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FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH!
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 2006-02-13 9:32 PM |
Champion  10471    Dallas, TX |  Subject: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH!I am SO FRUSTRATED and ANNOYED right now. With what? My running and my horrible form! So, I have never been a great runner (10 minute mile average)... and I use to be able to run a good 2-4 miles without too much trouble. Then, I decided that I needed to get over my fear of distances... and I needed to build my confidence in my running skills... so I started to train for a 1/2 marathon. I gave myself 10 weeks and followed a schedule laid out in a "Womens Running" book. I started to train and was doing pretty good. Then the leg pain set in. The pain was below my calf, and ran down to about an inch above my ankle. It was on both legs and on the inside. Even though it hurt...I kept running. Who let's a little pain get them down? I even went and bought some new shoes for my running form (pronate in?) Then... I would run 3 miles... and stop... and walking was very painful... and I would cringe. It finally got to the point where the pain would start the first moment my foot hit the ground to run. After a month of fighting the pain and it getting worse, I gave up my goal of running a half. That was about 4 months ago. The pain has pops up evertime I run, although not as extreme. My last 2 mile run last week though... I figured out a way to hop every so often.... so my lower legs would not hurt as bad and so I could keep going. Horrible...right? Yea, I had to walk a lot... and walking even hurt. I ask my Tri 101 coach about running form... and get some vague answer. Nothing about the mechanics of running. I write an email and ask if he knows any running coaches he could refer me to, but he says I need to work on my fitness first. GGGRRRR... I can't work on my fitness... because my running form is so piss poor, it causes extreme pain in my lower legs! (Mind you, this is not injury related pain. I was checked out clear by a Doc today.) So, where do I go from here? Sure... I can find other places to get running coaches... but I don't really have $80 to spend on 1 hour of coaching. So here are my questions: 1) Can someone refer me to a good website on running form? 2) Can someone refer any good books on running form? 3) Can someone refer me to a running coach in Dallas, TX who is less than $80 an hour? 4) Is anyone kind and generous enough, who lives in Dallas, TX to take a look at my running... and tell me what I am doing wrong? HA! It was worth a shot.... eh? Thanks to ANYONE who can give some advice and direction on where to start. I just want to RUN a 5K... that's all. |
| 2006-02-13 9:43 PM in reply to: #345229 |
Veteran 228 Vero Beach,Florida | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! Tough to say without seeing. You could try going to your local running stores. Usually their experience can help you determine what some of the problem might be. Some stores will even video tape your stride to further investigate the problems. For me, I had to try about 10 different pairs of shoes before I alleviated the pains in my feet and calves. I sympathize with you. I know how much that DEEP pain can hurt. Just try and relax. It will take time. Hopefully, a little advice from the shoe people and trying some different shoes will help. Good luck Snookdude ps-->the right shoes can make ALL the difference. |
| 2006-02-13 9:49 PM in reply to: #345232 |
Elite 3650   Laurium, MI | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! take a look at the books "evolution running" and "Chi Running" Both have really good info about technique. You mentioned you went to a doctor. Did you go to a sports med doctor? |
| 2006-02-13 10:57 PM in reply to: #345229 |
Expert 893 Livermore, Ca | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! I would go to a different doctor. Maybe someone experience in sports. Pain is caused by something, you can't check out fine if there's pain. You might try doing some strength training for calfs, it might help? |
| 2006-02-13 11:15 PM in reply to: #345229 |
| Memphis, Tn | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! Have you thought about trying to hookup with a local high school track or cross country coach to see if he can give you some quick pointers on your form. This is the slow time for them and they might be able to spare a few minutes to help you out. |
| 2006-02-14 6:28 AM in reply to: #345229 |
Expert 1070 North Carolina | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! Have you ever worn orthotics.........sounds like you need them. When you say doctor, did you see an orthopedic? |
| 2006-02-14 6:57 AM in reply to: #345229 |
Master 2946 Centennial, CO | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! I completely agree with the last poster. You need to see a sport medicine doctor and probably need orthotics. As someone else said you can't check out fine and have pain. Did they do x-rays? Could be stress fractures, tight calves or more of a bone malformation issue. Don't let this get you down... Remember there are two other parts to triathalon that you can still train hard for. But definitely get a second opinion and ask about orthotics. Some PT Clinics will even do a free sports injury consultation and could probably give you some input on how to fix the problem. |
| 2006-02-14 6:57 AM in reply to: #345229 |
Master 1670 Harvard, Illinois | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! Go to a park and run barefoot. It is the perfect running form. I include barefoot running in all of my training. The other positive of barefoot running is no injuries, none. I was injury free last year and expect the same this year. I have several links available to send to you if interested about barefoot running and the benefits. |
