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running help, please

eli_802
Posts: 60
okay, so when i was in high school i used to run about 4 miles a day, just on my own outside, no problem. then i got to college and had a free gym so i started running on treadmills and using ellipticals. some days when i'm running on a treadmill i feel great, but the last 4-5 times i've tried to run i get excruciating pain in my lower back. it feels like it is cramping up, but if i walk for a few minutes or switch to an elliptical the pain goes away immediately. any idea what could be causing this? i don't think my form has changed at all, and i haven't changed the incline or speed..
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Replies
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Shoes?
How old are they and are you sure they are the right shoe for you?
Get fitted at a specialty running store.0 -
Totally agree. Have only been running for about 6 months, but the shoes make ALL THE DIFFERENCE. A good pair fitted correctly can eliminate a lot of the pain runners endure. And they wear out, so remember to get the advice of the experts (like Carson) about when to retire your shoes.0
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Core strength would be my first thought.0
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Are you running outside at all currently? Do you get the back pain when outside, or only on the treadmill?0
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thanks for the replies, everyone.
i guess my shoes could be the issue.. they're about 6 months old. my biggest concern is just that i've run with older shoes than this before, but its never made me be is this much pain.
as for running outside, i don't go on runs per say, but sometimes i'll jog to campus (about a mile) and haven't had any pain then.0 -
thanks for the replies, everyone.
i guess my shoes could be the issue.. they're about 6 months old. my biggest concern is just that i've run with older shoes than this before, but its never made me be is this much pain.
as for running outside, i don't go on runs per say, but sometimes i'll jog to campus (about a mile) and haven't had any pain then.
Age of the shoes don't matter... fit/support matters. Old shoes that fit right will be better than new shoes that don't.0 -
Posture and Core Strength, lack there of puts more presure on the lower back.0
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I agree with everyone here.
When my sneakers are not fitted or tight enough, I get very cramped up in my back because my form is going to be poor even if I don't notice.
There is a bigger difference though that might occur inside vs. outside = Air conditioner
If you are in direct contact with a lot of cold air blowing you might cramp up. I find it harder to run in the chilly weather or in an AC'd gym.0 -
Could be shoes.
Could be posterior chain.
Start doing squats in the squat rack. Maybe some lunges? Bulgarian split squats are supposed to be good too, but I have never tried them.
After squats, deadlifts, clean press and a few other accessory exercises my back and shoulder pains have pretty much become non-existent wile running.0
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