Another running question!

misscastle

Thanks all for your running tips yesterday. The 8-mile run was relatively successful. I was pretty good for the first 5 miles, then I started to struggle a little.

Around mile 5, my lower back started to hurt A LOT. What do you think the cause of this was and how can I avoid it? My possible explanations right now are 1) My posture, 2) I need new shoes, and I know that. They're coming soon, or 3) I had a third explanation, but cannnot remember it right now!

It feels fine today, but it made miles 5-7 pretty not fun.

klaube76

I am so amazed with people who can run outside....so kudos!!! I can run forever inside on the treadmill but outside is a whole different ball game! I am determined to do it

miguelhilary2010

It may have to do with your shoes or body alignment/posture like you mentioned.  I notice the when my back/hips aren't aligned right it throws everything off and I start to ache.  It may also have to do with the surface you were running on.  If you normally run indoors or on a track, and ran yesterday on concrete/cement, it may have been harder on your body.

PeonyPrincesskdd

Yeah I run outside too but in this heat, I have to wait until 8 pm at night.. what a killer.. when I have the time at 630-7 to go.. but its all good..

autumn1033

It's more than likely your shoes, but you should probably start doing some core work as well, to keep your posture upright. 

riverjib

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_another-running-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:0cd4d5fb-69bf-440c-9ac9-b0d525993a0ePost:419ab672-8253-4ff9-bacf-b7942383cb0b">Re: Another running question!</a>:
[QUOTE]It's more than likely your shoes, but you should probably start doing some core work as well, to keep your posture upright. 
Posted by autumn1033[/QUOTE]

Agreed. Usually back pain during cardio can be directly linked to both posture and shoes. You really don't need to buy new shoes every 300-500 miles (I'd be broke buying new shoes every 10-12 weeks!) but you should be fitted for a pair that corrects any over/underpronation, etc.

Your stride and posture will improve with time and core strength. I remember reading in some misguided article in Fitness or Self that distance runners should lean forward to save energy or something. So wrong!!! You should be upright and relaxed, even if it means going slow. You'll build up to a good speed. Core strength is crucial to pretty much anything (swimming, biking, running, hiking, you name it...) and you should build it with a combination of crunches, planks, and Pilates or yoga-inspired workouts. It's not just about getting beach-ready abs...it's crucial to the strength you need to do anything well without pain!