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Runners - Please help!

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Pomegranate5
LIF Adult

Member since 2/11

4798 total posts

Name:
Pomegranate5

Runners - Please help!

I am a newbie to running (this is my second spring/summer season of running). But really this is the first year that I'm running regularly and I'm gradually increasing my distances. I absolutely LOVE it, but as my distances increase, my pain does too. (My long runs are currently about 5 miles, so I'm not talking about anything extreme here).

I have a tightness and pain in my shins and calves (and knees) and I am worried I am doing damage to myself permanently. I stretch before and after a run, but I still find myself relying on ibuprofen.

So my question is, is this normal? Is there anything I can do to minimize the strain on my legs while I'm running, or before or after?

I know SO little about running, so any help or advice would be appreciated!! Thanks!! Chat Icon

Posted 5/27/15 9:42 AM
 
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MrsS2005
Mom of 3

Member since 11/05

13118 total posts

Name:
B

Re: Runners - Please help!

I'm far from an expert in running, but I wonder if your shoes could be part of the problem. Have you been properly fitted at a running store?

It's definitely tougher, but running on an incline, if on a treadmill, or hills, if outside, is easier on your knees and joints.

Posted 5/27/15 10:46 AM
 

Pomegranate5
LIF Adult

Member since 2/11

4798 total posts

Name:
Pomegranate5

Re: Runners - Please help!

Posted by MrsS2005

I'm far from an expert in running, but I wonder if your shoes could be part of the problem. Have you been properly fitted at a running store?

It's definitely tougher, but running on an incline, if on a treadmill, or hills, if outside, is easier on your knees and joints.



I'm using the same shoes I've had for a few years now, but were hardly ever used until the past year. I was hoping to keep them at least through the summer, I didn't want to have to break in a new pair. I've never been fitted, I didn't know if I would really stick with running, so I didn't want to waste the money.

Posted 5/27/15 11:08 AM
 

KevinNKristin8-15-08
Welcome to the world Chase

Member since 9/08

6162 total posts

Name:
Kristin

Runners - Please help!

It sounds like your sneakers. Have you gotten fitted? I strongly recommend you to to an actual running store to get fitted for shoes. You could just be wearing the wrong shoes for your foot. Wearing the wrong type of shoe can cause injuries so definitely get fitted. That and old sneakers could give you a problem. I usually put about 500 miles on them before I switch them up. That's really only around 6 months or so.

Posted 5/27/15 2:33 PM
 

KevinNKristin8-15-08
Welcome to the world Chase

Member since 9/08

6162 total posts

Name:
Kristin

Runners - Please help!

It sounds like your sneakers. Have you gotten fitted? I strongly recommend you to to an actual running store to get fitted for shoes. You could just be wearing the wrong shoes for your foot. Wearing the wrong type of shoe can cause injuries so definitely get fitted. That and old sneakers could give you a problem. I usually put about 500 miles on them before I switch them up. That's really only around 6 months or so.

Posted 5/27/15 2:33 PM
 

LiveForMoments
LIF Adult

Member since 10/10

2418 total posts

Name:

Re: Runners - Please help!

Posted by Pomegranate5

Posted by MrsS2005

I'm far from an expert in running, but I wonder if your shoes could be part of the problem. Have you been properly fitted at a running store?

It's definitely tougher, but running on an incline, if on a treadmill, or hills, if outside, is easier on your knees and joints.



I'm using the same shoes I've had for a few years now, but were hardly ever used until the past year. I was hoping to keep them at least through the summer, I didn't want to have to break in a new pair. I've never been fitted, I didn't know if I would really stick with running, so I didn't want to waste the money.




I would bet your sneakers are part of the problem. In general, you should get new shoes every 6-8 months, especially if you're having joint pain, a year tops. You prob want a shoe with good support and cushion, probably not a lightweight one. You don't need to spend a fortune, but I would be very cautious doing regular running with old sneakers,.

I wanted to add, how long have you been running? If it's only been like a few weeks, these may just be your body getting used to it. Running is super high impact so it does take a toll on your body. Ice, stretch, run as long as you can pain-free.

Message edited 5/27/2015 4:21:42 PM.

Posted 5/27/15 4:19 PM
 

Pomegranate5
LIF Adult

Member since 2/11

4798 total posts

Name:
Pomegranate5

Re: Runners - Please help!

Posted by LiveForMoments

Posted by Pomegranate5

Posted by MrsS2005

I'm far from an expert in running, but I wonder if your shoes could be part of the problem. Have you been properly fitted at a running store?

It's definitely tougher, but running on an incline, if on a treadmill, or hills, if outside, is easier on your knees and joints.



