running ~ joints are sore

JulieMom

Cathlete
I run from time to time for a differant kind of cardio workout. I haven't run since last fall (CAN NOT run in the cold, yuck!) so I am not adjusted to it. Yesterday I ran 3.5 miles (the most I have ever done is 4 miles) and was so excited that I was in such good shape I could do this much without working up to it. I workout 4 times a week so I'm pretty fit. During my run it wasn't getting short of breathe, or side stiches or even leg fatigue that was getting to me. It was my hips mainly and my right knee. I figure my knee was sore since being right handed I probably put more pressure on it than the left. But my hips are still rather sore today. Does this go away as I get use to running or is this a sign that I should be careful and maybe over doing it. I had just fun running I really hope it is something I can work on and increase in mileage.
 
My first question is what kind of running shoes are you running in? Are they new? Old shoes can aggravate the knees. Being sore like you are tells me you might have done too much. I would be careful and maybe take 30 second walk breaks every half mile or so until you don't have the pain. I agree also...running is fun, just go slow...:)...Carole
 
JulieMom,

You probably just added running back into your routine too quickly. It does take your body some time to adjust to the different type of impact of running.

Running is much more repetitive than the cardio and weights that your body is used too, so you really need to listen to your body. Although the run felt good, if anything starts to hurt while you are running, then stop immediatley to avoid injury.

Another thing to consider is did you warm up properly. I know that sometimes I just start running and don't really do any actual "warm up" or stretching.

Just make sure you give your body plenty of time to adjust to running, before you try to increase your mileage. Also make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear for running!!!!

Best of Luck,

Tina
 
I were New Balance, shoe number 715. They are two years old but are in very good shape. I pretty much only where them to workout and mainly I workout indoors. I do kickboxing at home KPC & a Kathy Smith kickboxing and I know that's heavy on the joints but when I do it in good for I don't have pain. Maybe I should go slower, man, that bites I want to kick it up to 5 miles... Ok maybe with time.
 
Yes I did warm up, a brisk walk of about 1/2 a mile, and did stretch. Do you know what is a normal window for most to adjust to this kind of impact or is it just to different from person to person?
 
I would really consider new shoes for running. Even 2 yrs old and in good shape they can still break down. There is a HUGE differnece on the joints between kickboxing, any other indoor cardio and high impact running. I have run myself for about 27 years, and normally do alot of distance. I like marathons! I also go thru alot of shoes!...:)...Carole
 
Yeah DH runs trails hard and long (8+ miles on hard, hilly terrain). His shoes never last very long. Maybe I should look into new shoes. He never gets sore like me and wondered if I just had to get use to it. Well, shoe shopping does sound like fun.:)
 
Hi, JulieMom--

You did exactly what I did! I stopped running through the winter (I'm with you--I hate running in the cold/darkx( ) When I added it back in, I was in really good shape cardio-wise because of all the Cathe workouts I did all winter, so I went right back to my usual 4.5 miles. I felt great the whole time, actually felt like I could have kept going had I wanted to. Well, the next day, and even more so the day after that, my quads were KILLING me!!! Running, like any activity you haven't done in a while, takes a while for your body to get used to. I have run more frequently now that the warm weather is coming back and it stays light out longer, but those first few times out were tough (but only after--not during!). Ease back into it; cut back the mileage the next couple of times you go and slowly increase it back up to where you were (good advice I should have followed myself!). It's good that you're in the habit of warming up and stretching--that's really important and will help.

And, I do think you should get new shoes. Two years is too long to have running shoes! They say you should replace them every 300-500 miles; even if your mileage isn't too high, you should replace them at least once a year. Check out some of the info on www.runnersworld.com; they have some great tips!

Good luck and enjoy--running is great!

-Marie:)
 
I agree with all the advice given here already. take it slow and get new running shoes, shoes specifically for running, not cross trainrs. The cushioning on any athletic shoe breaks down with time, even if they just sit on the shelf, which explains why it is not a good idea to buy up old stock from a shop, it may have been on their shelves forever! For aerobics, I reckon a new shoe once per year, I can imagine with running, you need to replace them more frequently than that. Once you get back into your running program, a sudden return to aches and pains you did not previously have is a sign of the need to replace shoes. Actually this is true whatever your athletic activity.

Clare
 
My hip joints get a bit sore when I start back up running in the fall all the time too. I am the opposite of you, I can only stand to run in cool or cold weather, so I start in late September and end in early May. Anyway, the first few runs in the fall my hip joints hurt, even with new shoes. I've read in triathlon magazines that the abductor and other tiny muscles around the hip are challenged by running in ways that bodybuilding exercises do not prepare you for. This is specific "functional fitness" for running.

I do however agree with other posters that if your shoes are two years old and have been used for all that kickboxing and such, you should probably get some new ones, just for running. They can go through mud, water, whatever and you don't have to worry about wearing them indoors.
 
I recently have been contemplating doing some running (probably more like a run/walk). I just bought run/walking shoes, but the pavement has always bothered my legs. When I was in track, I got terrible shin splints. I don't want to have problems with aches and pains, especially now that I am older. We have alot of hills in our subdivision, I was thinking of doing wind sprints up hill and walk in between, maybe that would be easier on the ole legs.
 
Hi Fab40! I think JulieMom got some good advice here..it's always hard to know exactly why things hurt. Running is great exercise I think, but you need to start slow. I used to get shin splints alot myself when I first started. I only do now on occasion usually from running downhill and not paying attention to my form! Someone told me once it was from slapping down your toes when going downhill. As I have gotten older (45) I am starting to prefer trail running alot. I find it much easier on the body. Sprinting uphill and walking sounds like a good way to start. Just be careful on the downhill! I got a bit sore from Bootcamp the other day too...:)...Carole
 
Thanks for the advice. I think I am a toe slapper.:D I still cannot believe how sore I am from BC and I workout regularly. ME didn't even do this to my body. Yikes!:eek:
 

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