running questions from a non runner !

hannz33
hannz33 Posts: 82 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
hello! i've recently started exercising and have really been pushing myself and am seeing results :) i've never really been a runner but i've been 'running' 5km each day on the elliptical trainer.

i want to break up my workout a bit and would love to be able to run on the treadmill/outside. however when i run on the treadmill i get pain in my legs right at the front sort of above my ankle. i don't think it's shin splints because i don't run for long enough for this to happen ;) it's literally after about 30 seconds it's like my muscle is really weak or something and is hard to pick my feet up and keep running... it's really frustrating because although i do get tired like puffing, i feel like i could run for a lot longer if my legs weren't sore.

has anyone else experienced this?

is there any sort of exercises i can do to strengthen the muscles on the tops of my shins/ankles?

Replies

  • amylynn96
    amylynn96 Posts: 114 Member
    I know exactly how what your describing feels, its not shin splints because it feels like weakness in your ankles and shoots up your legs. Its painful. Ive been dealing with that since last year with no real answers or improvements. Very very frusterating because i have so much drive and stamina i can run like the wind on an elliptical but the second theres anything high impact its just too painful. Wish i had some better answers or advice for you but i dont im still wondering myself. The whole bad shoes things comes up everytime i ask and im just sick of it theres no way its that painful because of a shoe. Ive been given advice for better sneakers, doing ankle/leg strengthening excersise and just hope for the best.
  • hannz33
    hannz33 Posts: 82 Member
    I know exactly how what your describing feels, its not shin splints because it feels like weakness in your ankles and shoots up your legs. Its painful. Ive been dealing with that since last year with no real answers or improvements. Very very frusterating because i have so much drive and stamina i can run like the wind on an elliptical but the second theres anything high impact its just too painful. Wish i had some better answers or advice for you but i dont im still wondering myself. The whole bad shoes things comes up everytime i ask and im just sick of it theres no way its that painful because of a shoe. Ive been given advice for better sneakers, doing ankle/leg strengthening excersise and just hope for the best.

    wow sorry but i'm so glad someone else has the same thing! haha. yeah i guess it does seem like it's not as easy as buying different shoes ;) i guess it doesn't hurt to try though. thanks for replying. i wish we could get answers too!
  • hannz33
    hannz33 Posts: 82 Member
    bump
  • livinfitanfun
    livinfitanfun Posts: 122
    I am sorry to say but it very well could be from bad shoes. It is VERY important that you have on a good pair of shoes when RUNNING! No, you don't have to have the most expensive shoes but you can't run in a pair of shoes you have had for a year, it will not give you the proper support. Me personally I just can't run a treadmil I have to be outside to get the stride and pace I want. So maybe try switching up the shoes and running outside and see how you feel.
  • lauleipop
    lauleipop Posts: 260 Member
    1. Get fitted for shoes if you haven't already.
    2. Get someone to watch your running form for proper alignment and strike.
    3. Run outside instead of on the treadmill. Try different terrains (concrete, asphalt, trail, gravel).

    You might google the repercussions of consistent use of the elliptical to see if there are any compromises to your ankle/shin from the unnatural movement associated with non-impact walking. (I have no idea if there is)

    Best of luck.
  • amylynn96
    amylynn96 Posts: 114 Member
    Im sorry but if youve felt the pain she's talking about it is not and cannot all be to blame on shoes theres just no way....i started trying to run last year when i began starting to lose and excersise so i had started out with new shoes and the whole 9 and its always hurt. I wanna blame ankle weakness but then when your going for months on end you'd gain some ankle strength eventually overtime right? wrong! So now i just do my best to avoid high impact and tell myself i have some rare weak ankle disease lol and god bless the elliptical..still frusterates me i feel i cant do what so many people can and arent in pain :(
  • graelwyn
    graelwyn Posts: 1,340 Member
    I just started running on the treadmill at the gym I just joined, simply to prepare myself for running outdoors really, to see if I can actually run safely, without getting too out of breath, and I get pain mostly in my ankles...been an issue in a long time, possible from the fact I used to rollerskate an awful lot, or maybe I have weak bones from having had severe anorexia in my past... I am not sure, but it isn't bad enough it stops me running for 20-40 minute stretches. I have yet to get fitted for some proper running shoes. I think the Adidas I am wearing are running shoes actually, but they are not from a running store. I had never worn them until 3-4 days ago and definitely am sure I would do better with a different pair.

    On an unrelated note, I notice on the treadmill, it is really really hard for me to keep my balance without constantly looking down lol. If I try looking ahead, oddly, I end up all over the place.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories