Running Advice Needed

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  • MoonGazer91
    MoonGazer91 Posts: 18 Member
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    They should do a gait analysis lik paulwgun just described - I had that done the other day myself as a specialist running shop in my town and the difference between my current trainers and the ones I tried on for people who overpronate was quite amazing - it makes my ankles roll nowhere near as much and overall just felt a lot better for me. I am going to be hopefully taking it up properly next week when my new shoes arrive and they should make quite a bit of difference to the whole ankle/knee issues I get.

    They may also look at how the trainers/shoes you are currently wearing are wearing away on the soles as it shows where you put the most pressure and therefore wears away faster when you walk.
  • kgprice11
    kgprice11 Posts: 750 Member
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    One thing I can add which was handed down to me by my personal trainer (she has been in the business for 27 years, is in her mid 40's, and looks GREAT).. is to never ever run on sidewalks and any type of cement. You'll be doing much more damage in the long run, especially to your knees due to the shock with every step. Run in the park, on the grass, etc. :)

    Sorry to say but it doesn't matter where you run, but how you are running and if you have the proper shoes to run in. I have bad knees and I do road running all the time, but my shoes are made for my running style and provide great comfort which does not bother my knees

    How did you make sure you got the correct shoes for your running style? If i go into any good running store and explain my knees etc will they be able to instantly know which shoes i should get?

    They will watch you run for a little bit and ask you a couple questions. lol your knees though will have to be taken care of by your doctor if they are that bad, but it will dull the pain and let you run longer
  • nomadlady7
    nomadlady7 Posts: 24 Member
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    I mentor beginning runners through No Boundaries (affiliated with Fleet Feet stores and New Balance, though this is not a commercial). I currently am working with the run/walk group. It's a 12-week program similar to the couch to 5k programs. Using the Jeff Galloway training method of run/walking, slowly increasing time running while decreasing the time walking.

    It sometimes takes participants more than one cycle for people to reach their goal of running the entire 5k. The support and comraderie is great. Most of the mentors were participants who went through the program; the rest are seasoned runners who wanted to give back to the community. See if there is a similar program in your area. (Or a running club that caters to all levels of runners or someone else to train with.)

    Some people find that they do not enjoy running. If you don't enjoy it, find another sport that suits you. If you want to make a lifetime commitment to exercise, it must give you pleasure.
  • MoonGazer91
    MoonGazer91 Posts: 18 Member
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    Their doctor may not necessarily do anything about their knees though - I went to mine because I keep re-spraining both my ankles and get bad knee pain/instability and it was driving me up the wall. I got a quick examination of the joints and such and she said that they were fine and that it was just from being on my feet so much and that they were "tired" as it were because of it, no mention whatsoever that it could possibly be due to the way I walk or what my feet are like.
  • bcl003
    bcl003 Posts: 331 Member
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    Just an fyi if you have a smartphone there are plenty of apps for the C25K that keep the time for you and alert you when to run and walk. I also use the mapmyfitness app to keep track of the distance that I travel and average speed, this really helps because most of the time I run different routes throughout our neighborhood.
  • belgerian
    belgerian Posts: 1,059 Member
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    DItto what everyone else said go to a running store and get properly fitted for a good pair of shoes. They should ask what kind of surface your running on and choose accordingly.
  • angelajmrn
    angelajmrn Posts: 63 Member
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    I am a big girl and I don't run. I have constant knee pain from chondromalacia patellar. I started the c25k program a few months ago and really struggled. I was running on a track and had horrible shin splints. It was so bad that I could barely walk during the walking intervals. I was using running shoes but they were old and I had used them for walking. I broke down and got a good pair of running shoes (I am really liking Asics and find that most runners do). I was still having issues with shin splints in the left leg. After talking with a friend I ran the track the opposite way and unbelievably the shin splints went away. Crazy but it worked. I had worked myself up to week 4 and then had some family issues and have not run for 4 weeks. My 16 year old son started his summer running schedule for cross country on Monday and I decided to start up again with him. I started back at the beginning just because of all the problems I had at the beginning last time. I am running the cross country trail with him (at my own pace however) and I can not believe the difference. I have had not pain and am getting through things much easier than before. I found a great app for my smart phone (rundouble) and I don't have to worry about looking at my watch anymore.
  • creech6317
    creech6317 Posts: 869 Member
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    So I have been trying to get into running. I want to be able to do a Warrior Dash, they look like a lot of fun, so it is one of my long term goals. The only problem is that when I run my throat starts to hurt. It will hurt for a day or two after.
    I usually time my running and walking by songs. I run for a song, then walk for one and then run as long as I can for the next song. I can only do the running part for 3-4 songs before my throat hurts too badly and I feel like I can't breathe. I know I am probably doing something wrong.
    Any help or suggestions would be very helpful.
  • mgood989
    mgood989 Posts: 6 Member
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    When I first started running I would be exhausted after about a minute but I kept at it and over time built up my endurance. Programs like couch to 5K are a great way to get started as they help you to build up your endurance over time. It also help if you have a goal. Maybe you want to be able to run for 30 minutes or do a race. If doesn't matter what your goal is but it help to have something to work towards.

    Good luck.
  • jnerdin
    jnerdin Posts: 39 Member
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    I'm not familiar with the couch to 5K program, but I was in the same position as you are a few years ago. I was convinced that I'd never be able to run long distances because I got exhausted too quickly. I was 80 lbs overweight, but I could do other things without getting as tired as when running. Here's what worked for me. I just started running, then when I got tired I'd walk until I felt like I could run again, then I'd run until I felt like I needed to stop, then I'd walk again until I felt like I could run again...over and over until I had gone the distance or "run" for the amount of time I intended to do. Seriously, in the beginning I would run for two minutes and walk for ten or run one block and walk three. However, I stuck with it and the running periods got longer while the walking periods got shorter. Eventually, I was running more than I was walking. Then, one day on a treadmill in the gym, I told myself I was going to run three miles without stopping. I did it and felt okay, so I committed to go another mile. After four miles, I felt like I might be able to go another, so I ran a total of five miles. I was beat, but I'd finally gotten over the hump and realized that I could run. That day, I agreed to do a half marathon a couple months later that my brother had been hounding me to join him on and followed a training program I found online. I was slow, but I finished the half marathon without walking less than six months after I'd been able to run no more than half a mile without stopping. Now, I've run multiple half marathons, 5Ks and 10Ks and I just keep getting faster. I can share other similar stories from my siblings and other people I know, but they are all similar, you just have to start where you are and do what you can, but never stop. Good luck. You'll find you get healthier and happier along the way. By the way, I completely agree with all of the above recommendations that you go to a running store and get fitted with a good pair of shoes that work with your stride, step, build and training goals. Run Safe!

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