the pain of it all
I’m on my coffee break (no government worker jokes Aaron!) and was inspired to write this while visiting some of ya…
This post is for you bloggers who are new to running or who are increasing your running distances or intensity.
I’ve been reading a lot of posts lately where bloggers have complained about pains. Shin pains, hip pains, knee pains etc etc. By and large, people are justifiably concerned but I get the feeling sometimes runners worry and start to question whether the pain means running maybe just isn’t for them. Add to that the fact that we are often surrounded by doubters and nay-sayers who think we are crazy to run and tell us we are just asking for an injury so I can see why folks might be tempted to quit.
DON’T!
I (and lots of other runners) have experienced many of the things you have. I’ve had pain in my shins (really bad for about a year). I’ve had iliotibial band problems and, let me tell ya’ – it hurt and I’ve also had pain in my hips and feet…
…it all went away.
When you begin running, increase your distance and/or running intensity, your body is under a lot of stress. Each increase means it is being torn apart. Its response is to rebuild itself so it can become “stronger…better…faster” just like the Six Million Dollar Man (one of my childhood hero’s! You ever see him run? ch-ch-ch-ch-ch!) or for you ladies, the Bionic Woman.
You are not alone – it is normal to have pain or discomfort – especially at the beginning but this too shall pass so keep on running!
The best advice I can give is if you experience pain, back off a bit and, if it gets bad or chronic, check with your doctor – preferably a sports doctor. The other piece of advice I can give is that sometimes, pain or injury is caused by muscle weakness or imbalance or by problems with your running form. Sometimes it can even be caused by old or improperly fitted shoes so check all these things out before you pack it in.
Hang in there – it will all be worth it!
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but I will say that most of the pain or discomfort I had was when I was running slower (i.e. at the beginning). So, for me anyway, it was just putting in the miles over the first few/several months that I had to get past.
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Friday June 18, 2004 @
Yeah, good old Government Workers!!! (Just kidding Mark).
I would like to reiterate Mark’s comments, BUT, really running DOES NOT have to be painful. SPEED KILLS!!! (sorry Mark), slow down. It is normal to feel some pain, key word, SOME.
I agree with Mark, discomfort and pain are two different things. Get the right shoes for your foot type (see my Insight from May under completerunning.com). If the pain is persistent, go even to a physiotherapist (again, geered up to sports). In Alberta the first visit is free and subsequent treatments could also be free.
Also, keep in mind your weight. Over weight people tend to have alot of shin pain! Again, get it checked out by a professional and the sooner better than later!
I had been off running for 16 weeks this year, but PATIENCE pays off and there is always alternative ways to exercise until you have been given the “clean bill of health”. Runners are not known for patience, but depending on how badly you want something…….
But as Mark said, don’t give up! My two cents worth.