Running Nerds Unite

[Carl Landrover]

For shorter term goals, I just want to hit some shorter marks in the mile and on some home-made courses around here. I'm aiming to just be in sub 6 shape by July (I have no idea where I am now).

Hmm, I may just be able to hit that goal. I ran the first mile of my high school cross country course and hit 6:17.03. Ten more days, legs maybe a bit more rested, on the track, and maybe if I could get someone to run with I think I'll be able to go under 6. Considering 2.5 months ago I was in the hospital because I was struggling to breath and would get out-of-breath just getting out of bed, I'm pretty damn proud of my progress so far!

 

[ruski]

Crazy? Yes. Inspiring? Sure.

http://www.ultramarathonman.com/

Grab his book, its a good read.. and its wet my pallate for some ultra distance running.

 

[mindbodysOul]

So today instead of my usual treadmill run indoors i actually got out of the house and went jogging up around the fields near my house. Went for 40-45mins and absolutely loved it! I had my tunes going and the fresh breeze on my skin, made me feel fantastic!

Its so much nicer than being stuck on the treadmill staring at mtv. I really really enjoyed it and i think i have finally converted....or at least im in the process (im not that hardcore like you ruski, i still wont be running in no rain! hehehe)

One thing i did notice was that my pace was slower while running outdoors, probably because on a treadmill you have speed settings, but when i was jogging outside i just settled into a nice comfortable pace which was good and something i can definately improve on.

I wouldnt mind buying a device to track my progress....i think that will be my next investment!!

 

[ruski]

Its so much nicer than being stuck on the treadmill staring at mtv. I really really enjoyed it and i think i have finally converted....or at least im in the process (im not that hardcore like you ruski, i still wont be running in no rain! hehehe)

3/4 of an hour is sweet. I can't run more than 15-20 mins at the moment (3km-4km) because of my injury and lack of running fitness. It sucks bananas.

The reason your pace was probably slower is because treadmills tend to run for you, the make running easier. Terrain and the manual activity of running on non mechanical ground generally makes a bit tougher/slower for you. Never fear, you'll soon road harden

Speaking of running in the rain, went out for a run at 11.30pm last night while it was pissing down. Trying to get in as many K's as I can handle at the moment, was a nice 15 min run in the freezing cold. Yay for waterproof jacket, gloves and cycling tights.

I wouldnt mind buying a device to track my progress....i think that will be my next investment!!

Garmin Garmin!

Or perhaps the 305.

 

[Carl Landrover]

Hey Nerds, check in! How has your running been going? Any progress, anyone hit any short or long term goals?

For shorter term goals, I just want to hit some shorter marks in the mile and on some home-made courses around here. I'm aiming to just be in sub 6 shape by July (I have no idea where I am now).

Hit my goal and on the last day before July! Ran the 1600 on the track, about 9 meters short of the full mile, and ran 5:42.16, which is the fastest I've ever run by myself. I'm pumped! Just have to keep it up through the summer and I could be ready to roll in the fall!

 

[ruski]

Hey Nerds, check in! How has your running been going? Any progress, anyone hit any short or long term goals?




Hit my goal and on the last day before July! Ran the 1600 on the track, about 9 meters short of the full mile, and ran 5:42.16, which is the fastest I've ever run by myself. I'm pumped! Just have to keep it up through the summer and I could be ready to roll in the fall!

Glad someone bumped this thread besides me

My ITBFS is progressing, onto the 4km stage at the moment. Scheduled for a bit of a run tomorrow, hopefully no pain. One more 4km after this and I'll crank a 5km. Slow and frustrating process, but better than running nothing.

All my cycling has changed my legs a lot as well, a lot more lactic threshold training as opposed to cardio training, has added strength to my glutes, calves and various other muscles, hopefully the muscle training from cycling has added some fast twitch fibre action for increased speed in my current debilitated short distance stage.

 

[Piggy_G]

I've always loved running. I love the satisfied feeling you get after a good long run, but I have never been very consistent with it.


Haven't been running for the last 3-4 weeks, but for 2-3 months before that was running about 4 k's three times a week. Used to run 8 k's before that.

The reason for my inconsistency are longstanding niggling pains (left medial knee and groin area). I try and rest it for long periods (by not running), then realise rest doesn't make a difference, so I start to run again, then after a few weeks I start to fear that I am aggravating the injuries so I rest again....and so the cycle goes. It's frustrating, knowing that you have the endurance, but when the injuries get in the way!!

I wear orthotics and have altered the left one as I tend to pronate more in that one. THis has helped, but not completely. I have also added a 6mm EVA heel lift to the left one, to correct a possilble pelvic tilt. None of this seems to help.

My next step is to see a physio or osteopath.....as my self diagnosis is that due to minor chronic back trouble, bad posture etc, I have a slight scoliosis which makes my left hip tilt downward, making my left leg longer = more pronation in left foot, causing excessive internal rotation of left leg and hence my symptoms. So hopefully if my back problem is resolved, then this will correct my biomechanics and my body can heal.

