ILX running running thread

My knee is not right and hurting after I run on it, has been like that at least since I mentioned doing 10 miles upthread. Something at the front/top of the knee, when my weight is on it and when I go down the stairs post-run it feels like all the strength has gone out of it and I sort of limp. Got a half marathon at the end of the month and I think I'll probably be alright as a one-off but what does the collective wisdom of ilx recommend? Don't know if I should bother a doctor with it. I'm guessing stretches, less knackered shoes, mixing in cycling &c. will be good ideas but don't really know what's most important or how to heal quickest.

rest rest rest. I'd also do some leg strengthening exercises, like leg lifts.

tried to do two quick miles today, still took 22 mins. didn't have to stop at all, so that's a plus i guess.

rest rest rest.

^

just not sure how much w/ a half marathon in 3 weeks

I hate that feeling. I had it when I started running again back in August and it feels like your knee is going to bend the wrong way and collapse in on itself.

Rest for 3 days, then go for a short gentle run. If that still hurts a lot, have another 3 days off and repeat. If it feels alright, don't push it too hard too soon. Take some ibuprofen in the meantime, and wouldn't hurt to talk to someone in a running shop about your shoes either. Good luck with it though.

knocked 4 mins off my 5k time, next target 30 mins.

6 miles tonight. Over 60 degrees!JKLjklsdafjklsdklj; I haven't sweated this much in months.

5 miles clocked before 9am on a saturday. am down 12 lbs since wednesday 24th Feb :D

someone was telling me u shouldn't run with music but like a. I would get too bored to go for an hour or more w/o something to entertain me. b. music is great for getting me in the mood to go running (i only have to hear spaghetti circus and im actually running on the spot)

i think the argument against music is OH NO you'll not be able to run without it which means no pro marathons for you but pSSSSSH who cares.
i have one more run to hit 4 for the week and today is the last day and it's POURING and freezing and I'm gonna need some serious encouragement.

still going and the lindstrom and christabelle album are amazine for getting me in the mood to get out on the road, once im puffing I need something chilled and ambient

i rarely run without music. there goes my olympic dreams

i have a lot more going against my pro running career than a music-listening habit
* lol old
* not at all athletic by nature
* do not have desire to begin or complete a marathon or run til i puke

music it is
the only good argument against music safety when running alone/in the dark imo

whoops music IS safety

a. I would get too bored to go for an hour or more w/o something to entertain me.

Try forcing yourself out the door without it. Seems like torture at first, but once you've done 10+ runs with no music, you'll be fine -- and can have some pretty amazing self-conversations on those 3+ hour runs.

One bad thing about running with music is that I'm slowly coming to associate all my favourite songs with pain, exhaustion and generally feeling bad.

Have totally bolloxed myself here btw - got overambitious last Sunday, ran too hard up the hills and managed to do something weird to my calf. Dunno if it's a tear or what. Tried to run it off during the week, now it's even painful when I walk. Fuck! Added to which, I've just shagged my back digging on my veg plot. Not really ideal marathon preparation, oops.

These days I run without music if I'm running with my fiance, or on a trail (gotta stay alert for mtn. bikers!) or if my iPod just isn't charged. That's about 90% of the time... if none of those variables are in play, then I'll run with music.

I've just shagged my back digging

Skimmed this as "I've just shagged my dick" hahaha.

I'm sure I would have done that to myself too this week if I could have managed it :(

Soooo, I bought running gear and it's been sitting in the store bag for a week. To get me started I need to find a way to actually enjoy it, even if that means less than optimum cardio/stamina/whatever. What are your top tips for getting started nice n easy?

Run a little, walk a little, don't go too far or too fast too soon. Choose a nice sunny day and a nice flat route. Coercing a friend into going with you might help as well.

When you do the walking part are you 'power-walking' or walking at your normal speed?

How are you supposed to hold your arms to prevent them from hurting in their sockets? If you suspect that one of your legs is slightly longer than the other (is this common?), will the impact be greater on the longer leg and is there anything you can do about your stride to mitigate this effect?

ljub -- this program* really helped me get started. i went from being able to run for about 90 seconds at a time to now being able to run for about 30 min before really needing a break. improvement was very fast at first, so you'll find motivation pretty easily.

*http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-380-381-386-9397-0,00.html

Thanks - that looks encouraging. I like the 'budget the time' idea, that's exactly the attitude I need to have. I always thought I was supposed to stretch beforehand: interesting that it says not to.

How long have you been running?

just a little over 6 months! i enjoy it more the better i get, but i have no desire to race or anything like that. mostly just want to maintain fitness and relieve stress.

get well soon nick! good stuff from darraghmac.

I don't listen to music when I run anymore, I didn't really think about it but I quite like having a clear head when I run, sometimes at least. I still listen on machines.

cheers for the wisdom on the knee guys, its getting better and I'm gently working it again w/out much bother.

but i have no desire to race or anything like that.

This will change.

;-)

Aiming for 16 miles tonight, my longest run before my 30k trail race series starts in two weeks.

Woke up at 9am (late, given my work schedule) and thought about heading out for a morning run, then pushed it off. Tonight will be more fun... 16 miles of hilly, rocky tangles of trail... in pitch darkness, with a small headlamp... will probably take me at least three hours, but hey.

"fun" as an acronym for 'fuck- u nuts?'

16 miles of hilly, rocky tangles of trail... in pitch darkness, with a small headlamp... will probably take me at least three hours, but hey

This sounds excellent! Don't look behind you though...

Ogmor, glad yr mending!

arg legs so tight

Got 10 miles in yesterday. Felt almost great the whole time. My highest mileage week in a while.

goddammit
just sprained my ankle pretty badly on a rock while jogging
had to hop home with the dog yanking
can't really walk on it
in an ankle brace, raised above my heart, three ibuprofins
trying to borrow crutches
want this to be better in a few weeks
will ice periodically; other suggestions?

Amputation.

Ouch! Bad luck feller :(

aha i know about sprained ankles. do all the ice, keep it raised, get the crutches and should be ok within a few weeks. don't be tempted to stretch it or put too much weight on it and keep it well strapped when you do go out again.

oh and if you can't put any weight on it at all then get to a doctor

Take an anti-inflammatory, too, if you don't mind doing so for 24-48 hours, while the swelling may be higher. I use Naproxen Sodium for such things.

ibuprofen will do the trick too.

Yes. Or heroin.

Er...

xp

that's no fun man, give yourself time & relish sitting about.

jeff's cheery ten miles is awesome

this sucks for lots of reasons, but i just made four appointments to go out over the next week and i'm gonna be hobbling.

jeff's cheery ten miles is awesome

Hope to do this soon!

Your dog will be so mad at you now.

good time for yr palanquin imo, dog can sit on yr lap

First ever run scheduled for the Mall on Saturday with very athletic co-worker who has promised to humour me.