Runners Thread Continued

[almost40]

Hi everyone, and congrats to those who did so well over the weekend. I was trying to post a new message on the runners thread, but couldn't because I think there were too many messages (over 800). I have a beginner's question. I ran (walked/ran) everyday for 1 week, then missed 1 week, and then went out this morning, and found that I could not run at all. My ankles are in severe pain when I run, but strangely do not hurt at all when I walk. So I ended up walking the whole way. I just bought new trainers - but I can't imagine that's the problem. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Gizmo]

Oooch. Poor you

First up, don't run until you've taken some professional advice. Keep up the walking, though - just keeping the pattern going will help.

Where is the pain in your ankle - at the back? In the joint? Is there any swelling? Is it both ankles?

From experience, we can probably make some guesses about what this could be, but for real treatment and a long term cure, I'm afraid this sounds like something you need to take to a doctor and/or physiotherapist. Solutions could be changing your shoes (are they the same make/model as your old ones?), some physiotherapy and strengthening exercises, or a support.

You're in the States, aren't you? I don't know how the medical system works over there, but a physio might be your best bet for a diagnosis and treatment plan. They will, of course, probably recommend a course of physio (rather than any of the other options) but they are usually more experienced in sports injuries than a general practise doctor.

Hope that helps

[almost40]

Thanks, Gizmo. In addition to having ankle problems, I am having internet problems and lost connection until now. My ankle hurts all the way around - no swelling at all, and the odd thing (to me) is that I have no pain whatsoever when I am walking or when I'm standing. It is clearly something associated with running. The shoes are a totally different style and brand - they are Asics. I was wearing New Balance before. I will go back to my New Balance ones and see if I have the same problem. Shame the Asics were really expensive. I'll email more after tomorrow.

[Prettybird]

Picking up on almost40's comment about the size of the other thread 9which can be found here for reference), I thought I would continue on this one.

I ran almsot the entire Glasgow 10k route last night in 57 min 10s - so feel pleased with myself . By my reckoning, I was probably abot 0.5k short of the full route - so I should be on course to break the hour (which I don't deserve, considering how little I have trained). I had about a 3 minute run to get to where the 1k marker is, and I reckon I did a straight swap for the last mile (ie instead of following the course to where the finish will be, I ran home - both about a mile). Most of the course is on routes I have run before - but on the race route I was running them the "opposite" direction - which felt very different, so I was glad I made the effort to get out. There is one steep hill early on - but as I normally do it at the end of my runs, to me it felt like a doddle!

One of my achilles tendons is a bit tight - so I'll probably only do one more very short, very easy run before Sunday to loosen up. I have had full blown Achilles tendonitis once (ouch ) and a couple of near misses, so I don't want to risk anything!

Almost40 - I agree with Gizmo - you should see a physio about your ankle. How often had you worn your new shoes before you had the problem? It could just be a coincidence that the problem has occured at the same time. Asics are often called the "runners" shoes, as they are the ones that the majority of long distance runners will wear (I've had a few pairs of Asics over the years - although at the moment I have a pair of New Balance ones, bought in the States - and which I desparately need to replace as they are worn out) - but maybe they are not suited to your style of running. Normally though it would take a wee while for running shoes to create a problem - it wouldn't happen overnight.

[Gizmo]

You're right, PB, the other thread is now a bit long(Fionagib - you've created a monster ).

Thanks everyone for recommendations re waterproofs. I must say, when scanning Wiggle, my eye was particularly caught by this which looks like it might solve all waterproofing, tin carrying and scaring little children problems in one go!

Twink, I enjoy hashing, although it is a bit puerile (appeals to the ladette side of me) which is probably why your average tough guy entrant would enjoy it. The actual running is as athletic as you want it to be - I know many hashers who walk - and the trail following is an interesting way to keep your mind occupied. If you've got a local one, give it a go, but be warned, they'll probably make you drink a half as a 'welcome' .

Almost40, hope your ankle is a bit better. If you're trying your old shoes, do, please be careful and stop very quickly if it's causing you pain. Hope you can find someone local to have a look at it: it could be something that is very easy to fix....

