Runners....A Question

[tlgoblue]

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

 

[TigH]

Oooh, Tracy, I wish I knew what you could do to help your joints not feel sore. I LOVE to run, but my knees don't like it very much. Do you feel the same type of joint pain from the power walking? If not, then maybe you should just listen to your body and stick to the walking instead of the running. I miss my runners high VERY much, but after a day or two of trying to run, my knees will just scream at me. I figure I should listen to what they are saying so that they will last me a while and hopefully I'll avoid any knee surgery as I age.

Good luck to you!!! I am very uncoordinated when it comes to following aerobics videos. Sometimes I'll put in a CD that I like and just make up my own dance moves and that gets me really sweaty without making me feel like a complete moron for not being able to follow along with a video!

 

[GottaBeMe]

Hi Tracy!

Back in a former life I was training for a marathon, so I might be able to help somewhat.

Since you use good running shoes, I would guess that you maybe be doing a little too much too soon.

I don't think you are too old, I don't think you are out "that" out of shape and I don't think you're too heavy to support your own weight.

The one BIG difference between what you were doing before and what you're doing now is that walking and the EFX are low or no impact exersices. Running is VERY high impact on your joints and you may feel sore in your joints, (i.e. hips, ankles, knees) when starting out.

Some people feel better running on treadmills since the impact is lowered. Unfortunately, that doesn't solve your problem. I would say start out VERY light. First of all warm up VERY VERY well.... this is important especially for your knees. Think of your knees as if they have honey in them. If you start off with cold honey you're in for some trouble, but if you warm it up really well, it'll be much easier. Then do a minute of jogging, followed by two of walking, repeat, repeat, repeat. Just gradually increase your amount of running at the pace your body sets. Your joints WILL get stronger and you WILL be able to run for longer periods of time.

If you're trying to lose weight or worried about losing fitness, then suppliment your running with some low impact exersice (the EFX is great)...but RUN FIRST.

I hope this helps! If you have any questions, let me know!

Happy Running,
Rick

 

[tlgoblue]

Originally posted by GottaBeMe

If you're trying to lose weight or worried about losing fitness, then suppliment your running with some low impact exersice (the EFX is great)...but RUN FIRST.

Rick,
Why run first? I usually do the EFX first (thinking it will help with the warming up part.) So why the other way 'round? Thanks for the info. I'm really trying to do the higher impact stuff FOR my joints. It is my understandig that HI is good for strengthining those joints, as well as helping with osteoporosis, which runs in my family.

Keep the Faith!
Tracy

 

[GottaBeMe]

Tracy-

High impact does make those joints stronger. As long as you don't have some kind of pre-existing condition that you would be agrivating just by starting, I think you are doing a good thing.

The reason I said to do your running first is a motivational thing that I used to do when I was just starting. Since running was the primary focus of that days' workout, then that's what I wanted most of my energy poured into. I would find, also, that when I would do some other kind of cardio first (other than walking) that I was far too tired to do any type of effective running for more than a few minutes without being pooped. Running is one of those things I think that looks much easier than it actually is. If you are able to work out easily on the eliptical before your running and you don't see any negitive effects-- by all means, do what works!!

Hope I'm not making you any more confused than you were

Rick

 

[tlgoblue]

Thanks for the info. I have a good friend (from MI as well!) who is currently training for the Disney Marathon, and I have gotten some good info from her. She echoed your comment about it being a priority. I guess I'll have to do some introspection to help me decide if I really want to invest the time, or just do as TigH said and stick with walking.


Keep the Faith!
Tracy