runners: I seek your advice

[etaktac]

So, I mentioned earlier that I was going to take up running. I haven't yet. Definitely because of inertia and fear of change, but also for a couple of very practical, physical reasons - I'm not sure how much they matter, but I've been terribly afraid of injury

Comments

[24framesper]

I don't really run much other than a mile or so on the treadmill at the gym a few times a week but I do know that the physical aspect can be problematic if you push too hard at first. I'm still trying to rehabilitate my knee after it went on me a few months ago. It takes a long time for some of these things. I would talk to a dr about the hip thing. It sounds similar to the pain I have in my knee which for me is caused by the joint becoming inflamed and then pressing on the nerve that runs down the inside of the kneecap. If the pressure gets to be too much for the nerve, your brain will actually send a signal to your muscles to just shut down completely, which usually results in falling. They've got me doing some physical therapy exercises every night to build up certain muscle groups to give the knee more support. If your hip issue is similar a dr. might be able to give you some regular exercises to help while you slowly build into the running. I pushed too hard when i first started working on this stuff and set myself back a bit, so

[papervsrockwins]

In both cases, stretching, stretching, stretching! I actually developed plantar fasciitis right after I took up running, and was sure it was the death knell for my attempt at fitness. At the recommendation of my doctor, I began stretching my foot, religiously, using this method: http://medgadget.com/archives/2006/11/new_stretch_rel.html... )

[etaktac]

Thanks! Man, for something that looks relatively simple in the picture, the description of how to get into pigeon is exhausting! I definitely am going to start doing the PF stretches. My new job starts on 7/6, which I'm now also using as an excuse not to start running yet (as in "I should wait until I get settled"). I am a most excellent excuse-maker. It's sort of confusing, really. Eventually, I should be able to settle in to a decent, normal-person schedule, but I feel like for now, I should keep doing trivia (and even add a game) to try to speed the transition into a less tenuous financial position. And honestly, getting home so late on trivia nights is a sure-fire way to have no desire ever to exercise ever. Too bad I can't get paid to exercise.

[therockdiva]

Glad you've gotten some good suggestions for the PF - two of the dancers in my company have it as well, they have said the foot roller, stretching and getting good insoles for their shoes have all helped a lot. There is probably more information at the Mayo Clinic website and other medical sites