| 2006-02-14 7:51 AM in reply to: #345229 |
Expert 1166 Colchester, CT | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! Could also be your running shoes. You might not have the right type of shoe for the way you run. Try to get to a good running store, they should be able to watch you run and analyze your stride and recommend some shoes for you. Chris |
| 2006-02-14 8:53 AM in reply to: #345229 |
Champion 10471 Dallas, TX | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! WOW! Thanks for all the replies! Let me see if I can address some/all of the questions/responses: 1) Thanks for the books that were recommended... I will check those out. 2) My shoes were purchased at a running store and they looked at my form and picked out the shoes that fit how I run. I tend to pronate (? spelling) in, so the shoes are sturdy (? terminology) on the inside of the heel. When I first purchased the shoes, the pain left for about a week. I though I was in the clear. Then it came back. 3) Doctor: I went to the Plano Orthopedic: Sports Medicine and Spine Center. They took X-rays and the Dr. saw nothing physically wrong. He suggested that I could try orthotics (? terminology) in my shoes to help with my leg pain, but didn't sound convinced that would help. He said something seemed rather thick (? I forgot the medical term), but he wasn't concerned. I was sent on my way with some stretching exercises and an ankle brace for the ankle I twisted last weekend. 4) I don't have any H.S. coach hook ups. But, there are plenty of good runners in my tri group and I might see if I can trade a running session for a swim session (I am a good swimmer). Thanks for all the advice! Feel free to keep the advice coming! Edited by KSH 2006-02-14 8:55 AM |
| 2006-02-14 9:02 AM in reply to: #345419 |
| Elite 3650 Laurium, MI | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! hmmm, you still moght consider orthodics. People I know that have got them say that when they see their doc about them they take physical measurments about standing posture and running position, then determine the dynamics of your stride and gait. It's a little more involved then looking at x-rays. Seems the doc was looking more for physical static problems then problems with how you move. |
| 2006-02-14 9:20 AM in reply to: #345229 |
Expert 1213 Los Gatos, CA | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! Running progress doesn't come gradually, it can be almost imperceptible....runs vary in quality from one day to the next...only over good bit of time (months) do you see real sustained progress.....if you were used to running certain distances and really cranked up the volume recently you may just be suffering your body's response to the rigors, it can feel awful....it takes time to work through this... |
| 2006-02-14 10:07 AM in reply to: #345229 |
| Veteran 158 Grapevine, Texas | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! So sorry! I totally hear you though. I'm kind of in the same boat and have a bout of shin pain that I'm trying to get over. Going on 2+ weeks with no running. Running form is kind of a scary thing to try to work out on your own. It's kind of hard to watch yourself run. There are some books on running form, but you have to be a little careful when changing your form to something that you're not normally accustom to and sometimes doing that tweaking can cause an injury. The vague answers from your "coach" is kind of annoying. And, the whole fitness answer is not acceptable in my opinion. If I were in your shoes, I'd go up to Luke's in Dallas and talk to either Chris Greene, or Duncan Cragg. Chris is the talk, skinny, african-american. Duncan is average height, has a South African accent and blonde hair. Both are super super nice guys. Another is Terry Jessup who is at Luke's but often not as frequently, but he also coaches fast runners in the area. He coaches some of the semi-elites. I know you're not super fast, but he may have some advice too. Terry is also from S. Africa, dark hair, glasses. All those guys will totally be of some help. You're more likely to run into Duncan or Chris than Terry as I know Duncan and Chris are up there a lot more. Luke's has a program called Beat Goes On and they specifically work on running form and technique, and speed work too with a focus on the 5K and 10K distance. The program has already started, but I'm sure you could still get in. I'd highly recommend it. I've done it once and it certainly sounds much better than the current coach you have with your tri 101 class. Those are my thoughts. I hope you get it figured out. |
| 2006-02-14 10:10 AM in reply to: #345491 |
| Veteran 158 Grapevine, Texas | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! Oh, and I'd also consider spending some of your running time on the elliptical machine. Maybe having some further cross training that is similar to running (you get a lot of cross training from biking and running obviously) may help. |
| 2006-02-14 10:11 AM in reply to: #345229 |
Cycling Guru 15134 Fulton, MD | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! I would say one of three issues: 1) Shoes 2) Form/technique 3) Stretching/fitness Everyone has already brought those up, so no need to expound on them.  |
| 2006-02-14 10:18 AM in reply to: #345229 |
Regular 159 Philadelphia | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! You may have ramped up your distances to quickly. I went through the same thing. You may have to stick to the 10% rule. |
| 2006-02-14 10:22 AM in reply to: #345229 |
