Have my running shoes caused my injuries?

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elizamc
elizamc Posts: 285 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I started to run in February from couch, and building up to 5-6k and mostly run on tow-paths. I ran 3-4 times a week up to July, walking on rest days, until my first 5k. Then I went on holiday for 3wks (no exercise!) after which I bought some running shoes (Nike Lunarglide 2) and gradually eased back into jogging, but only 3 times a week and gradually building back up to my previous distance.

Since I've had these running-shop fitted shoes I've had two calf injuries, one on either leg which have forced me to rest. Both occurred when I was well warmed up and on my 'home stretch'. This 2nd and more painful injury happened when I was taking a walking break! When I was wearing my Nike cross trainers I had no problems at all.

So my question is - has this happened to anyone else? Should I ditch my expensive Lunarglides for my cross trainers? i have to say i'm well unhappy - meant to have my 2nd race tomorrow and was really looking forward to it...,may yet run depending on how my leg is through today...

Replies

  • marianeo
    marianeo Posts: 161 Member
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    I'd love to hear what people say...I'm about to go to the shops and get fitted for some new shoes, have a race coming up on 9th Oct I really don't want to miss! Should I just stick to my old faithfuls??
  • killagb
    killagb Posts: 3,280 Member
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    They say to replace your running shoes every 3-400 miles, so if you've put that kind of mileage on since you've got them, the midsole could be broke down to where it's not cushioning like it used to and needs to be replaced with new shoes.

    @marianeo I would get fitted for the shoes, I got fitted for the Asics I run in and they are amazingly comfortable, so I recommend going that route.
  • Adrenaline_Queen
    Adrenaline_Queen Posts: 626 Member
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    I started to run in February from couch, and building up to 5-6k and mostly run on tow-paths. I ran 3-4 times a week up to July, walking on rest days, until my first 5k. Then I went on holiday for 3wks (no exercise!) after which I bought some running shoes (Nike Lunarglide 2) and gradually eased back into jogging, but only 3 times a week and gradually building back up to my previous distance.

    Since I've had these running-shop fitted shoes I've had two calf injuries, one on either leg which have forced me to rest. Both occurred when I was well warmed up and on my 'home stretch'. This 2nd and more painful injury happened when I was taking a walking break! When I was wearing my Nike cross trainers I had no problems at all.

    So my question is - has this happened to anyone else? Should I ditch my expensive Lunarglides for my cross trainers? i have to say i'm well unhappy - meant to have my 2nd race tomorrow and was really looking forward to it...,may yet run depending on how my leg is through today...

    I have heard that if you dont get the correct trainers, I pay at least £80 for each pair, every time, also a good sports bra. Why do Iknow this, I have never ran in my life, until last year just before I was 40 at TKD camp, I loved camp so much I decided to run a half, why not, I twisted my ankle in October did not run for at least 3 months, then after running only once a week, I ran the Bath half this March, I done very well, put I went online and reasurched as much as I could about the best sports bra, I dont even have a large chest, but found out you can get problems from this... I have had none since I made sure I had the best for me.

    The running shop I go to makes you run on a treadmilll before going out of the shop with two different trainers on and watching you run up the street and back!!! So tehy can tell you what works for you!!

    Find a good shop xx I am in Bristol UK,. sorry not sure where you are??? xx Will find web address for shops and get the name of mine for you, feel free to message me and add me as a friend.. xx
  • Adrenaline_Queen
    Adrenaline_Queen Posts: 626 Member
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    I'd love to hear what people say...I'm about to go to the shops and get fitted for some new shoes, have a race coming up on 9th Oct I really don't want to miss! Should I just stick to my old faithfuls??

    Also get a good insole for your shoe... That helps me so much, they are about £25 from boots, also put them in, they have helped me with splints...

    http://www.theoriginalcopperheeler.com/
    http://www.dreamyfeet.co.uk/ready_made_orthotics.htm my 14 year old has some like these they cost me £65.
    http://www.cosyfeet.com/duosoft-plus-insoles

    These are not mine, but I hope they help xx
  • Incunabulum
    Incunabulum Posts: 41
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    I buy only Saucony or Asics for running. They have never done me wrong. I had a concern that my running might be causing the onset the plantar fasciitis [sp]. I spoke with my chiropractor, who said I was simply compensating for the weaker leg. But perhaps that's not your case. If it's shoes, again, Saucony or Asics. Good luck!

    I
  • Adrenaline_Queen
    Adrenaline_Queen Posts: 626 Member
    Options
    They say to replace your running shoes every 3-400 miles, so if you've put that kind of mileage on since you've got them, the midsole could be broke down to where it's not cushioning like it used to and needs to be replaced with new shoes.

    @marianeo I would get fitted for the shoes, I got fitted for the Asics I run in and they are amazingly comfortable, so I recommend going that route.

