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Alright, I live in Florida and I have been running on trails in a park nearby. Now when I tried walking at a fast pace and work up to running on my street (on the sidewalk) my shins started to absolutely kill me and it felt like every bone in my feet were aching as well. Normally, on the trails my legs ache yes but that is just me being out of shape and not used to it. I know that it's harder on your body. But can I get used to it? I need more than 2 days a week exercising. Should I go biking in the in between days?
I typically run on concrete via sidewalks. I'm assuming you are using cross training shoes on the trails and concrete. I would suggest using running shoes for concrete running. I have New Balances for when I do stuff via trail and Asics for road running. Cross training shoes need to weigh more and give less support. I don't know if there are any running stores in your area but I highly suggest going to one. If there are any Dick's there, they know what they are talking about.
I pounded the pavement for at least 20years consecutive and before that I was avid basketball player. Obviously, a lot of wear and tear. Today, I restrict myself to the track, trails or treadmill. Concrete is my totally last ditch option. I would not disregard the pavement risks because over time it will catch up to you. Currently, I am not in pain but I do have arthritis and swelling. Due to concrete? I don't know, but I do think I should have used a smarter approach such alternating days. Otherwise, have fun, its the best sport in the world!
I routinely run on paved trails/sidewalks and have no knee or leg pain, but did invest in a good pair of running shoes. I hurt more when I run on the treadmill than on the concrete.
Avoid running on concrete at all costs. Even asphalt is much easier on your joints, as it is only about 1/4th as dense as concrete. A quick, easy test you can do in order to experience the difference in density is to take a regular carpenter's hammer outside and kneel down and rap the sidewalk (concrete) a couple times. Then step out into the street and strike the asphalt. Feel how much more the hammer bounces? That gives you a good idea of how much better asphalt is for you. And when you consider that when running, each foot-strike is hitting the ground with a force roughly equivalent to twice your weight. Multiply that by about 1500 foot strikes per mile, and you can see how much less pounding you're looking at from avoiding concrete.
The best outside surfaces to run on would be a local high school track, either one made frome the old traditional packed cinders, or the newer synthetic rubber material. The only downside with tracks is, they can get boring real fast, and some people experience pain on the left knee after a period of time, since that's the inside knee--assuming of ocurse you're running in the traditional counter-clockwise direction. This discomfort can be avoided however, by simply running clockwise once in awhile.
Running trails are of course, the other preferrable outdoor surface. The downside here is that you may come across uneven spots, so you have to watch your step so as not to trip or sprain a knee or ankle.
Grass can be good since it's soft, but it is sometimes TOO soft, and thus will make you work a bit harder. If the grass is long the added friction or "drag" will also make your run a little more difficult. Also, grass surfaces are notoriously filled with depressions and potholes, unless you're running on that football field inside the aforementioned track. But this too can get old.
The easiest surface for running, as far as your joints are concerned, is the treadmill, hands down! It's smooth and springy and the fact that the belt is rolling and is therefore doing some of your work for you makes this the preferred surface for people who have problems with shin splints, runner's knee. IT Band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, or any other common running malady. If you use a treadmill, try and set the elevation at at least 1% so as to compensate for the easiness of it, if, that is, you want to get an honest workout.
The treadmill can be boring, though, which is why many outdoor runners refer to it as the "dreadmill."
Myself, I've learned to love the treadmill, and have found many ways to combat the boredom, like changing up the routine by playing with the speed and the elevation controls, or listening to music, or watching TV, or even checking out all the hardbodies at the gym. LOL.
Whatever you do: invest in some good running shoes; even the higher-priiced ones are well worth the price for someone who has a history of injuries or discomfort when running.
I don't mind trendmill running but I just can't do it. For whatever reason, I get real dizzy after about a mile so I have to stop or fall off. I can run fine outdoors for a good amount of time but theres something about trendmills that mess me up.
I don't mind trendmill running but I just can't do it. For whatever reason, I get real dizzy after about a mile so I have to stop or fall off. I can run fine outdoors for a good amount of time but theres something about trendmills that mess me up.
That's weird. The first time I was on a treadmill, I had a similar experience. I felt fine for the 30 min I was on the treadmill. But as soon as I got off my feet felt funny. As if the floor under me was bouncing! Very wierd feeling! Had to walk around for a few minutes before the feeling went away.
That's weird. The first time I was on a treadmill, I had a similar experience. I felt fine for the 30 min I was on the treadmill. But as soon as I got off my feet felt funny. As if the floor under me was bouncing! Very wierd feeling! Had to walk around for a few minutes before the feeling went away.
Yea, what happen to you is much more common from what I read. With my issue, its pretty dangerous. I can get pretty injuried if I eat it while running so I don't bother. I do use them once in a while at a high incline at a lower speed.
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