Help with excercise, pain, etc.

I started trying to lose some weight and get in shape. Initially, I did this by boxing training, ie. heavy bag and speed bag. I wanted to spread out into some other areas of cardio and haven't been having a good time of it.

I always hated running, and now running a marathon is kind of my ultimate goal (because of my old hatred of it.) I initially started running by doing intervals. 5 minutes walking, 2 running, 2 walking for about 6 circuits. I got excruciating shin splints from this, so I started walking.

Walking was fine and I started to run again after shins felt better. Now I have pain in my cuboid bone in foot from trying to run again.

I decided to try to bike, I have occasionally. I went for a flat 10mi ride, now I have pain in my kneecap, like a bruise.

Is there some excercise a that might help me get in shape to reach my cardio goals? Should I just hit the gym hard on my legs?

I'm 6'1" and dropped from 212 to 189, so I wasn't tremendously overweight to begin with.

Sorry if too long, appreciate any help.

Edit: fix autocorrect

Replies

  • aquarabbit
    aquarabbit Posts: 1,622 Member
    Definitely have these checked out by a doctor to see if they are serious. Are you using inserts in your shoes? You also might want to go get fitted for shoes at a running store. Don't go to a general athletic store. The running stores are really going to be able to customize for your situations. You may have to work with your doctor or a physical therapist to build muscle in that area.

    As far as the pain, I'm not a big fan of pills, so I prefer natural remedies for pain. They're also good because you'll still be able to know if something is really wrong since they aren't SUPER strong. Ice is the classic and usually helps. I'm sure you know that, but it's always good to be thorough. I have a knee that gets sore sometimes from an injury when I was show jumping. It's not serious, but it gets a bit tender from time to time. I mix mustard seed oil with rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint, and marjoram essential oils (about 10 drops each per ounce of mustard seed oil) and that works great. Also helps with back spasms I have. Arnica oil is great for pain relief too.

    Hylarounic acid might be something to look into. It's found naturally in the joints and taking it in a supplement could possibly help if you are experiencing these paints in the joints. Try getting it in liquid form if you want to try it.
  • Pmagnanifit
    Pmagnanifit Posts: 665 Member
    Try different types of exercise. I have been unable run or bike for awhile so I tried swimming, weightlifting, elliptical, walking , rowing even golf. Some were misses but I've stayed active through some chronic injuries and pain . Some ride recumbent bikes or run in water... Good luck keep trying
  • corgicake
    corgicake Posts: 846 Member
    Riding knees are usually from either not shifting gears on an incline or trying to get up to speed too quickly. Doing it once doesn't feel too bad but if your ten mile ride goes through the heart of downtown or you live somewhere full of hills the repeated stress will make for unhappy knees.
  • candylilacs
    candylilacs Posts: 614 Member
    My feet started killing me after three weeks -- I think our bodies dislike new programs and like to let us know. See a doctor if it's a terrible inconvenience, but do remember to switch shoes (not doing this gave me blisters!) and get adequate support for your feet. if not, your knees and joints will be hurting.

    I bought some new shoes for pronators and they are wonderful. I also took some time off between workouts (on/off/on/off/on/off) at least 24 hours between each workout for a week. My feet and joints are in a much better state. Also, I've found it helps if you take time to stretch, too.
  • Zereoue20
    Zereoue20 Posts: 18 Member
    I may end up going to the doctor, but they all seem like my body just being out of it's element type injuries ( maybe from me pushing too hard even). I've been using RICE, although I've read some things that say that hasn't been the best method after all these years (old reliable, so I still do it anyway.) I haven't taken much for this either, I stay away from pills too. I've had a few ibuprofen the last few weeks, not many, though, but might try some of your remedies, Aquarabbit.

    That's pretty much what I've been trying, Pmag, but damn it, I wanna run. lol

    Was flat walking/riding trail, Corgi, but it could possibly be my shifting, or the very uncomfortable bike I've been borrowing (beggers can't be choosers).

    I did get a pair of shoes matched to my by my pronation and arch type, candy, not sure I'm all that happy with them though. I overpronate and have a high arch, which from what I understand, is unusual. I could probably stand to stretch a bit more.

    Thanks for all the suggestions, folks. I appreciate them.
  • JDHINAZ
    JDHINAZ Posts: 641 Member
    Did you get your bike fitted to you before you started riding? A decent bike shop will do that and it can make a difference. Also, go to a running store and get fitted for running shoes. They have you run to check your foot strike and gait, then put you in the proper shoes. Made a world of difference for me.
  • Zereoue20
    Zereoue20 Posts: 18 Member
    Nah, bike is just a borrowed one, so I'm sure it's not the best fit. Not to mention it has the worst seat imaginable, but the *kitten* pain only lasted a few hours, unlike the knee pain. lol

    As far as the shoes, I don't know of a running store in the area. I'm near Wheeling, WV which is an hour or so from Pittsburgh, PA, so I'm sure at worst there is one up that way. I did do the wet towel test to check my arch which is high, and overpronate, so I did get shoes that were referred to me by an online site. Newbalance 1260v2. They seem fairly comfortable.

    Believe it or not, I almost killed myself (cardio/breathing wise) today. I ran 5 mi. today with really no pain. I ran 2.5 alone and ran into a girl from high school. To my fortune ( or dismay) she ran track in high school. She ran the second leg with me and pushed me pretty hard. Felt good though. Needed the motivation
  • Pmagnanifit
    Pmagnanifit Posts: 665 Member
    Hope it works for you best of luck