    Yes or less if you are really pounding the pavements, if you run on a field they will last longer!! We all have different ways of doing things, this is mine, friends have shown me and I am passing on to you xx

    http://www.johnlewis.com/264647/Product.aspx?sku=231259590&source=63258

    Here are my new ones I also put an insole in them, only just started running just before I was 40 so need all the help I can get.. LOL xx

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004AHQ5GC/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=103612307&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B004I1KABG&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=0TQPSMS6FVEED6H7ATAG

    I love these, I dont wear them much as saving them for my next half!! Will start to train in them about a month before I run!! xx

    Hope that helps xx
  • Adrenaline_Queen
    Adrenaline_Queen Posts: 626 Member
    Options
    I buy only Saucony or Asics for running. They have never done me wrong. I had a concern that my running might be causing the onset the plantar fasciitis [sp]. I spoke with my chiropractor, who said I was simply compensating for the weaker leg. But perhaps that's not your case. If it's shoes, again, Saucony or Asics. Good luck!

    I

    My daughters podiatrist helped me out with my shoes! Asics rock! xx Will look up Saucony never ran in them before. xx
  • killagb
    killagb Posts: 3,280 Member
    Options
    They say to replace your running shoes every 3-400 miles, so if you've put that kind of mileage on since you've got them, the midsole could be broke down to where it's not cushioning like it used to and needs to be replaced with new shoes.

    @marianeo I would get fitted for the shoes, I got fitted for the Asics I run in and they are amazingly comfortable, so I recommend going that route.

    Yes or less if you are really pounding the pavements, if you run on a field they will last longer!! We all have different ways of doing things, this is mine, friends have shown me and I am passing on to you xx

    http://www.johnlewis.com/264647/Product.aspx?sku=231259590&source=63258

    Here are my new ones I also put an insole in them, only just started running just before I was 40 so need all the help I can get.. LOL xx

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004AHQ5GC/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=103612307&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B004I1KABG&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=0TQPSMS6FVEED6H7ATAG

    I love these, I dont wear them much as saving them for my next half!! Will start to train in them about a month before I run!! xx

    Hope that helps xx

    I'm 41 myself and doing the Couch to 5k, in week 8 :smile: Here's the Asics I use and completely love using: http://www.amazon.co.uk/asics-Gt-2160-Running-Lightening-Marina/dp/B004DEQL16/ref=sr_1_17?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1316856437&sr=1-17
  • Incunabulum
    Incunabulum Posts: 41
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    My understanding of Saucony is that the company's sole focuses are shoes for running and walking. Prior to this pair of Asics, I owned Saucony shoes and they were amazing. I went back to Asics to see if they are as good as I remember them. They are!
    I buy only Saucony or Asics for running. They have never done me wrong. I had a concern that my running might be causing the onset the plantar fasciitis [sp]. I spoke with my chiropractor, who said I was simply compensating for the weaker leg. But perhaps that's not your case. If it's shoes, again, Saucony or Asics. Good luck!

    I

    My daughters podiatrist helped me out with my shoes! Asics rock! xx Will look up Saucony never ran in them before. xx
  • SallieBeige
    SallieBeige Posts: 341 Member
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    I agree with the posts that say you should have a gait analysis before you buy running shoes.

    Last time I bought shoes the shop assistant told me that 70% of people pronate and therefore need to buy a special range of shoe. (Now to me thats a really high percent of people with one particular kind of need - failure to address results in much higher chance of injury - I am not saying the percent is true, I am just repeating what she said.)

    Gait analysis is quick, and free everywhere I have been so I would definitely recommend it.
  • elizamc
    elizamc Posts: 285 Member
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    Thank you all so much for your suggestions and links!

    Firstly I have a great bra from M & S, so comfy I wear it doing other jobs - such as working on the allotment lol.

    re the shoes: I went to a specialist shop recommended by a local running club, they didn't appear to analyse my gait but I suspect they watched me as I walked in, both men independently said my current Nike cross trainers are too small. I haven't worn the Lunarglides much since I bought them so the mileage is very very low.

    There is a women's running shop an hour + away, maybe I will take a trip up there to speak with them. I didn't go to them first cos of the distance and the other shop was recommended. we also have a Go Outdoor store - maybe pop there too.... My husband went there and they walked him on a treadmill. I wanted to go to a specialist shop, but he's had no problems with his Saucony's.

    It will be a real £94 disappointment if I have to get new shoes, but it just seems too coincidental, no injuries until i got the new shoes :-(
  • Adrenaline_Queen
    Adrenaline_Queen Posts: 626 Member
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    It will be a real £94 disappointment if I have to get new shoes, but it just seems too coincidental, no injuries until i got the new shoes :-(

    or you could get insoles, that will also help A LOT xxx It worked for me xx or book to see a podiatrist! You should only need to go once or maybe twice, about £45 for half an hour, but worth it!

    I took my own insoles in, he added bits to the bottom!! His where three times the price!! xx Good luck and let us know how you get on amazing lady xx

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