A Question for Runners

[tlgoblue]

I posted this on the WISH, but thought I'd post here as well.
I really have been trying to get some running into my cardio workout, as I am miserably uncoordinated and find regular aerobics nearly impossible. About the only thing I do cardio wise is power walk (indoors...gets very boring) and use the elliptical. While each of these does a fine job of getting my heart pumping, the EFX is causing me to bulk up just a bit more than I would like (think Mary Lou Retton), and I would really like to run. OK, here's my question: How do I keep my hips and knees from hurting? Am I doing too much too soon? Am I just that out of shape? Still too heavy to support my own weight?(146, 5'3") Or am I just too old? (39 for the first time) I use good running shoes, warm up/stretch before and after. I just don't get it. Even when I do interval work on the treadmill, I get really sore joints. Any advice on getting in shape for a life of running? Thanks in advance.


Keep the Faith!
Tracy

 

[sharbear]

I run only occ. (I would rather power walk) but my DH runs. He has found as he has aged and put on some weight that running on trails really helps. Much easier on the old joints. Kindof a pain when there are only so many daylight hours.

I hope that someone else can help. I can never get to the point that I am not misreable. Good luck

 

[Deb in IA]

No, you are not too old. I'm 5 years older than you, and regularly run 30 to 45 minutes a day.

Sometimes when I get back to running after a layoff, my knees will ache for a while as well. Most runners have some joint pains every now and then. Backing off for a bit, ice, NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, like Motrin or Naprosyn) are the usual treatment, in addition to supportive shoes and a softer running surface. Treadmillls are usually pretty soft; trails are softer than asphalt, which is softer than concrete. Also, if you run on a track, try to alternate the direction in which you run; the torque forces can also wear on your knees.


But if it persists, go see your doctor.

 

[Indyman]

There is more than one possible reason for you hip and knee pain.

First of all, you say you have good running shoes, but they may not be the right running shoes for your running form. Proper running shoes are the most important piece of equipment a runner can get. Go to a specialty running store and have your gait analyzed. A specialty running store will have qualified employees that will videotape your footstrike while you run on a treadmill and will tell you if you need a cushioned, stability, or motion control shoe. It also doesn't hurt to buy some cushioned inserts for your shoes, since the ones that come with a new pair of running shoes are rarely as good as the ones you can buy.

After getting the proper shoes, make sure you are listening to your body. If you are feeling aches and pains, beside a little muscle soreness, then it's possible you are running further or faster than your body is ready to run. There are many beginner running programs that help you build mileage gradually. A good one can be found at .

The surface you run on can also make you joints ache. One of the hardest possible surfaces you can run on is concrete. Asphalt is a little better, but as Sharbear mentioned if you can run on trails you will save a lot of wear and tear on your joints and shoes.

Most importantly listen to your body. If you are having pains instead minor aches, stop running and don't run again until the pain goes away.

One more thing, always listen to Deb in IA.

 

[Deb in IA]

Originally posted by Indyman
.

One more thing, always listen to Deb from IA.

LOL, Indyman!!