Running surfaces ..... (muscles, lift, gyms, treadmill) - strength, fat loss, weight training, cardio, aerobics, running, swimming, health, nutrition, sports - City-Data Forum

don macauley · 04-17-2010, 04:53 PM

I have been running 10+ years on hard surface (roadway) and started having a foot problem about 6 months ago . Went to the dr. and was prescribed shoe inserts which seem to be helping alot . I also wear an extra sock on my problem foot which really helps.
My Podiatrist told me it was from running on a hard surface for so many years ... impact injury ... which kinda sucks when you think about it . It makes total sense ... yrs of just pounding your feet against a hard surface. ....Anyhoo .... now i am running on the shoulder of the road (uneven grassy surface) which lessens impact. My 56 yo body is wearing down ... But I do listen to my body and TRY to slow down ... As long as I have the will ... there always seems to be a way .... I tried tread mills , gyms , but I like the outdoor challange ... weather changes .. hot and humid fla weather .. builds endurance ... rain ... only thing that stops me is the lightning we have here in Central Florida.
Moral of the story ...... If you are running on hard surface maybe you should reconsider to prevent future injury ???? Just a little friendly advice .... Have a wonderful day !!!!

JustJulia · 04-19-2010, 06:16 AM

When my family moved to Illinois almost two years ago, we found ourselves near lots of nature preserves and parks. Hiking on a mulched path in the woods is great! The ground is nice and springy, and I imagine that running on it would feel much better than running on concrete or asphalt. Do you have this kind of place near you? (Not necessarily woods, but a mulched path?)

don macauley · 04-20-2010, 06:56 PM

Hello Julia ... yes there are some running trails here in Kissimmee Fla ... but they are about a 5 mile drive ... wish they were closer ... love the out doors ,nature , peace and quiet . I just go out the front door and hit the road running ....

GalileoSmith · 04-20-2010, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by don macauley

I have been running 10+ years on hard surface (roadway) and started having a foot problem about 6 months ago . Went to the dr. and was prescribed shoe inserts which seem to be helping alot . I also wear an extra sock on my problem foot which really helps.
My Podiatrist told me it was from running on a hard surface for so many years ... impact injury ... which kinda sucks when you think about it . It makes total sense ... yrs of just pounding your feet against a hard surface. ....Anyhoo .... now i am running on the shoulder of the road (uneven grassy surface) which lessens impact. My 56 yo body is wearing down ... But I do listen to my body and TRY to slow down ... As long as I have the will ... there always seems to be a way .... I tried tread mills , gyms , but I like the outdoor challange ... weather changes .. hot and humid fla weather .. builds endurance ... rain ... only thing that stops me is the lightning we have here in Central Florida.
Moral of the story ...... If you are running on hard surface maybe you should reconsider to prevent future injury ???? Just a little friendly advice .... Have a wonderful day !!!!

I am 59 and have been running since I discovered I suck at tennis, which was about 1975. I seem to be almost immune to injury. I run about a half hour at a time, four times a week, and I have missed no more than a handful of days due to injury through all those years. Usually twisiting an ankle while running in the dark and stepping on a fist-size rock, or stepping on the edge of a curb. Of course I'm only going about a nine minute per mile pace these days, which is not exactly world class speed.

I've turned sissy the last few years and now run on a treadmill during the Ohio winters. It isn't bad. I can watch TV whilce I run and be assured my pace is constant by setting the treadmill's speed. However sometimes I will get a little wrapped up in a TV program and almost fall off the treadmill.

chad.roper · 04-20-2010, 09:50 PM

I am almost indestructable. I crash into things and bounce around on concrete and I heal quick.

chad.roper · 04-20-2010, 09:52 PM

it has to do with weight. If I weigh half as much it puts 1/4 the stress on my feet. I am 154 lbs. A lot of men my height are more like 200-225 its going to damage them a lot more.

charolastra00 · 04-21-2010, 08:37 AM

I don't run yet because of my weight. However, I speed walk for an hour daily outside of my commute and notice a definite difference depending on WHERE I do it.

If it's raining and I walk around an indoor track or treadmill, my bad ankle (have sprained it about 15 times in the past 4 years) is in blinding pain. If I walk on the outdoor running track, I'm comfortable because it's a bit springy. If I walk on a path, I don't want to stop. :P

chad.roper · 04-22-2010, 06:50 AM

Also maybe you are slamming your feet down. I know people that are lighter than me and run about half as much that have feet problems I think they slam their feet down almost like they are stomping. I have never had shin splits and the only foot problem I had was when I hit the curb with my toes and I run 25 miles a week. What I do my feet barely make contact with the ground I don't slam them into concrete i push off hard but that is after my foot is on the ground. Try running downhill you will run softer on flat ground. I don't think weight has as much as an effect as slamming your feet. I am 215 lbs also maybe its your shoes. You can wear them out fast I have went through a pair in a month last June I was running almost 60 miles a week. You might have weak legs eccentrically. When you foot hits the ground the muscles in your legs contract eccentrically and act like a brake to keep from tearing up your joints. Also do you do anything for your arms if you have really strong arms it makes you faster I started adding in curls when I lift weights I went from being able to curl 120 lbs to 185 and it made me faster especially on hills.

DontH8Me · 04-22-2010, 12:45 PM

I second the mulched path - and five miles drive should not be a deterrent! What is a five mile drive when considering the health of your feet? Maybe you can cycle to the trail and then take your jog?

You're only in your 50s - you're going to want to preserve those tootsies as best you can if you don't plan to have someone pushing you around in a wheel chair in your golden years.

don macauley · 04-22-2010, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chad.roper

it has to do with weight. If I weigh half as much it puts 1/4 the stress on my feet. I am 154 lbs. A lot of men my height are more like 200-225 its going to damage them a lot more.

Hey Chad .. I really never considered the weight factor ... I am a solid 200 lbs . 6' 1 .... makes sense more weight = more stress ... interesting ,,