Running Pains
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I hate running. Since about as far back as I can remember, I've hated it. I tried it when I was in my teens and had knee problems as a result, until about my early 20s.
It's a story I hear over and over again from friends and acquaintances whenever the topic of running comes up in conversation. So why – in my early 30s – did I decide to take it up, even though I know how hard it feels on my body? Mostly out of desperation to get in a consistent fitness regimen that is high energy enough to burn up all those unwanted calories while efficient enough to be completed in an hour or so.
So there you have it, I'm a runner who hates running. After five months, I'm still waiting for the legendary "runner's high" and for some part of my lower extremities not to hurt or be injured. I figured the best way to help myself – and others like me – out of the rut, was to ask an expert. And who better to ask than triathlete Beth Sanden, 55, of San Clemente – an incomplete paraplegic who is teaching a 10-week Train to Race program in south Orange County? Here's what she had to say:
How long does it take for running to become more pleasant than painful?
Any change for comfort comes in about four to six weeks of proper training.
Or does that EVER happen?
Ha-ha. Oh it does, but nothing comes easy, right?
What are some common conditions in beginning runners?
Muscle soreness – or what we call delayed onset of muscle soreness, DOMS. Quads, calves, hamstrings tend to be sore because of lactic acid build up. You need to stretch, ice and rest a day in between.
Back aches: Check your form with a running coach. It may [take] a simple change in your form and foot strike to help with this, unless it's a chronic problem before taking up running.
Blisters: Not everyone gets blisters, but do get properly fitted in good shoes. Not all feet fit in one brand name, however, New Balance
seems to get close to a lot of people's needs. A half size bigger than your street shoes helps, as well as wicking socks that pull moisture away from the toes and prominent sites of the foot. Treat blisters gently with Neosporin, Band-Aids and/or mole skins after they heal. Try not to break the skin right away. It may lead to infection.
Plantar tenderness (bottom of the foot and arch area), anterior tibialis (shin) tenderness and Achilles tenderness: You need to be careful and pay attention, because if you can ice everything after a run and stretch, you may avoid some of the above. I used to always, no matter what, elevate and ice all my joints (knees, ankles, low back) after a run and stretch just for preventive measures, and it worked!
What are some warning signs that a major injury is imminent?
Warning signs could be a "pop" in the knee or foot, ankle area... Chronic pain (other than typical muscle soreness that occurs) that does not go away in 24 to 48 hours in a joint or bottom of the foot. Swelling in the joint or muscle area.
Are there people who just shouldn't run?
Some women have problems due to the "Q-angle" in the hip rotation and cannot run very well for any length of time. People with bad knees or hips, old injuries – might keep them from running.
