I want to start running in the morning before work. I’m concerned, because I’m heavier than I should be, about what kind of impact this will make on my body as far as my joints, etc……. Anyone have any tips on just starting out?
This entry was posted
on Monday, June 18th, 2007 at 7:52 am and is filed under Training.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
There are a couple things you can do to limit the impact on your knees when running. First, buy a good pair of running shoes. I would suggest going to a running specialty store and getting a shoe that fits your foot, foot strike, weight, etc. Secondly, run on grass or trails, it is softer than asphalt and concrete, so your legs won’t take as much of a beating.
Take a day off or so between sessions at first so that your joints can get accustomed to the increased impact of new activity. You may also want to look into supplements for joint health if it becomes a problem. Good Luck!
Start slowly and dont push to hard. One thing to watch out for is shin splints and don’t be afraid to take a break every now and then. The good thing is that you are taking the step for improvement and I wish you all the luck in the world.
They’ve pretty much nailed it on the head…good shoes, soft surface, appropriate pace/scheduling…and don’t forget stretching…especially your calves and hamstrings…do front calf stretches to help strengthen that area and reduce shin splints…
I have the same problem…heavier runner…the more you run, though, the more weight you’ll drop and running will be way easier on your joints…
Thanks CM! It’s going good, but damn it hurts, and it’s very hot and humid here even in the morning. The good news is that I’ve already lost 3 pounds from running!
June 18, 2007 at 8:21 am
There are a couple things you can do to limit the impact on your knees when running. First, buy a good pair of running shoes. I would suggest going to a running specialty store and getting a shoe that fits your foot, foot strike, weight, etc. Secondly, run on grass or trails, it is softer than asphalt and concrete, so your legs won’t take as much of a beating.
June 18, 2007 at 1:35 pm
Thanks!!!!
June 18, 2007 at 1:44 pm
HIIT training alternating sprinting and running for a short duration works really well too.
Tri2Ski gave awesome advice as well.
June 19, 2007 at 11:50 am
Take a day off or so between sessions at first so that your joints can get accustomed to the increased impact of new activity. You may also want to look into supplements for joint health if it becomes a problem. Good Luck!
June 19, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Start slowly and dont push to hard. One thing to watch out for is shin splints and don’t be afraid to take a break every now and then. The good thing is that you are taking the step for improvement and I wish you all the luck in the world.
June 19, 2007 at 12:05 pm
Thanks guys!
June 28, 2007 at 8:00 am
They’ve pretty much nailed it on the head…good shoes, soft surface, appropriate pace/scheduling…and don’t forget stretching…especially your calves and hamstrings…do front calf stretches to help strengthen that area and reduce shin splints…
I have the same problem…heavier runner…the more you run, though, the more weight you’ll drop and running will be way easier on your joints…
June 29, 2007 at 8:33 am
Thanks CM! It’s going good, but damn it hurts, and it’s very hot and humid here even in the morning. The good news is that I’ve already lost 3 pounds from running!