a marathon so it should do for now

Will def look into the leg strengthening exercises, i do a bit of bike aswell, so im hoping i can pick up some workouts specific for leg strengthening - thanks everyone!


Oh and sorry to here about your fracture! Hope its better soon!