Running Question....leg pain etc.

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2009-08-05 10:04 PM

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Subject: Running Question....leg pain etc.
So this is my second year of doing triathlons and last year was cut short because I became pregnant with my second child. When I started running last year I had terrible shin splints and my calves were always REALLY tight. I got orthodics and rolled my legs a lot (with the styrofoam roller thingy- technicle I know ). It was manageable, but still hurt. Forward to this year. I started running again 6 weeks post partum and for the most part things went better. I rolled and stretched a lot. However I still have leg pain. Specifically shin splints in one leg with terrible IT band issues and a tight calf.

Can it be that I'm just not made to run?? I ran 4 miles last friday and have not been able to run since. I've never had a gait analysis so I'm wondering if I could be running that "wrong" to cause all these issues. The other thing I'm thinking is that I have very loose joints and maybe this is just too much impact. Can I do something like the elliptical machine in place of one of my weekly runs?? Is that really going to help me with running (and hopefully someday running faster)?

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. I get so jealous with people that can run and then feel OK after when it takes a week for me to recover after 4 miles.

Kat

2009-08-06 12:01 AM
in reply to: #2330861

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Melon Presser
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Subject: RE: Running Question....leg pain etc.
Congrats on your 2nd child and returning to run

There's nothing in your logs, so I really can't tell you much. Did you do 4 miles in a shot, or work up to it? If so, are you following a run training plan?

Some people can get right into running and build up fairly quickly (not too quickly, it's hard on everybody's joints). Some people must build up muuuuuuuch more slowly. Like running (at a VERY easy pace, perhaps walking some) half a mile several times a week, then next week making one of those runs 2/3 or 3/4mi ... see where I'm going.

Some people find that inserting walk breaks (or doing a run:walk ratio) is very helpful.
2009-08-06 6:30 AM
in reply to: #2330861

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Subject: RE: Running Question....leg pain etc.
Sounds like you are jumping into things a bit heavier than you should... why not trying to slowly easing back into things. A walk-run might be perfect; walk to warm up (ex. 5min.), then run 3 minutes, walk 2min. and continue that for a week. Next week, increase the run to 4 minutes and keep the walk, week after that decrease the walk to 1minute, week after that increase run to 5 minutes and week after that just run. Continue with the foam roller though! You should probably also add two 20-minute sessions each week of strength training (concentrate on legs and core; you can do these at home with nothing else than your body weight... no need for a gym, which should help out with the baby).

And congratulations on the second kid!

Edited by audiojan 2009-08-06 6:30 AM
2009-08-06 6:38 AM
in reply to: #2330861

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Subject: RE: Running Question....leg pain etc.
i ran all winter on a treadmill, got up to 4 miles. spring came and i thought i could run 4 miles on the road, wrong. i suffered with sore knees and terrible shin splints. i thought i had runners knee, went through three pairs of shoes. turns out i just had to back off and go slower. i took a week off until i felt better and started back up with one mile. i slowly increased my miles, im now up to 7 miles pain free and loving it. i really thought i wasnt made to run and thought about giving up. just slow down and let your leg muscles develop and you'll be fine.
2009-08-06 2:47 PM
in reply to: #2330861

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Subject: RE: Running Question....leg pain etc.
I did the couch to 5k program to get back into running this time. So I did take about 9 weeks to fully fun a 5k. Since finishing that program I have been following at tri training book that requires two run sessions a week....longer than I had been running. So there was a little jump from in mileage and I dropped from 3 to 2 runs a week.

I guess I just need to keep with it. Last year I became pregnant right when I thought things started to get better. I've only been back to running 14-15 weeks now.

I do and don't like the idea of run/walking. My body would love to run/walk and it would probably be good for me. But my head says that is doesn't count (or as much) if I walk. I need to realize that in the long run it may be better.
2009-08-06 2:56 PM
in reply to: #2330861

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Subject: RE: Running Question....leg pain etc.

I have had a bunch of nagging leg injuries building up to IM the year, and trust me the Run/Walk doesn't make you less of an athlete.  I go with run 1 mile walk 1 minute which works really well for me and is a must on anything over 1 hour.  The only down side is it can be a little hard to get yourself to run again after mile 16 when your brain is just telling you to walk

2009-08-06 3:15 PM
in reply to: #2330861

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Subject: RE: Running Question....leg pain etc.

I know this is kinda basic, but you said you never had a gait analysis. Are you wearing the proper kind of shoes? this can make a world of difference. I had hip issues for along time. I finally had someone check my gait and found out I should be wearing stability shoes and it solved my hip issues.

2009-08-06 4:12 PM
in reply to: #2330861

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Grand Rapids
Subject: RE: Running Question....leg pain etc.
I had myself fitted for shoes/orthodics, but it didn't consist of a gait analysis. He just kind of looked at my feet, how I walked etc. and then recommended the Brooks Dyads and I got orthodics. But I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to either go see the guy again or get a gait analysis with someone else.

Edited to add: I also need to lose some weight (from the pregnancy and not), about 25lbs or so. I'm in the process of doing that and hopefully that will help also.

Edited by clarkka7 2009-08-06 4:13 PM
2009-08-06 5:18 PM
in reply to: #2330861

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Subject: RE: Running Question....leg pain etc.

If you have a running store near by, i would def go for a gait analysis. The right shoes can solve a myriad of running injury problems. Certainly an easy place to start.

Good luck.



Edited by Nipper 2009-08-06 5:18 PM
2009-08-06 6:43 PM
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Subject: RE: Running Question....leg pain etc.
Being a clydesdale at 6ft 233lbs I know what you mean by pain... luckily I have a friend who introduced me to a book and DVD called Chi Running by Danny Dreyer. I watched the video once and started practicing the technique in the house as the rest of the family must have been thinking Daddy's finally lost it! Well I'm happy to say that I have tried this technique of chi running and my knee pain is gone, also I usually could not run again without at least 3 days of recovery, now I feel comfortable running every other day....  my weekly workouts right now consist of 2 - 6 mile runs then I do a brick of 18 miles on the bike and 4 mile run once a week or I will subsitute a mini tri of 400yd swim 12 mile bike and 3 mile run. The other days I will fit in a swim or bike ride or both as I now feel good enough to do two activities in one day. I hope this helps you alleviate the pain! Pushing thru pain during a tri is hard enough but training through pain shows true heart and determination good luck!

How about you seasoned veterans do you have any expierence with Chi Running??
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