When I do run, I usually run around the local park oval, and occasionally around the Tan (Melbourne Botanical gardens) for a change of scenery. I don't like running on treadmills anymore. I don't really want to run marathons ......I can't help thinking how damaging that must be to your joints! Although I don't think there is any solid evidence that marathon runners have more osteoarthritis than non marathon runners?? I don't have the dedication to run marathons either I'd be happy if I could comfortably run 4-5 K's 2-3 times a week.

P.S. Just finished podiatry degree (crossing fingers), so I'll be happy to answer pod related questions if any.

P.P.S. I was curious as to if anyone has done/considered running in water with bouyancy vest as method of cross-training during injury recovery?

 

[list]

A disproportionate number of posters here seem to be from Melbourne. Didn't think there'd be that many...

Anyway, I managed a 5.5k run today with many hills - furthest I've run in about 6 months. Started to feel really good after the 4.5k mark and picked up the pace a bit so I'm going to keep pushing the distance some more until my shin packs in again then I'll go to the podiatrist again. I've been avoiding going to the pod, even though I know I need it, because I'm scared of the cost. But now I am really getting sick of these short distances and the only way I'm going to run further is to pay a proffessional to fix me.

 

[SilverFeniks]

I've already had X-rays [negative] on my knees; I went from a 60/40 split in right-left light-moderate pain a month ago to recent extreme pain in my right knee only [left seems fine].

Really makes running quite difficult ... I bet I look funny limp-jogging around the area. Can barely make it up the stairs to my place, but damn, no way I'll stop running until my legs are cut off.

 

[robzie]

All the Melbourne runners posting here is bizarre.
Yep, I'm Melbourne (Abbotsford), too.
22k run yesterday (Saturday). Great weather for it, if not exciting (overcast, cool, grey clouds, but no rain until several hours after we were done).
Felt fantastic. I too love running, and that wonderful feeling of personal achievement that it gives.
Good luck with the injuries guys. Never give up, but be safe. Take it slow or you may cripple yourself for life.
Good luck SilverFeniks!
list - I had shin splints that took six months to heal, some five years ago. Sorry if I missed it in the list, but how did you come by your injury (just runninng running running)?

 

[list]

list - I had shin splints that took six months to heal, some five years ago. Sorry if I missed it in the list, but how did you come by your injury (just runninng running running)?

My shin splints started when I decided to train for the Run to the G in March last year. Never had any problems before when I would run varying distances all on concrete with no purpose.

Actually now the Melbourne Marathon website is up I'm gonna book myself into the pod next week.

www.melbournemarathon.com.au ---anyone here doing it?

 

[ruski]

My shin splints started when I decided to train for the Run to the G in March last year. Never had any problems before when I would run varying distances all on concrete with no purpose.

Actually now the Melbourne Marathon website is up I'm gonna book myself into the pod next week.

www.melbournemarathon.com.au ---anyone here doing it?

Go see a physio in conjunction with your podiatrist.

Yep I'm training for the full Marathon, ran the half last year. Unsure if I'll have enough time to recover from injury and get fit, we'll see.

Only have July, August, September and a maybe 1 long run + some tapering time in Oct.

 

[ruski]

My next step is to see a physio or osteopath..

Go see a Physio now. Seriously, don't delay. I've got some good practioners I use in Melbourne if you PM I'll message you the details.

I don't really want to run marathons ......I can't help thinking how damaging that must be to your joints! Although I don't think there is any solid evidence that marathon runners have more osteoarthritis than non marathon runners?? I don't have the dedication to run marathons either I'd be happy if I could comfortably run 4-5 K's 2-3 times a week.

Blah, thats why non runners say just so they don't have to run There are some good health keeping rules that you can follow and you'll be fine. Over time I'm sure you'll add some more hints to this list.

Your body simply needs to road harden, new runners tend to go too hard initially and injury themselves. They then consider them 'unfit' to be runners. I'm not one who considers themselves unfit but I'm sure my injuries are a product of racing too often too early in my running career.

1. Train for distance first then for speed
2. Start slowly, don't rush into a run.
3. Warm up properly.
4. Get new shoes at regular intervals (normally 600km for most manufacturers)
5. Rest and treat and injury if you are injured and see a Physio.
6. NEVER run through an injury. Seriously, its the stupidest move I've ever
made and I'm sure other runners will tell you the same.
7. Eat a well balanced diet with the correct mineral and vitamin replacements that will inevitably become depleted from loads of excecise. Also a good idea to keep your calcium intake high to keep your bones strong.
8. Avoid over training.
9. Don't run if you are sick.

P.S. Just finished podiatry degree (crossing fingers), so I'll be happy to answer pod related questions if any.

P.P.S. I was curious as to if anyone has done/considered running in water with bouyancy vest as method of cross-training during injury recovery?

Will you be getting into sports podiatry?

