The Runner's thread

[lylsmorr]

Going for 4.5 miles tonight in the humidity and heat so I can sweat a little more off tonight

[lylsmorr]

4.5 miles done today.

[jhen713]

I ran 4+ miles yesterday afternoon. The best part was when I got back to the house and my daughter came running out and led me down to the end of our street and back and then again for a 2nd lap. She had begged me to let her go with me so I told her to be ready when I got back. She had the blinds open and was looking out the window. My wife said she had been looking for me for at least 20 min. Priceless...

[lylsmorr]

Nice jhen

I just hit another 3 miles tonight. Humidity leads to leg cramps

[lylsmorr]

Going for another 3-4 tonight...maybe a little more since I plan on stuffing my face for the 4th

[TEX_VOLFAN]

Lyls, how many days a week do you run?

[lylsmorr]

At least 6. That's my weekly goal. I don't think I've taken a day off from running the past 2 weeks though

[TEX_VOLFAN]

I'm trying to run 5 days a week, but my shins are really starting to bother me. I stretch them really well before and after, so I don't know what else to do? any hints or suggestions? I only run 2-3 miles a day.

[IPorange]

Originally Posted by TEX_VOLFAN

I'm trying to run 5 days a week, but my shins are really starting to bother me. I stretch them really well before and after, so I don't know what else to do? any hints or suggestions? I only run 2-3 miles a day.

Two things:

1) take a break for a week or two, or at least scale back the running dramatically. You need to rest. it may take longer than that, too.

2) Examine your gait when you run, and make sure you aren't running too much on the balls of your feet.

[TEX_VOLFAN]

i have taken long breaks before, and it does work. Then after getting started agin the pain returns after a couple of weeks.

I have changed my running style too, I try to run with a shorter stride and concentrate on running with a mid foot stride.

[lylsmorr]

From what I learned, good form all starts with your posture. Make sure your back is straight and you aren't leaning forward. Try to focus on looking straight ahead at the horizon and potentially even up higher if that's what it takes for your posture to be where it needs to be. That cured all my shin problems, back problems, etc

[TEX_VOLFAN]

I do tend to lean forward a bit when I run. I'll concentrate next time on keeping my back straight! I hope to the heavens it works! My shins are really barking loud!!!! I might even try tomorrow, I took today off. Ill let you know how it goes!

[IPorange]

Originally Posted by TEX_VOLFAN

I do tend to lean forward a bit when I run. I'll concentrate next time on keeping my back straight! I hope to the heavens it works! My shins are really barking loud!!!! I might even try tomorrow, I took today off. Ill let you know how it goes!

I lean too far forward myself. I find that if I concentrate on not hitting on the balls of my feet alone, it usually means I am straighter.

It's tough to get the running posture right. I don't think I have ever really had it correct, but rather just alternate between opposing wrong forms.

[TEX_VOLFAN]

correct me if i'm wrong, but ive read that either a mid foot strike or ball foot strike is what you aim for when running. The heel strike is what I heard you DON'T want to do! Is this incorrect?

[IPorange]

Originally Posted by TEX_VOLFAN

correct me if i'm wrong, but ive read that either a mid foot strike or ball foot strike is what you aim for when running. The heel strike is what I heard you DON'T want to do! Is this incorrect?

ball is better than heel, but you'll get shin splints over time that way. Ideally, you want the middle of the foot. I think foot wear can help with that, but I haven't personally spent much money on shoes, so I don't know which ones help the most. I have started running barefoot or in KSO's to try and improve my form. It has been the most effective.