Running and leg pain

K

kimyenchu

Cathlete
Hello everyone,

I would like your feed back for this problem that I have.

I started running only 2 months ago and my legs hurt me really bad the following day. I don't know if it is because I am still new to running and need to adapt to the heavy pounding or if it is because I am not suited to running and should not be doing it at all. I used to have slight pain with my legs when I first started stepping, but it went after a while and I was stepping everyday. Maybe this is the same? I may need longer to get used to running because it is higher impact than stepping.

Before I was not doing as much running as I did these past two months and I only ran on the treadmill in the gym for about 30 mins. I had no problems with that. Do you think maybe I should go back to running on the treadmill and increasing the mileage on there before I go back to running outdoors?

Right now though, I can only run outdoors maybe 3 times a week.

I would like any advice from seasoned runners to novice who have experienced this problem or similar. Jpust lease tell me I DO NOT tell me I have to give up running as I am keen to increase my speed and mileage.

Yen
 
Do you feel the pain in your shins, Yen? If so you may be experiencing shin splints, a common melaise of the new runner. Make sure you get really good running shoes and ease into it. Increase your mileage slowly by about 10 % per week and stretch those sore muscles. With proper footwear and careful training you should be able to run just fine.

Check out this website: http://www.roadrunnersports.com

They have a great really well trianed staff who can find out about your foot style and gear toward a perfect shoe and they do awesome clearance too! Good luck!

http://www.plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif Chick's Rule! B http://www.plaudersmilies.de/natur/petals.gif bbi
 
Yen,

I ALWAYS have this problem. I get it also from doing too many Cathe cardios in one week. I believe it is impact related. I actually start to be "aware" of my shins on Tues..after a whole weekend of rest...but the day after IMAX. It only takes one workout to bring it on in me. Funny, when I was just trail running, with very little Cathe cardio, the condition actually seemed better. Now, IMAX/MIC/and CM back to back are a lethal mix as far as shin pain goes. I have to be very careful what cardio I do back to back.


If you are truly a begginner, I think it will get better, assuming you are not increasing mileage or intensity too quickly (which it sounds like you are. I am the same way when I run...caught up on distance and intensity...obviously to my detrement. Just be careful. Shin splints, or any lower leg pain for that matter, in my experience, does not go away very quickly after you get them. They seem to almost build up and then you are SOL.

Just be aware that mixing running with Cathe cardio ala IMAX or CM is a high impact mix. I am looking into Powerstrike tapes right now, just to ease some of that impact. OR if you have hills or mountains, try breaking out a day to hoof up those..same HR elevation..a whole lot less impact.

Good Luck and Persevere!!

Janice
 
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Oct-16-02 AT 00:50AM (Est)[/font][p]Hi Yen,

I had the same experience when I transitioned from a treadmill to the road, so the pain is probably impact related. I had tremendous pain in my lower legs, especially my shins for quite a while and almost gave up running.

1. Get very good shoes - you can cut corners on clothing, but not shoes - I learned this the hard way.

2. Read up on running form. A lot of people think you just put on shoes and run, but this is not true. Concentrate on landing on your heels and avoid bouncing up and down.

3. Warm up by walking for 5 minutes (I HATED this part, just wanted to run), and stretch out your lower legs, especially your shins by doing toe taps.

4. It is never recommended for a beginner to increase speed. You should be increasing duration instead to properly build up all those running muscles, ligaments, etc.


After running for for 4 months, I got bitten badly by the "running bug" and ran a 10K. I did too much too soon and really paid for it. I did terribly on race day and had to take about 2 weeks off from running so my legs could recupe. I was not a happy camper.

After I built up my shins, I no longer had to walk to warm up or stretch. Now, I run out my front door and get a thorough stretch afterward.

I've been running consistently for more than 2 years now, run about 20-25 mpw and have been pain free since the 10K.

Good luck to you! Running is FABULOUS and once you get acclimated to running outdoors, I doubt you will ever want to go back on the 'mill.


"Pain is weakness leaving the body."
 
Hello MadnNatsmom,

I think you have nailed my problems on the head. You said you ran a 10K after 4 months, I ran mine after 1.5 months so I know the reason must be due to too much too soon. And talking about 'ambitious' I was even thinking of doing a marathon next April. I don't think I will go for that, but will keep it in mind.

Thanks for all your advice.

Yen
 
One more thing....don't run on concrete. It does not "give" like asphalt and dirt/grass/trails. :)

Blessings from Our Home to Yours, Runathon
 
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