I cross train with swimming and cycling already. I did do some deep water running (not with bouyancy vest) but it is so insanley boring that I just couldn't keep myself into it often enough. I often did a 10-20 minute session after a 45min min by doing some interval repeats, was the only way I could make it interesting.

It's not the same as running in terms of difficult but it'll keep your muscle and cardio strength up to a degree. Others may have better success stories, but personally I just felt a bit silly doing it, not to say that you shouldn't do it though!

 

[ruski]

I've already had X-rays [negative] on my knees; I went from a 60/40 split in right-left light-moderate pain a month ago to recent extreme pain in my right knee only [left seems fine].

Really makes running quite difficult ... I bet I look funny limp-jogging around the area. Can barely make it up the stairs to my place, but damn, no way I'll stop running until my legs are cut off.

This sounds a lot like a muscle/tendon problem. Particually ITBFS.

Is your pain on the outside of the knee?

Give this a read and let us know what you think:

http://www.sportsinjurybulletin.com/archive/0168-knee-injuries.htm

 

[Piggy_G]

Will you be getting into sports podiatry?

Not specifically looking at specialising in sports podiatry just yet.....just general podiatry which definitely includes human biomechanics and sports podiatry.

 

[live5]

thanks guys - this thread motivated me to start running again, i feel great!!!

 

[SilverFeniks]

This sounds a lot like a muscle/tendon problem. Particually ITBFS.

Is your pain on the outside of the knee?

Give this a read and let us know what you think:

http://www.sportsinjurybulletin.com/archive/0168-knee-injuries.htm

I glanced over that briefly before, and again now ... and I'm just not sold on it; a lot of the symptoms don't seem to be right ... my knee hurts immediately [not after 1-2 miles]; lasts for a day or two after [not ceased upon running]; doesn't bother me on downhills/straights nearly as much as uphill [I can barely walk up my apartment stairs now].

Not sure about the 'outside' part of the knee .. I don't know jack about anatomy, though, so perhaps this is my problem after all.

Since I've got work health insurance now, I'm gonna try to get another appointment.
Don't want to admit how much I've been running, though; I'm sure they'll tell me to stop

 

[ruski]

I glanced over that briefly before, and again now ... and I'm just not sold on it; a lot of the symptoms don't seem to be right ... my knee hurts immediately [not after 1-2 miles]; lasts for a day or two after [not ceased upon running]; doesn't bother me on downhills/straights nearly as much as uphill [I can barely walk up my apartment stairs now].

Not sure about the 'outside' part of the knee .. I don't know jack about anatomy, though, so perhaps this is my problem after all.

Since I've got work health insurance now, I'm gonna try to get another appointment.
Don't want to admit how much I've been running, though; I'm sure they'll tell me to stop

Better to find a physician who is also a runner or specific for sports medicine or they won't understand how important your running is to you.

Make sure you tell them everything related to your running, just because they tell you to stop doesn't mean you have to but if you at least provide all the information about your excercise habits they can accuratley diagnose the problem and then give you advice on recovery, its up to you whether you want to do anything about it.

Personally I think you may as well not go see them at all if you aren't prepared to be upfront about it.

 

[fairnymph]

I just started running again *knock on wood*, after about 6 months of not running at all.

I've run 5 days in a row, about 20 min each time, which is a bit over 2 miles for me at this point.

I've been a big runner in the past, running up to 50-60 miles a week at one stage. Ideally, I like to run 6 days a week, and run at least 3.5, but preferably 5, miles a day.

I tend to injure myself when I start running again because I push myself too hard too fast. So far I've been blissfully injury and twinge free, and that makes me wonder if I can start pushing myself a bit harder...? I'd planned to do another 20 min run today, then take my rest day, then do 30 min for the next 6 days, but I'm wondering if maybe I can start throwing some longer runs in next week as well? Like 45 min or an hour? What do you think?

I'm a slow runner, but I have excellent endurance. I'll try to do some speedworkouts in the future to bring my speed up -- but that won't be for a few weeks I don't think. A longer run my body can probably take, a full out speed workout, not so much. Although maybe fartlauf..

 

[fairnymph]

I know this slightly veers from your question, but I'd like to ask the question of all runners here if lower body/leg strength excercises do actually help your speed, endurance and resistance to muscle injury?

Hmmm. Well when I ran cross country and track, I always lifted, and I haven't really timed myself during times I've been running and not lifting.

In terms of injury, I get injured just as much lifting as I do when I'm not lifting. In terms of endurance, I don't think there is a significant benefit either. Endurance is more of a cardiovascular thing, IMO.

But, I do think that strength training helps speed a bit. It makes sense, because you look at sprinters who are much bulkier than long distance runners, and you need more muscle to give you the force to be faster. Still, I'm sure never lifting but doing a ton of speed workouts would give you more dramatic results.

I personally have to be very careful about strength training my lower body. I believe that it was my crazy calf muscle lifting that in part led to me tearing my anterior tibialis where it attaches on top of my foot. I have very, very strong calves, so I can lift a lot with them, but some of the smaller muscles and ligaments can't take the stress.