Question for the Runners Out There

L

lorajc

Cathlete
Hi -

I've been trying to get my body used to running. I've never ran prior to about 6 months ago when we got a treadmill. I have neck/back problems and running has (in the past) made my neck bothersome and sciatica flare up. However, I kept doing Cardio Coaches and added more jogging than walking in and have finally built up to where I can do 1/2 hour to 45 minutes on the treadmill, but I'm still walking and running. I can't run continually yet. Also, to get to my desired heart rate, I need to turn the speed all the way up (as I don't have ability to adjust incline -older machine) and I find this is sort of hard on my joints.

Anyway - to get to the point..........since I've been running/walking with CC twice a week, I constantly have very tight hamstrings and my glutes/hamstrings (right where they meet) gets so tender that it hurts to sit on it.

I have also added in Lotte Berk/Fluidiity 3 times a week in an effort to slim my lower half down and I"m not sure exactly how much soreness is strictly from the running, but I think it's a LOT. I lost my job a while ago and I've even been doing yoga daily.....so you'd think they would loosen up and not be so sore.

Can you ladies tell me -- Do you think my body will ever adjust to this running where I don't get this tight in my hamstrings and sore, etc? or is this just normal?
 
Your body will adjust in time. When I first started running I had perpetual tight calves, hip flexor soreness, and hamstring tightness. Prior to running I did advanced Cathe and Christi aerobics and was very frustrated at the soreness I was experiencing.

Now, I never have soreness no matter the distance (3-10 miles at a time continuous) and my heart rate rarely raises over 160 BPM. This took a good 6- 12 months of running 2-3 times per week.

Now if someone could just solve my shoe problem:)
 
What sort of shoe problem do you have? Have you ever tried wearing Saucony Tangent Grid's? They are the best shoes I've ever worn. Fit like a glove and have the best forefoot cushioning. I wear them for step, regular aerobics and running. They are actually racing stability shoes. I get them from www.Zappos.com. They have free shipping.
 
Hi there! Just wanted to add some encouragement for you. As long as you progress sensibly in your mileage and speed it will get easier for you! I've been running several years and am thoroughly addicted.... there's just nothing better:7 It sounds like you have a good pair of shoes and that is supremely important for injury prevention. Just one little recommendation you might try. I discovered the wonderful benefits of using a foam roller after a run.
It really helps tremendously to loosen up those tight muscles. You can find them at Target or multiple sources on line that sell running/exercise equipment. There's alot of us at the runners check-in (the cheetahs) who are sold on these.

BTW you are welcome to drop in and chat anytime if you need more encouragement:)

ShellyC
 
Thanks ladies. I was hoping I'd hear that it takes time. My DH has been running for years and after an injury sidelined him for a few months, he had difficulty getting back to running without pain/joint issues. He is now back to running at least 2-3 times a week and just yesterday, I heard him complain about his butt being sore! I know it was from running cuz I know he hates to work his legs (plus I asked him). The highest I can get my HR up during a sprint is about 160. When I just jog at a comfortable pace....it's only 130 or so and that's also discouraging to me cuz I always thought running was supposed to be the best cardio wise. I can easily get my HR up to 147-160 on the Rebounder with hardly any impact....so that's why the running thing frustrates me. When doing Cardio Coach intervals, I have to turn the level all the way up on my TM and run really fast and hard to get that HR and that's a lot of impact. Hope my body eventually gets used to it. Don't worry, I'm not a quitter. When I'm determined to do something......I see it thru!
 
I would say some aches & pains are normal as your body adjusts, but I would think after 6 months, you shouldn't really have tight hams/glutes on a regular basis. I'm sure you are getting a good stretch doing the LB/Fluidity...Are you stretching really well after each running session?...I would probably avoid working legs on days that you run, make sure you stretch thoroughly, and try the foam roller Shelly recommended (I'm a recent convert myself) to see if those things help. Good luck!

~Cathy :)
 
Cathe - do you mean no running on Lotte Berk/Fluidity days either? No, I don't always stretch REAL good. Sometimes I just do a stretch off of a Cathe tape and they are sometimes not that thorough. I have a foam roller and used it this morning with my Keli Roberts foam roller massage DVD but I couldn't get situated properly over the area that is tender. I was doing something wrong (I think). I'll have to review it again. It was frustrating cuz that was one of the only spots I had that problem. I realized my legs were pretty sore on the thighs, inner thighs, etc. as well!
 
I also have the Fluidity bar and IMO those workouts do give you quite a burn in the legs, so yeah, on planned running days, I would probably not do anything else, and see how that works out. For the time being, anyway. Then you'll see, too, if the problem is truly from running only. But I think the real key will be stretching thoroughly afterward and not blowing it off. Running can make the backs of your legs real tight, and tight muscles can lead to injury, so it really is important to try to keep that loose. Years ago, I was neglectful about my stretching and over time, it led to achilles tendonitis, which was *not* fun. If you are having ongoing muscle tightness/soreness, I agree that something is not right. My guess is that you will see it improve if you become more diligent about stretching.

~Cathy :)
 
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