I'm using the same shoes I've had for a few years now, but were hardly ever used until the past year. I was hoping to keep them at least through the summer, I didn't want to have to break in a new pair. I've never been fitted, I didn't know if I would really stick with running, so I didn't want to waste the money.




I would bet your sneakers are part of the problem. In general, you should get new shoes every 6-8 months, especially if you're having joint pain, a year tops. You prob want a shoe with good support and cushion, probably not a lightweight one. You don't need to spend a fortune, but I would be very cautious doing regular running with old sneakers,.

I wanted to add, how long have you been running? If it's only been like a few weeks, these may just be your body getting used to it. Running is super high impact so it does take a toll on your body. Ice, stretch, run as long as you can pain-free.



I didn't run at all during the winter, and I just started again in early April so yeah it's only been like 8-9 weeks. But I really love it so I may just suck it up and get new sneakers. I didn't believe it would make that much of a difference, especially with the short distances I run (3-5 miles).

Posted 5/27/15 4:42 PM
 

LiveForMoments
LIF Adult

Member since 10/10

2418 total posts

Name:

Re: Runners - Please help!

Posted by Pomegranate5

Posted by LiveForMoments

Posted by Pomegranate5

Posted by MrsS2005

I'm far from an expert in running, but I wonder if your shoes could be part of the problem. Have you been properly fitted at a running store?

It's definitely tougher, but running on an incline, if on a treadmill, or hills, if outside, is easier on your knees and joints.



I'm using the same shoes I've had for a few years now, but were hardly ever used until the past year. I was hoping to keep them at least through the summer, I didn't want to have to break in a new pair. I've never been fitted, I didn't know if I would really stick with running, so I didn't want to waste the money.




I would bet your sneakers are part of the problem. In general, you should get new shoes every 6-8 months, especially if you're having joint pain, a year tops. You prob want a shoe with good support and cushion, probably not a lightweight one. You don't need to spend a fortune, but I would be very cautious doing regular running with old sneakers,.

I wanted to add, how long have you been running? If it's only been like a few weeks, these may just be your body getting used to it. Running is super high impact so it does take a toll on your body. Ice, stretch, run as long as you can pain-free.



I didn't run at all during the winter, and I just started again in early April so yeah it's only been like 8-9 weeks. But I really love it so I may just suck it up and get new sneakers. I didn't believe it would make that much of a difference, especially with the short distances I run (3-5 miles).



You could try getting inserts if you really can't swing new shoes at the moment. It really sounds like you need more cushioning. And if you do go to a running shop, you don't HAVE to purchase your shoes there if they're out of your price range, you can always take that info and look for a pair that has what you need.

Posted 5/27/15 7:16 PM
 

JerseyMamaOf3
Boo!

Member since 6/05

15144 total posts

Name:

Re: Runners - Please help!

I would defintely get new sneakers. You also need to strech out your hamstrings and calfes. Also try running outside if you normally run on a treadmill or vice versa. For me, I am fine to run outside. A few days on the treadmill and my shins bother me.

Posted 5/29/15 2:07 PM
 

Pomegranate5
LIF Adult

Member since 2/11

4798 total posts

Name:
Pomegranate5

Re: Runners - Please help!

Thanks everyone for the advice.

I did end up getting new running shoes, which are a big change from the basic sneakers I had been using. The support is different, the fit is different, and overall it's just a really big adjustment. My calves and shins are SO tight after I run in them (just short runs to break them in), which I *think* is normal for now as my muscles get used to running in them.

BUT, I ran in my old shoes yesterday (I was afraid to do a "long" run in the new shoes) and made sure to do lots of stretching and warm up and I felt great, no pain. So I really don't know what to do. It's been a really frustrating week. Chat Icon

But anyway, thank you everyone for the suggestions and help. Chat Icon

Posted 6/1/15 9:31 AM
 

phoenix913
LIF Adult

Member since 5/05

3034 total posts

Name:
V

Re: Runners - Please help!

Are you maybe running too fast on your shorter runs? If you're a beginner you should always be able to maintain a conversation.

Were you fitted for the shoes? You really shouldn't need to break them in. My running sneakers have always been comfy from day one.

Posted 6/2/15 12:49 PM
 

bringonababy
LIF Infant

Member since 5/15

136 total posts

Name:

Re: Runners - Please help!

Do you think your running form is different between the two shoes? If I change how I run even slightly (let's say I have a bruised toe), something else (like my shins) might end up sore because I changed my gait.

Also, and maybe this is just because I'm a sadist, I have all sorts of pain pretty often while running but I still do it 3x a week Chat Icon. The pain is usually worse when I'm ramping up my mileage. There is also a difference between pain and soreness. Pain should not be something you run through but soreness is okay to push through.

Posted 6/2/15 2:10 PM
 
 

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