Need some input from the ladies who run...

I'm not a runner. Never have been. I've always been into weights and cardio on the elliptical. I've recently decided to change it up and instead of doing the elliptical 3 days a week, I run on the treadmill. My question is...is there really any benefit if I'm not doing it 5+ days a week? I'm afraid I will end up hurting myself. This is my second week since changing to the treadmill. I did some run/walk intervals for 30 mins yesterday and ran (at a slow, steady pace) in the park today for 20mins and my legs started to really hurt. The pain I was feeling ran from my ankles right along the inside of my leg and stopped at the calf. Not sure what to do. I wanted to incorporate it into my reg. routine but not if I'm going to be in pain after each run. Does that change once your body gets used to running?

Thanks for reading.

Re: Need some input from the ladies who run...

Running, like any other cardio, is great for you and you will benefit even if you do it just once or twice per week. Will you be able to train for a marathon doing that? No, but unless that's your goal, who cares? Now a couple of questions...are you wearing running shoes and are you stretching well before you run? The pain you're describing sounds similar to what I get if I don't stretch enough before a run. It could also be your muscles getting used to a new activity. Try heat and ice for the pain if it's muscular. And stretch!

Re: Need some input from the ladies who run...

I definitely have no plans on running a marathon. LOL. I'm strictly doing it as the cardio portion of my workout. I am wearing running shoes. I actually thought last night that maybe my laces weren't laced high or tight enough but I have no clue if that would matter.
As for stretching, I do stretch. I'm not sure if I'm stretching enough though. I usually do my weight training before the treadmill and I always walk to warm up. I don't just go right into running.
Thanks so much for your input. I've also been running in the park on my off days from the gym in hopes of getting my body used to this change in routine. I really enjoy it and would love to keep at it.
Thanks again!

Re: Need some input from the ladies who run...

Sounds like it could be shin splints. Shoes can definitely affect that. Is the pain less if you run on a soft surface, like grass?


3 days a week is a great start.

Re: Need some input from the ladies who run...

Re: Need some input from the ladies who run...

If you are considering running, please please please go to a running store to be fitted with proper running shoes.

It will make a world of difference

Re: Need some input from the ladies who run...

Re: Need some input from the ladies who run...

sounds like shin splints.
I used to get them in high school and the trainer told me that while I was sitting in class, to "draw" letters of the alphabet with my feet and that will strenghten the shins over time. It worked for me!

Re: Need some input from the ladies who run...

Re: Need some input from the ladies who run...

Posted by J9-13

Posted by Erica

Sounds like it could be shin splints. Shoes can definitely affect that. Is the pain less if you run on a soft surface, like grass?


3 days a week is a great start.

You know...someone mentioned shin splints on here recently and when I started feeling the pain, I looked it up and it seemed pretty spot on.
When I run on the treadmill, I only feel the pain when I start running. Once I'm going, it's fine. When I walk for a rest and start up again, I feel it again, then it fades. But last night, I was running on the pavement and it was hurting the entire time I was running. By the time I was heading back home, I was limping.
I have two pairs of Nike sneakers. One is def. a running sneaker and the other, I'm not so sure...either way. They both aren't that great. I should def. look into a better shoe.
Thanks!

Re: Need some input from the ladies who run...

Posted by Erica

Posted by J9-13

Posted by Erica

Sounds like it could be shin splints. Shoes can definitely affect that. Is the pain less if you run on a soft surface, like grass?


3 days a week is a great start.

You know...someone mentioned shin splints on here recently and when I started feeling the pain, I looked it up and it seemed pretty spot on.
When I run on the treadmill, I only feel the pain when I start running. Once I'm going, it's fine. When I walk for a rest and start up again, I feel it again, then it fades. But last night, I was running on the pavement and it was hurting the entire time I was running. By the time I was heading back home, I was limping.
I have two pairs of Nike sneakers. One is def. a running sneaker and the other, I'm not so sure...either way. They both aren't that great. I should def. look into a better shoe.
Thanks!

Also look up stress fracture...they can have similar symptoms, but it is more likely shin splints.

Nikes tend to be for people with more narrow feet. I don't have narrow feet and do use Nike Pegasus (for years, if I change, I get shin splints). i think Pegasus are the one of the only non narrow foot Nike shoe...LOL I bought a sale pair of Nike and I was never in so much agony. I went back to my old shoe and it was almost instantaneous cure. (I'm not promoting pegasus, just promoting finding the right shoe for you - and a running store will help with that. You will have an initial expensive pair of shoe, but you will know what to get when it's time for new shoes)

In the meantime, stick to the treadmill or grass/trails. and if it does hurt after, put a bag of frozen vegetables on your shins!

Re: Need some input from the ladies who run...

I used to have problems with shin splints so when I started to jog on the treadmill, I made sure not to do it on an incline. That tends to stress the muscles in the front of your leg more. You're better off starting out on a treadmill or a track, since they're easier on your legs than pavement.

I bought "running" shoes from DSW, New Balance that were about $50 I think. They're not really good for that. Then I went to Super Runners Shop in Huntington and had them inspect my feet, arches etc and they recommended a pair of sneakers with a lot of stability in the sole due to my height and weight. Its a big difference, even if you just hold the shoe and try to bend it at the sole - not happening. My DSW shoes bend willingly though.

They are pricey - the better ones were about $95 - $105 but I figure my legs are worth it.

Re: Need some input from the ladies who run...

Also, I posted a video here the other day on different running gaits and how they play a part in pain and injuries. When I jog, I don't let my legs stride out far ahead of me, and I concentrate on my feet hitting the ground at midfoot instead of the heel or the front.

Re: Need some input from the ladies who run...

Posted by J9-13

I have very wide feet (i blame years of gymnastics. )
I also feel like when I run, I'm very heavy on my feet. I'm sure it's because I don't really have a stride yet and I'm not used to running. I always feel like an elephant while running on the treadmill and making so much noise.
I tend to have short, quick steps as opposed to longer ones. Not sure if that matters but I'm sure form plays some part, right?