Does anyone else have a love/hate relationship w running?

[curiouschica]

I love to run but every time I get back into it instead of other forms of cardio, it's like some part of my body (hip/foot) starts acting up...any runners here with similar issues? Or anyone that's been fortunate to not have injuries from running? What's your secret? Thanks! =)

[iwish46]

I have never had problems with injuries from running...until last summer, right after my final race of the year. Ever since then I've had trouble with my left knee.

Now, for me, it isn't a love/hate relationship with running, but it is a love for running, and hating that my body can't take it anymore. :) Pretty much the same thing, but how could anyone say that they hate running? :P

Anyways I've learned that having the right pair of shoes, not over-striding, running on softer surfaces, and not pushing too hard seems to help prevent injuries.

[curiouschica]

Did you go to the doctor? I agree it's not like you don't have enough endurance...it's that your body can't tolerate it! lol

[iwish46]

Nope. This dummy decided to stop running instead. I assumed it would get better after a little rest (which it has somewhat). So now after 5 months of resting, I plan on resuming my normal running schedule later this week.

I read below that you have flat feet (I do too) and that you changed your shoes. What kind did you end up getting? (if I may ask)

[curiouschica]

Oh! Take it slowly though! And do other cardio types too to have a balance! I use New Balance actually...they have a shoe that's specifically for flat feet...not sure what it's called but am sure if you go to their store and ask for help, they'll tell u...before that, I would buy orthotics and put them in my shoes...oh by the way the shoes are pretty expensive...just saying!

[iwish46]

lol Well we have good taste =D. My first pair of shoes were New Balance. Then I decided to go to a shoe specialist, and they suggested that I pick up a pair of Brooks. When I started running in those was when I first started to have minor knee problems. After that I picked up another pair of New Balance and although they aren't as comfy as my old ones, they are what I run in now.

Yep, my plan now is to run with orthotics. Thank you for your advice. And yes they are expensive...*sigh*

[curiouschica]

Brooks? Hmm haven't heard of them! Maybe it'd be cheaper online? Haven't looked into it though...good luck with the knee!

[iwish46]

?Mucho gracias para respuesta de mejor, chica de curiosidad! ?Correr bein! ?Correr rapido!

Yeah...That probably isn't right...But I thought I'd mix it up. Thanks :D

[curiouschica]

lol! I'm not even Spanish...just love the culture! Muchas gracias para "la mejor respuesta," chica con curiosidad...corres bien! corres rapido! I think that's what it is...lol! =)

[martyfellow]

You have to listen to your body. When things hurt in an unhealthy way, you need to stop running right away, or you'll have nagging injuries. No 'toughing it out.' That's floolish.

If you let your body lead the way, it will take care of you. Pain is a signal you should do something else for a while!

[curiouschica]

You're right...it's so hard to listen sometimes...but I guess long term trumps short term!

[rachiee]

How much do you run until this happens? You should take breaks. Only run half a mile, then rest and do other exercises, then come back and do more. You should stay hydrated and stretch before you run also. Stretch GOOD, not just a simple minute of stretching. Also, maybe eat a lite snack before. I love running and do it daily but if I run nonstop for too long or don't drink water beforehand I'll be in pain in my hip area.

[curiouschica]

Well usually I feel it the next day...I run for about 20 minutes...i used to do it for 30 but then had problems so laid off for awhile...am trying to get back up to it! And I'm guilty of not stretching regularly! I'm also very flat footed but I changed my shoes to those with good support...yep my hip is my problem area too! Thanks rachiee

[rachiee]

You have problems the next day? That's not usual and sounds like it sucks even more. Stretching will probably help as well as a hot bath to relax your muscles. I've been told that the hip problem is from lack of food and bad stretching beforehand lol. But no prob, and good luck!

[curiouschica]

I'll definitely do more stretching! I usually just do the shower thing! A bath seems like it'd take awhile to prepare! lol =p

[kereru]

i run and don't have any injuries, but probably just because I'm lucky and don't push myself very hard, lol...running is a high impact sport, if you have injuries from it id just start looking for cardio that's more gentle on your legs like swimming or biking etc

[curiouschica]

Will knock on wood for you...That's awesome! Yeah I've done biking and crosstrainers, but I miss running too...but am not very lucky with it...

[NerdInDenial]

I have that love/hate relationship with running. It sucks doing it, but it's a good way to stay "in shape." I've been fortunate in not getting a lot of injuries. The important thing to do is to stretch, especially the hip flexors. I also do some cool down stretches once I'm done.

[curiouschica]

Good for u! Hope it stays that way! Yeah, you're right about the stretching...I definitely neglect that area!

[Anonymous]

yeah I only run on the treadmill and I love how it feels when I have the energy but if I do it for too long my body aches plus the calorie meter doesn't burn as quickly as it does with other forms of workout unless I'm pushing myself really hard. and I need a strong warmup first. so I usually combine 10 or so minutes of running, maybe 20, with intervals and with other cardio

[curiouschica]

Smart! Yeah I believe in mixing it up...otherwise your body seems to get used to things!

[Anonymous]

Yes! Definite love-hate relationship. I always struggle with shin splints and I hate them! But I love running outdoors, so I'll take the good with the bad

[curiouschica]

That's cool you run outside...u do it with someone else though right? Or at least are cautious?

[Opinion Owner]

I don't usually run with others, but I live in a safe town and only run during the day. Thanks for the concern : )

[curiouschica]

lol No prob! Just thought I'd check!

[palek]

I somehow love the thought of other people running, but hate doing it myself.

[curiouschica]

lol that's an interesting way to think!

[palek]

Takes all kinds to make a variety. ; - )

[Anonymous]

My foot the arch aches when I get up in the morning after running the day before. I take hot baths with Epsom salt

[curiouschica]

Are your shoes good? You can get those with orthotics for high arches...the bath part sounds relaxing!