walkerneo Posted July 13, 2010 Posted July 13, 2010 I used to run a mile a day to try to build up my speed and endurance to run longer distances, but something would always hurt. If it wasn't my ankles, it was my knees or my hips, or my feet, etc. I bought padding for my shoes, but they didn't help very much. I'm only 15, so I doubt it's any type of bone disease. I am currently in the middle of a growth spurt, would that have anything to do with it? Should I only run every certain amount of time?
USMCHokie Posted July 13, 2010 Posted July 13, 2010 I used to run a mile a day to try to build up my speed and endurance to run longer distances, but something would always hurt. If it wasn't my ankles, it was my knees or my hips, or my feet, etc. I bought padding for my shoes, but they didn't help very much. I'm only 15, so I doubt it's any type of bone disease. I am currently in the middle of a growth spurt, would that have anything to do with it? Should I only run every certain amount of time? First thing I would do before you run another step is to go to a specialized running store and get fit for a proper pair of running shoes tailored to your feet and running gait.
Author walkerneo Posted July 14, 2010 Author Posted July 14, 2010 First thing I would do before you run another step is to go to a specialized running store and get fit for a proper pair of running shoes tailored to your feet and running gait. We're REALLY tight on money, so personalized exercise equipment is out of the question. If I have shoes that fit, then I'm going to be using them. The shoes do fit, and they are running shoes, so it shouldn't be that big of a problem.
tman666 Posted July 14, 2010 Posted July 14, 2010 You may want to look into two things: 1) Foam rolling: you can buy a foam roller for 15 bucks. Roll out your IT bands and hip flexors every day. 2) Try strengthening your glutes and hamstrings. There are many different exercises you can do for this. I think that if you look into those things, you'll be a couple of steps ahead.
tman666 Posted July 14, 2010 Posted July 14, 2010 EDIT: If you're really tight on money, you can "foam roll" with a rolling pin, a PVC pipe, or a lacrosse ball. It just hurts a lot more
norajane Posted July 14, 2010 Posted July 14, 2010 Are you substantially overweight? If so, running isn't the best thing for you. Walking is easier on your joints if you're heavy, as is swimming. If you aren't overweight, you probably need to do as tman suggests and strengthen your other muscles before doing much running. Well, even if you are overweight, you need to strengthen your other muscles, too.
USMCHokie Posted July 14, 2010 Posted July 14, 2010 We're REALLY tight on money, so personalized exercise equipment is out of the question. If I have shoes that fit, then I'm going to be using them. The shoes do fit, and they are running shoes, so it shouldn't be that big of a problem. Ok, that's fine. You might want to take a look at your running gait...particularly your foot strike and stride...go to the library and check out some books on running...there are a few different schools of thought on the topic...
alphamale Posted July 14, 2010 Posted July 14, 2010 I used to run a mile a day to try to build up my speed and endurance to run longer distances, but something would always hurt. If it wasn't my ankles, it was my knees or my hips, or my feet, etc. I bought padding for my shoes, but they didn't help very much. I'm only 15, so I doubt it's any type of bone disease. I am currently in the middle of a growth spurt, would that have anything to do with it? Should I only run every certain amount of time? i think you should hit the treadmill because its less bone-jarring
spookie Posted July 14, 2010 Posted July 14, 2010 Try changing the way you run by landing on your toes. I used to hurt all over when I ran (especially my shins) but all the pains disappeared as soon as I started landing on my toes.
Hot Carl Posted July 14, 2010 Posted July 14, 2010 At a mile a day, you should be prepared for some pains here and there. Your body isn't used to the exertion, and joints and feet and muscles will protest. It may take a few weeks of consistent running to start to even out the strength and conditioning of the various body parts involved. Those who mention getting good shoes are right. Also good socks, because blisters suck. Check out Wright Socks or others like them. Any pain that gets steadily worse during the run is something to be concerned about. Any pain that gets bad enough to make you stop running is as well, particularly if it persists after you stop. If it comes right back the next day then immediately stop and take the day off. And keep testing and taking days off until the pain goes away or until you think going to the doctor is the only solution. It takes something catastrophic or else quite a bit of time to damage your knees. Tendinitis is probably more of an immediate issue. Stretching is a good idea. Stretch all the time.
Hot Carl Posted July 14, 2010 Posted July 14, 2010 Try changing the way you run by landing on your toes. I used to hurt all over when I ran (especially my shins) but all the pains disappeared as soon as I started landing on my toes. I tried that and it doesn't work for me. I land slightly heel first and softly as possible. But whether you land on your toes or not, I think it's important to use your muscles to make each footfall as soft as possible. If every step is a jolt to your body you're asking for trouble.
Enema Posted July 14, 2010 Posted July 14, 2010 It just takes a while for your body to accept you're going to demand frequent running from it and strengthen itself. When I first started running I'd get the odd pains, just listen to your body and don't over-stress it. After a while it'll strengthen up and you'll be fine. Getting the right shoes is important, but you can work out what kind of shoes you "should" get just based on the kind of arch you have without spending lots of cash. I'm also big fan of "barefoot" running, which as spookie mentioned, directs you to run naturally. ie. on your toes. This really doesn't work very well in "normal" running shoes, but it's still better than heel-toe. I run in vibram 5 fingers and do more than 30 miles a week. (http://lifebrisbane.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/img1-large1.jpg)
girlygirl25 Posted July 14, 2010 Posted July 14, 2010 If you are out of shape for running you are going to feel some pain for a little while until you get in shape. When you start doing a new exercise that your body is not used to it will generally get sore from the new muscles. Running especially works virtually every muscle in your body. My advice would make sure you get a good stretch in before and after your run. If your muscles are still sore in between try rubbing/massaging them to help the soreness. If you are REALLY sore one day then take a day off to avoid injury. As you build up more endurance you will get less sore as your body will get used to working those muscles on a regular basis.
GrayClouds Posted July 18, 2010 Posted July 18, 2010 The best shoe on a wrong foot can lead to more problems then solve. Even if your not going to buy new shoes you should make sure the ones you have is not causing you problems. The import thing is to distinguish between hurt and harm, is it stiffness and soreness or pain? The former is to be expected the latter can suggest a problem.
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