running = big problems

[Noosk]

hi folks. need some help or suggestions here. training for a triathlon (just starting out as a complete newbie)
i can cross train, row, lift weights, swim, spin class, teach jazz dancing, walk at a very fast pace, cycle etc. no problem....
i start to jog and that's it. every bit of fitness goes out the window and every step is like an endurance test (from the first step!!).


I'm doing the couch to 5K training plan to get me running (basically interval training walk/ run and it builds up every week) - but for someone who works out 1 to 1.5 hours x 5 or 6 days a week for three months now, running is AWFUL. I simply cannot run first week of the programme I got shin splints and had to take a week off from running.

I used to do x country running (ok years ago) - but am surprised that it feels so totally different to me now - ie alien whereas the other disciplines came back quickly to me.

I know I'm carrying extra weight and running is high impact but I can do step classes and other aerobic impact type classes no problem. WHAT IS IT WITH THE RUNNING?

Can anyone advise me of anything to do or try differently? REALLY don't want to walk the run section of the triathlon. I have at least three months to first B race (just as a tt, measurement of where I;m at, no pressure on me at all, thought it would be good experience and fun).... It's a duathlon so 2.7km run - 13km cycle - 2.7km run....

somebody? anybody?

[Noosk]

wow. coool. Glad to hear it can be done - thank you! The main race for me is on august 29th - the run part of it is only 5km (it is a sprint distance triathlon) however I'm signing up for a couple of duathlons to use as time trial as well - one start of july and second start of august. so three races planned for the year with the last one i August being the acid test - the one I want to really do best in - FOR ME..

so i went out running today, dun dun dunnnnnn...

warmed up fast pace walk for 1.5km THEN interval running 2:30min and 2:30 rest - was shocked! one of intervals I actually forgot to stop running and kept going till over 3 mins. I hadn't been able to do this before at all. I concentrated on getting stride and upper body technique right, relaxed face, arms, chest open, not moving torso side to side, driving arms forward etc. to allow all energy concentrate on legs...THE DIFFERENCE! I could control breathing and while yes legs certainly felt it, i was able to do it and know that I can do it again until I am jogging at a pace that suits me.

I definitely think running outside in the sun and fresh air vs the gym which was roasting the last time I was running on the treadmill made a difference. also, it was mid morning/lunchtime run today - not evening time. I just don't get on well with evening training except swimming - not sure why....
am feeling more positive that yes I CAN get myself to reach 5k running goal. I have 19 or so weeks left - all I want to do is be able to run the 5k and FINISH it running/jogging, that would be personal best - don't care how long it takes me lol!

Any further advice or input is certainly welcomed and appreciated. Amatlack - have a good pair of shoes, got fitted a couple of weeks ago before I started running at all and they are comfy comfy comfy! had guns n roses keeping me company today on run - always need something wild and loud to keep me going too!
Onwards and upwards
Noosk

[Fygle]

Good job! I definitely also much prefer jogging outside in fresh air rather than inside on a stationary device. You actually feel like you are progressing, moving forward, rather than staring at the same spot bored out of your mind.

[Noosk]

agree fygle - not even guns n roses or the jam keep me interested on the treadmill lol!

[backcountrysage]

I would see if you can get someone to watch you run. A lot of times after putting on weight or trying to avoid shin injuries, people start running heel to toe instead of landing square on their foot or up on their toes. Also, you could be compensating for a lack of running muscles by collapsing through your hip abductors and through your gluteus medius. Is your head up and looking forward when you run or do you stare at your feet? Where do you carry your arms?

I know it's hard getting back intro running, just finding the cardio to breathe properly can be extremely difficult. However, if you have good shoes that accommodate YOUR feet and style of running properly as well as a correct running position and posture, you'll start seeing improvement + less injuries a lot easier.

In the meantime, don't give up! If you've run before you can do it again! If your joints feel off, try starting a regimen of joint supplements, I would recommend glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid...(for anyone else reading this, I do equine nutrition, not human, so please correct me if these supplements are not absorbed the same in people! I see them a lot in the human industry, but haven't done own research on their legitimate effectiveness).

Make sure you stretch before (lightly) and after each run, give yourself a good 5 min walk before you even try running to warm up your body to avoid shin splints. If you can get your hands on a foam roller, roll out your IT band (band of muscle that runs from your patella to your iliac ccrest up the side of your leg). It'll hurt like hell, especially at first, but should really help you loosen up and prevent straining the muscles in your upper leg.

Good luck!

[Boss Man]

The supplements you mentioned are quite good. Though some say Glucosamine isn't all it's cracked up to be and works better with Chondroitin.

Glucosamine does contain Chitin, so no good for people with Shellfish allergies.Recent reports indicate it's a poor choice for Osteoarthritis. Chondroitin alone should be adequate.

Chitosan would also be be a decent choice I believe, but again not for Shellfish allergy sufferes, because of the Chitin.

Hyaluronic Acid is a component of Skin, Eyeballs, Cartilage and a joint lubricant, so it would be a good bet.

[Athene]

This post is not going to be helpful at all, I just had to post empathy:

I hate running. I'm just bad at it. Something about body and running just doesn't seem to work. Sure, I can do it, but I get shin splints, a sore throat, hip problems.... it just sucks! Every step is agony. I only do it when I have to, like if someone yells at me If you weren't training for a triathlon I would say stick to the aerobics, swimming, rowing, cycling, or literally any other kind of cardio and just screw it! Why run if you hate it? But I guess as a triathlete you'll just have to make yourself love this one - Good Luck!

[Boss Man]

This post is not going to be helpful at all, I just had to post empathy:

Never underestimate the impact or power of something you say Athene. The fact you tried to respond in a way, that was not personal against the user, but was truthful, genuine and honest, makes what you said worthwhile .

it's great to have your support here Athene, so be proud of yourself for being the sort of person that wants to do that for others. You have a superb heart and you ARE very human with it .

Keep working towards you goals Noosk and do whatever you think you must, to be able to achieve them. You CAN be proud of yourself and I will to some extent, actually echo Athene's sentiment. I don't hate running per se, though I cannot be arsed to do it much, except when I see a bus about to leave, then brain switches body to Tyson Gay mode, but not always with a successful end result .

[Noosk]

wow just checking back on this post - thank you all so much for your replies!
backcountrysage - I have good running posture, land mid-foot so don't have shin splint issues, hands are high and relaxed, I've been practising chi running. It's more the breathing (although asthma has reared it's ugly head again which is affecting running in a whole new way now anyway)..I've packed it in for awhile and might have to resign myself to sticking to the swimming and cycling and just 'getting through' on the running end of things. It just does not seem to suit me anymore. I'd love to run. I'd love to run a marathon - except that I hate running (I HEAR YA Athene!)....and while there's little point to doing something you hate - it's more about the principle - ie I WANT to complete a triathlon someday and I have to be able to at least run 5k. I'm also quite hard headed and it bugs me that I'm still not able to do achieve this.

As I said I've been sick for a few weeks and only kept up swimming throughout. I've started to cycle again lately and the asthma is improving with meds and deep breathing exercises. The running I still haven't attempted after such a long break but I know I'll be back to square one.

I've been doing a lot of strength exercise since January as well and I don't think I'm having problems there. the issues are more breathing - ie I run out of breath after about 10 mins moreso than muscles letting me down. I need to find out more about breathing when running tho - off to do more research!
Noosk