[Prettybird]

Tough Guy - now that brings back memories. I ran it (or should I say survived it) in 1993 - oh s*t - that's 12 years ago!

[fionagib]

well done on your big run pb - have not been out running this week since last sunday's race, work has totally taken over but am determined to get out for 30 mins or so before the end of today. MUST MUST MUST get out! (am telling myself it'll be good for work-related stress...)

My mum's here to help with the kids so I have no excuse really.

like you pb am gonna squeeze in another shortie, maybe fri, before our race on sun. You are gonna break that hour!!! Have decided I'd be happy with under 61 which would be a personal best for me & five mins faster than the same course last year.

almost40, poor you with your ankles. Hope you get sorted soon. I feel that running is helping with so many things -work, stopping smoking, the usual family-related frustrations...

[Gizmo]

Oooh, PB, what was it like? No, don't tell me - painful . Not sure it would ever really appeal to me, not since I fell in the nettle patch when I was little.

I'm rather looking forward to hearing how you and Fionagib fare on Sunday. I want to see how much Fionagib improves (or is held back) after her race last week and how much you can improve when you get a race atmosphere under your wings. Not that you guys are lab rats, or anything....

[Prettybird]

It was actually quite fun, once you got going I was fortunate though - the weather was actually quite good, not too cold! Put it this way, they didn't have to break the ice on the stream we had to wade through! And it wasn't too muddy!

Definitely elements of masochism though - but isn't that the case with all running?!

The proof of the pudding for me on Suday is not so much the time I do (hopefully I haven't taken too much out of my legs with the run last night, o close to Sunday), although I really do want to break an hour, but whether I manage to keep the running going and do the Glasgow half in September.

As dh (Mr "I can do it in 42 minutes on no training" ) keeps reminding me, the important thing is that I am now out doing it. He knows better now than to mention that I am carrying a stone more than usual (I am allowed to say that, he isn't! ), but just to reassure me that it takes time for pace to get back into your legs, and that crash training for a 10k is not the best indication, tremendous achievement though it is

[almost40]

Hi everyone, and thank you for your comments. Wore my old New Balance today - and same problem - pain in both ankles when running. Walked all of two miles. I'm wondering now if it's simply that I am sore from last week. I forgot to mention that one day last week I did three miles on an elliptical machine at the gym, as well as two miles on the bike, and a weight circuit. All in one day - I know - too much in a short time, but I guess I was trying to make up for the fact that I had missed an entire week of running! And now I am suffering. I think it's strange though that it is not muscle pain, but only the ankles.
Anyway, I'm a walking example (literally) that you should not do too much too soon. I'll now have to work myself back up to half jogging/half walking again. If it doesn't get better in the next week, I will try to see a physio as you have recommended, but the more I think about it - it must be from that one day of too much.

[Gizmo]

I like your style, Almost40: overdoing it is so easy to do when you first start, and it's enjoyable, and you're making progress day by day.

We've all done it - some of us get away with it but actually you've got absolutely the right attitude which is not to let it put you off permanently. Look on it as a small hump on the road to addiction - and Tough Guys ( to Prettybird)

[Prettybird]

For those that are wondering, the Tough Guy is a race (think it's about 10 miles, not sure) -come-obstacle course - come torture chamber.

It's run at the end of January/beginning February and involves lots of mud, water and anything else that they think will put you off. Only nutters need apply!

[clary]

Hey girls sorry have not posted for ages on this thread but have been following it a bit (the other one i mean) tho lately not been able to open it!
Anyway just to say I completed the Race for Life on Sunday and was very pleased to run all the way round. Time was a feeble 39 mins but it was soooo busy (4,500 people) and I just kept gettign stuck/having to run on the spot etc. Great atmosphere tho and I feel really happy about how it went.
Wonderign now about doing something else this year, maybe another 5k or even a 10???

[Gizmo]

Oh fantastic Clary, I've been wondering how you were doing. So pleased you enjoyed your RFL and don't do yourself down on times: when a race is that crowded, your time is the least important thing.

