Questions about running

Fit Dude · 06-30-2005, 08:01 AM

Currently I run approx. three miles 3-4 times per week, on days that I don't lift weights. My legs feel great after I run, but the next day my knees ache somewhat, as does my right ankle. Can you guys recommend any good leg exercises to help? One person told me that leg extensions will make the muscles around the knee stronger and keep the knee more stable during running. What do you think?

Also, I live in the deep South so I like to run shirtless in the summer. I get really hot when I run, even though I run in the early morning or late evening. I'm not quite 40 yet and I work out almost every day, so I don't think my body would gross anyone out! My wife used to give me a hard time about it (she's given up now!) . Isn't it generally acceptable for men to run without a shirt on?

JaeBeam · 06-30-2005, 11:05 AM

I've done a lot of running in my past, completed several marathons, have 3 half marathons and countless 5k's under my belt.

Joint pain can be caused by a ton of things. If you are running with poor form, lifting won't be the answer. You could be suffering from mild arthritis. Your shoes could be wrong for your feet. You could be pushing yourself too hard on concrete. You could have a tiny tear in a ligament or a bone spur...

More to the point, lower body exercises and core exercises will help prevent injuries. www.runnersworld.com has a wealth of information and workout programs for you to pour over.

Ibuprofin will help reduce swelling and soreness.

My advice, try to run your 3-4 miles at a slower pace, and if the pain goes away, build your pace up slowly over time.

If the pain stays, you should make your way to a specialty running store, and have them watch you run on their treadmill, or outside. Bring them your running shoes, so they can analyze the wear. Good luck!

Fit Dude · 06-30-2005, 01:15 PM

Hey thanks for the advice JaeBeam! I have been taking ibuprofen twice a day which helps. I tend to think the pain is coming from either arthritis or improper running shoes. Thanks again!

Cdnfootball · 06-30-2005, 11:42 PM

I work in a sports store up here in Canada. Sportmart, one of the largest sporting goods retailer's in the country. I sell alot of shoes to people running.

99% of the time I'll have a customer come in with a similar problem. "My "insert body part here" hurts after I run"....

So I say, great, what are you currently wearing on your feet during your run/workout??...and I far to often am stuck looking at a vintage pair of Nike's or Adidas from the late 80's early 90's...

Bottom line....DONT CHEAP OUT ON FOOTWEAR!!!!!!! If you want comfort, and, better performance (caused by stability systems, Shox, etc....) get GOOD shoes...

A nice place to start would be ASICS Gel seris shoe. I highly recomend the ASICS Gel 1100 or 2110 to my customers. Light weight, comfortable (gel), stable, and fairly inexpensive (<$100 CAD) you really cant go wrong....

TheZenMachine · 07-01-2005, 12:32 AM

Personally, I feel that running isn't very good for you when all things are considered. It really screws up your joints and the effects aren't that great.

gixser11 · 07-01-2005, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cdnfootball

I work in a sports store up here in Canada. Sportmart, one of the largest sporting goods retailer's in the country. I sell alot of shoes to people running.

99% of the time I'll have a customer come in with a similar problem. "My "insert body part here" hurts after I run"....

So I say, great, what are you currently wearing on your feet during your run/workout??...and I far to often am stuck looking at a vintage pair of Nike's or Adidas from the late 80's early 90's...

Bottom line....DONT CHEAP OUT ON FOOTWEAR!!!!!!! If you want comfort, and, better performance (caused by stability systems, Shox, etc....) get GOOD shoes...

A nice place to start would be ASICS Gel seris shoe. I highly recomend the ASICS Gel 1100 or 2110 to my customers. Light weight, comfortable (gel), stable, and fairly inexpensive (<$100 CAD) you really cant go wrong....

ASICS are awesome. I am a big fan of the Kayano series. Have ran in them for several years. I track my mileage and replace them at around the 350-400 mile mark.

Cdnfootball · 07-01-2005, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Personally, I feel that running isn't very good for you when all things are considered. It really screws up your joints and the effects aren't that great.

I think this is all a matter of personal opinion. There are also many variables involved in this statement. I find personally that running outside, especially in the pollution here in Toronto, running outside isn't very healthy at all. However, when I run the treadmill, I feel great.

Now as far as screwing up your joints, etc. I actually cracked 3 vertibres in my spine in football and had trouble getting back into shape. I avoided running, thinking it would be killer on my back. So I inline skated, I biked etc. and actually with good shoes, running was the friendliest for me. I ran 5K two days ago with no pain what so ever!!

Cody.S · 07-01-2005, 11:36 AM

The other day I was running(not for exercise purposes for a joke) anyways later that day my knee was killing me. I am worried if I perminatly damaged my knee wearing track cleates(can't spell) or somthing. anyone know what might of caused the day lasting knee pain? I was told it could be growing pains but it lasted a good few hours so.. I am not sure... By the way I am a sprinter, I run 100M 200M and 400M

JaeBeam · 07-01-2005, 12:32 PM

The Asics 1100 is for heavier runners that need cusioning and stability. The GT-2100 has gel in the forefoot.

The Asic Kayano is a motion control shoe, recomended for folks that are over-pronators.

If the runner is has a nuetral or under pronation, the Kayano will probably not be a good fit for them.

This is why I feel its important to head off to a specialty store, and find a person who has a good 20 years of experience under their belts. Particularly if you are a beginner. Both of the shoes recomended are great running sneakers, but for different runners.

I used to LOVE ASICS in the 90's. Then they changed their foot shape, and killed my feet with blisters for 2 years. I finally caved in, and went with New Balance. I needed a much smaller heel box to keep my feet from sliding around.

I only post this to make the point that there are many types of feet, runners gaits and shoes out there that all have to match up for you to run pain free.

Oh yah, run shirtless, and give the folks a little flex action if they stare!

Fit Dude · 07-07-2005, 10:45 AM

Thanks for the tips guys! I think I'll visit a specialty store to look for the right shoes.