Extreme Veteran 760 Provo, UT (my heart is in Seattle) | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! Jack Daniels writes some great books on running. One of the best things to do is to video yourself running on the track. Just set up a camera and run away from it. Wear running clothes so that your legs and feet are not covered. Watch the tape both in realtime and in slow motion so that you can analyze your arms, stride, footstrike, turnover, etc... I'm not in Texas, or I would volunteer to help you out with your running form. |
| 2006-02-14 10:35 AM in reply to: #345229 |
Coach 10487 Boston, MA | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! Rick is right; those three things should be your major points to focus on. I would add and strongly recommend thoroughly warm up and cool down before and after each run… another tricky part as a runner is to learn to differentiate from a normal running ache or minor pain and a potential injury…
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| 2006-02-14 2:30 PM in reply to: #345229 |
| Elite 2458 Livingston, MT | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! |
| 2006-02-14 2:35 PM in reply to: #345229 |
Champion 10471 Dallas, TX | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! 1) I need to learn stretches for running... and do them religiously. I can honestly say I don't stretch like I need to. 2) I am not overweight. I am 5'4" and 120 lbs. Perfectly healthy. 3) What is a heel striker? I think I may do this. As it seems that the pain comes from my heel hitting the ground and pulling back up. Hard to explain. |
| 2006-02-14 3:08 PM in reply to: #345229 |
Master 4101 Denver | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! Pain on the inside of the shins sounds like a classic case of shin splints caused by over-pronating. At least thats what it was in my case which was due to my very flat feet. Even though I have a pair of orthotics it wasn't until lately that I was able to hopefully get rid of the shin pain. For me it took trying a few different kinds of shoes until I found a pair that worked with my orthotics to keep my arch from collapsing and my foot frmo rolling inward. I would check with a podiatrist or sports med specialist and see what they think of your arches and also be very careful about upping your milage. Maybe even slower than the 10% rule if thats what it takes. A heel striker is when, while running, the heel of your foot is the first part of the foot to make contact with the ground. This can cause shin problems because the muscles on top of your foot which connect to the shin will try to keep the rest of the foot from "flopping" to the ground after the heel strikes, although I think this is usually in the front of the shin. |
| 2006-02-14 3:14 PM in reply to: #345229 |
Champion 10471 Dallas, TX | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! A heel striker is when, while running, the heel of your foot is the first part of the foot to make contact with the ground. This can cause shin problems because the muscles on top of your foot which connect to the shin will try to keep the rest of the foot from "flopping" to the ground after the heel strikes, although I think this is usually in the front of the shin. This sounds like me. But, if your heel isn't the first part to hit the ground... what is? I thought you were suppose to start from you heel and move through the entire motion with the foot...ending with the ball of the foot leaving the group last. Make sense? I will say that the Dr. pushed around by my shins and he said he thought I had shin splints, just on the inside of my legs. How do I fix shin splits? I may go back at some point to get some inserts for my shoes to help with my pronating inwards. |
| 2006-02-14 3:51 PM in reply to: #345229 |
Master 4101 Denver | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! For me fixing the shin splints was a long process of finding the right mix of orthotics, motion control shoes and running style. Basically what you are trying to do is to stop your foot frmo rolling inwards too much (it will do this some naturally which is ok, but when it does it too much it stretches the muscles which attach to the inside or your shin). As far as the heel striking, I would recommend checking out either the Chi running book or Pose Running. When you are heel striking you are not only putting stress on your foot but "hitting the brakes" since in order to land heel first your foot is landing in front of you. Chi & Pose running are very similar and have you running with a shorter stride/higher cadence where your foot contacts the ground right under you instead of in front of you. It feels like you are taking little tiny steps and your aim is to have your foot land mid-sole. I thikn there is a good thread from pretty recently about changing running styles. |
| 2006-02-14 3:52 PM in reply to: #345229 |
| Elite 2458 Livingston, MT | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! If the problem is persistent, you may want to change up your running style so that you become a mid-foot or forefoot striker. I did this and I've been all the better off for it. Check it out: http://www.posetech.com I asked if you were overweight because many runners starting out are overweight and that in turn puts a lot of extra pressure on your feet and legs for obvious reasons. |
| 2006-02-14 4:01 PM in reply to: #345229 |
| Crystal Lake, IL | Subject: RE: FRUSTRATED! Running- BLAH! Threads about running styles/form. The key here is Ken Mierke. http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=34248&posts=5#s http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=33498&posts=4#s http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=32798&posts=32#s http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=34156&posts=7#s http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=30658&posts=9#s |
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