Running
Sarahb29
Posts: 952 Member
I've been ramping up my walks lately going out more and more, but I'm interested in running too. Once I get to a lower weight I'd like to try it. My MIL tells me how bad it is on your joints, how it causes arthritis and I should never do it, but seeing as she's not a personal trainer or a doctor I'm not sure what to believe.
What has everyones experience been with running?
What has everyones experience been with running?
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My experience with running was that I needed to learn the hard way what my limits were, for my specific biomechanics.
I pronate considerably and find that any training beyond half marathon distance sooner or later gives me knee pain, so I accepted that and work within my limits.
Mechanics and gait make a huge difference. Some people are naturally very efficient runners... No flat feet, naturally don't heel strike etc etc. For others it doesn't come quite so naturally.
Correct footwear for your particular feet and gait is really important.0 -
It's a bit of a myth. That being said, you do have a higher risk of injury if you are overweight, if you increase your mileage too quickly, if you have bad form, or if you're not wearing proper shoes.
I would recommend you follow a program such as Couch to 5k so you make sure you are increasing at an appropriate pace. If you feel any pain at all (especially shin splints which are common if you are overweight), then STOP. Make sure you deal with any injuries early on instead of pushing through.
Also go to a specialty running store and get fitted for proper shoes. It will make all the difference.0 -
Thank you!0
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^^ OK that is a great link. Thanks for putting that all together!ThickMcRunFast wrote: »
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I've been ramping up my walks lately going out more and more, but I'm interested in running too. Once I get to a lower weight I'd like to try it. My MIL tells me how bad it is on your joints, how it causes arthritis and I should never do it, but seeing as she's not a personal trainer or a doctor I'm not sure what to believe.
What has everyones experience been with running?
They're called "old wives tales". Running does not cause bad joints or arthritis.
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It sucks a lot and for a long time before it becomes anything other than self inflicted torture. Really though, just like most things in life, you get out what you put in. I put a lot of miles in where I felt like I couldn't breathe, or my legs were tired and didn't want to, where it felt like quitting and throwing in the towel was a smarter option. But I kept going. Now, running gives me time away from all of the things in my life that demand my attention. Running gives me peace of mind while at the same time strengthening my body. I have learned so much about myself as I've struggled through running over the last few years. One of the biggest things I learned was the difference between good hurt and bad hurt. Good hurt is when you're feeling the burn during your run, and when your legs (and other random body parts that you don't realize you're using) are sore afterwards. Bad hurt is injuies, in my case, the dreaded shin splints.
Your MIL can shush. You get injured from running by trying to do too much, too fast. When you are ready to start running, seriously take it slow. Your body was built to adapt to whatever you throw at it, but it takes time to build up the muscles used in running. Your bones also go through some changes from the added stress. That takes time. If you push it too far too fast your chance of injury goes up.0 -
Don't take running advice from people who don't run.0
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I have never been a runner, but I started running in January - following the Couch-to-5k plan - using a treadmill (cold here in NY this time of year) - it is structured in a way to not push you too fast so as to hopefully avoid injury - I was still well overweight when I started - 250lb - but I have gone slow and followed the plan redoing weeks when needed and I am now able to run for 16 of 22 minutes (week 5 of the plan I think) - and I have dropped another 16 lbs since January 1st (thanks to diet and running). You can certainly do it if you follow your body's cues and don't try to overdo it...
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
It should go without saying, always check with a doctor before starting any exercise plan...0 -
Like any exercise, it can cause injury if attempted with bad form or from doing too much too quickly.
My personal experience includes a couple false starts with running. I thought I had bad knees and bad hips and couldn't ever run for exercise, so I'd try running for a couple of weeks, start feeling pain in the knee, and then give up.
As it turns out, I had bad shoes (5 year-old, $20 tennis shoes from Walmart weren't exactly very supportive), and bad posture (having exceptionally wide hip bones, it wasn't a good idea to run by putting one foot directly in front of the other). I went to a physical therapist who helped me figure out the posture issue and strengthen my hips. Then, I went out and spent a little more than my normal budget on good shoes with great insoles.
Obviously, everyone's going to be a little different. But from my experience, there's a lot one can do to prevent injury that should be attempted before one rules out running entirely.0 -
Running is great. Build up slowly and invest in well fitting shoes. I used Couch to 5K to provide structure, and although it was very hard at first, it gets easier and easier as your confidence improves. It took me a long time to believe I could run, which sounds silly now; it takes time but eventually running feels 'comfortable'.