If you're feeling confident, I'd suggest entering another 5K straight away and perhaps a 10K a little later in the year. You can benefit from the training you've done so far and the races will act as motivation to keep you getting out there.

[Gizmo]

Prettybird, have just looked at the Tough Guy website. Blimey! Definitely a bit tougher than the average hash. I particularly like the shots of all the competitors steaming in the cold as they hurl themselves into muddy ditches.

What a way to spend a sunday.....

[almost40]

Thanks Gizmo.

[Twink]

Now you'll understand why I was asking about hashing...

Clary, that's great - def agree with Gizmo, get out there again soon. After my first RFL I trained for a 10k 6 weeks later & was absolutely fine (if fine = sweaty, wobbly-legged, beetroot face )

Prettybird, I'm training for a September half too so I'll keep nagging you if it'll help ! Sounds like both you and Fiona are are track for a good run on Sunday, I'll be cheering you on in cyberspace.

[fionagib]

bah, haven't been out today after my promises but will nab half an hour first thing tomorrow.

well done clary, that's fantastic, hope you feel v v proud of yourself.

prettyb am doing the glasgow half in sept too, hopefully we can spur each other on! (I find running in summer hols harder, virtually no chidcare plus wine SO tempting... but entered the scot half to keep myself at it, so to speak, this summer).

I don't mind being a lab rat gizmo!

[Prettybird]

With everyone's support, I will do the Glasgow Half! I chickened out of entering both and saving some money - on the basis that I'd be wasting it if I didn't run it.

But I will keep going!

Never thought of myself as a lab rat - that's a different visualisation to keep me going during some of the more boring bits of th rin!

Fionagib - don't worry about not getting out today. Just try doing a wee relaxed run tomorrow to loosen off your legs - and then relax until Sunday!

[northerner]

Hi guys. WEll I did my RFL last night, managed to complete the course without walking, including a rather big hill. Did it in 29 mins. Quite proud of myself.

Def have the bug now.

[clary]

Thanks for your kind words girls. Have not been for a run since Sunday tho I did go swimming on Tuesday. Will get out tonight just for a quick burst and see how I go. Gizmo and Twink, like the idea of doing another race soon.
Well done Beetroot on getting out there and northerner on your RFL time! hats off to anyone who manages it in under 30 mins I reckon. We had a big hill too, right at the end as well, what a killer!

[fionagib]

well done beetroot lady - and northerner that is FANTASTIC!! Isn't it great how charged up and positive you feel after a race.

I did that prettyb - went ot for a nice relaxed 30 min in lovely weather this a.m. D'you think I should squeeze in a wee quickie tomorrow? Am excited about sunday, are you?

Shall I give you a call on our way up to glasgow?

[Prettybird]

Congraultaiotns to everyoen who is getting out!

Fionagib - if you go out at all today, I would just do a couple of miles slow relaxed running ( fiddifuclt for me, as I always hate the first 2 miles of any run) - just to srtetch and warm your legs in anticipation of Sunday. I'm going to try to get out today (couldn't yesterday as I was out on business), but may make do with a birsk walk up into town at lunchtime.

Give us a call on your way up to Glasgow. What colour is your number? Mine is purple, as when I entered, I committed myself to breaking the hour. But if yours is yellow, I'll start with you. The clock starts when the chip corsses the line anyway.

Looking forward to it - hope the nice weather lasts!

Lab rats unite!

[fionagib]

my number is yellow pb.

No chance of a run today which is just as well I think - have been working v v late at night, feel a niggly throat starting, so SLEEP would be more beneficial at this stage - that, and a wee run on the wheel in my cage.

Won't take up your kind offer of parking pb, as friend has written off her car & am gonna squeeze into another carload who are heading up to glasgow from here in deepest south lanarkshire.

[Gizmo]

V busy here at work today (for a change) so I'm not likely to get much chance to mumsnet - is that a verb?

Anyway, congrats to Northerner on a highly respectable time, and go team lab rat...

See you all on monday.