I've only ever had two minor injuries from starting running years ago. One was a tight hip flexor which was fixed after one physio trip, lots of stretching and foam rolling, and paying closer attention to form when resistance training. The other was a sprained foot from a stumble, which quite honestly could've happened anywhere at any point.
I do think mobility and resistance work have helped me become a better runner, as has the occasional swim to loosen everything up, so cross training is valuable - don't just decide to start running 6 days a week from nothing.0 -
mmteixeira wrote: »I have never been a runner, but I started running in January - following the Couch-to-5k plan - using a treadmill (cold here in NY this time of year) - it is structured in a way to not push you too fast so as to hopefully avoid injury - I was still well overweight when I started - 250lb - but I have gone slow and followed the plan redoing weeks when needed and I am now able to run for 16 of 22 minutes (week 5 of the plan I think) - and I have dropped another 16 lbs since January 1st (thanks to diet and running). You can certainly do it if you follow your body's cues and don't try to overdo it...
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
It should go without saying, always check with a doctor before starting any exercise plan...
I'll look into the couch to 25k plan and I'll definitely take things slow. Thanks!0 -
I would definitely parrot the whole "don't do too much too fast" sentiment.
I sidelined myself for a number of months with tendonitis in my Achilles because I tried to increase my speed before I was ready even though I was able to run at my current pace for about four miles straight without stopping. I had only been able to achieve that for a few weeks, and my body did not have time to adjust, so boom... back to square one.0 -
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When I first started running I made it to my corner (I'm the second house in) -- then I made it around the corner, and eventually to the next electric pole, and so on and so on over the first few weeks until I was able to run a half mile with passing out..... and then I worked on a mile and then a little more and I just kept on pushing myself to do a little more each time -- I've since completed the Broad Street Run in Philly (10 miler) and the Philly Half Marathon and am now training using a marathon program -- it's still hard but it feels great to accomplish each distance and with using proper running shoes I have not had any problems with injuries -- all of my earlier injuries were in improper shoes for my feet -- get fitted at a good store where they know what they are talking about -- Kmart shoes are not proper.0
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I've been ramping up my walks lately going out more and more, but I'm interested in running too.
You've gotten some great advice here so I won't repeat that. I just wanted to say that walking is a GREAT way to get in shape for running. Be sure your walks are at a quick enough pace that your heart rate is elevated, but not so fast that you're out of breath.
I ran my first 5K with NO prior running, just two months of avid power walking. My legs hurt like hell for a week after that, but I did it, and that started me on my path to running. (I wouldn't recommend doing a 5K without prior running, BTW, just extolling the virtues of walking)
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Start slow. Run on dirt, grass, sand, pool (yes running in the pool). It will lessen the injury risk. Use cycling to supercharge your endurance. It seriously helps. Can do it daily. Low impact.0
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I did the C25K program so I can highly recommend it. It took me from bring a non runner to being a runner and I am in love with it. Last year I started running longer and did my first 10k (Profile picture is after my first 10k) This spring I'm starting my training to do a half-marathon in September. I"m excited to start!
Do make sure you get fitted for good running sneakers. You also want a good running bra. I've found wearing the wrong run hurts my chest as I run.
Running is a great way to help your health. I've read many stories of people who have taken up running and lost weight as a result.
Wish you the best!0 -
You may find that along your fitness journey as you take strides(haha running pun) to make yourself a healthier, happier more fulfilled person some people may not be supportive. I don't know if it comes from jealousy or personal regret or even if it's part of your mother in law's personality but don't let it keep you from doing something great for yourself.
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@Aed0416 it may be a part of her personality but I wanted to make sure there wasn't much validity in what she says before brushing it off. I get quite a few personal attacks from her behind my back but that's a whole other story. I am trying to look past what she says and see what works for everyone else before dismissing running (or my ability to) altogether.0
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There is always risk of injuries if you're doing it wrong.
Get the right shoes, find the right pace for you, always warm up and cool down.
If you're following "the rules" of running you will be fine.
Unless you have some medical issues that would prevent you from running, I'd say go for it!0 -
I've been running for 9 months now. The best advice I could give you would be to take it slow at first. Start with walking/running intervals to build yourself up to being able to run for longer periods of time. Watch your pace & form. Having a really good pr of shoes is very important too especially when a person's bigger. I started running when I was 230lbs. The biggest issue in the way of injuries or things of that nature were shin splints. It took me a long time but am finally over that. Start slow, be consistent & you'll get there0
I'm interested and want to learn more from actual runners.
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