Getting in Shape

Running Question

I used to run daily back in high school (7ish years ago).  I am wanting to start running again.  I was running on the treadmill a couple of days recently, and my ankles have been hurting.  Could this be due to needing new shoes and my current shoes don't have enough support?  What else could this be due to?  I planned on getting new shoes when I get back from vacation, but I was just curious if it could be due to anything else like weak ankles or something.  Before I was running, I have been doing the 30 day shred, and that was when I first noticed my ankles hurting - when we would do the jumpin jacks and such.  But it wasn't usually until the end of the workout.
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Re: Running Question

  • You'll probably need more supportive shoes... i have the same issue... i hurted my ankles a while ago during snowboarding... and since then, my ankles would after i run... now, i'm wearing more supported running shoes (I use Brooks and Sauconry) and also an ankle strap from Ace...it looks like a sock... that helps me a lot, i dont have any ankle issues after running anymore...

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  • It's probably mostly due to a lack of proper shoe support, so I'd definitely recommend getting a new pair sooner rather than later.  If there was a significant drop in activity from when you stopped running after high school to when you picked back up with 30 day shred, it's possible that the muscles and ligaments through your ankle did get a little weaker from lack of use.

    As someone who used to run a lot, you're probably well aware of what the difference between something hurting and something being sore is, so the same rules apply: if it's a soreness issue, it's a problem that will gradually go away as you get back into the swing of things.  If it's actual pain or there's swelling that accompanies it, you're injuring yourself and need to back off completely until it heals, then start over again gradually.

    In either case, the new, more supportive shoes will help.  If it's persistent, a good brace or ankle strap like tdmaus mentioned would be a good addition as well.
  • Brooks are awesome support-wise!  In high school I broke my ankle playing lacrosse and tore my achilles during indoor track.  Basically, my ankles hated me and every shoe I owned.

    I went to a local Running Company and they watched me walk and asked me what areas bother me when I run (knees/ankles).  They then directed me to the shoe that would be the best fit.  

    I would get fitted and then if the problem still persists see a doc.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_running-question-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:238Discussion:2d96e8c1-a722-404c-a3fa-da1bda580410Post:e0d7440b-2bd8-4492-a0f2-f1758c2ddb56">Re: Running Question</a>:
    [QUOTE]Brooks are awesome support-wise!  In high school I broke my ankle playing lacrosse and tore my achilles during indoor track.  Basically, my ankles hated me and every shoe I owned. I went to a local Running Company and they watched me walk and asked me what areas bother me when I run (knees/ankles).  They then directed me to the shoe that would be the best fit.   <strong>I would get fitted and then if the problem still persists see a doc.
    </strong>Posted by lbarr088[/QUOTE]

    ^^THIS :)  Also- since you're just starting back up, I'd make sure you take a day or two in between runs to let your legs properly recover.  You don't have to run a lot to get an overtraining injury, you just have to recover too little. 
  • I think it's probably a mix of lack of support and just getting back into it. I noticed my ankles hurting too when I started back up. I'd give it a week or so.
    June 16, 2012
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  • How long have you had your current shoes?
  • Definitely get fitted with a pair of new shoes and cycle through them every 300+ miles or so or until the soles have worn down (kind of like the tire rule).  Also try running outside too, I (and my legs) prefer it to dreadmills.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_running-question-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:238Discussion:2d96e8c1-a722-404c-a3fa-da1bda580410Post:01ff0d56-bb81-4ae6-a5ee-514ac639bac1">Re: Running Question</a>:
    [QUOTE]Definitely get fitted with a pair of new shoes and cycle through them every 300+ miles or so or <strong>until the soles have worn down</strong> (kind of like the tire rule).  Also try running outside too, I (and my legs) prefer it to dreadmills.
    Posted by Megbo2012[/QUOTE]

    Waiting until the soles have worn down isn't really the best way to tell if the shoes need to be replaced because the stuff inside the shoe (what is actually providing the cushoning for your foot and absorbing the shock) breaks down much sooner than the sole does.

    Also, every shoe is a little different as far as durability goes.

    Get fitted at a running shop. They will evaluate your gait and stride and be able to determine the best shoe for you. Many people's feet roll in a bit when they run. I, however, roll out. So, I need a different type of shoe than most of my running friends. Some of my runner friends have low arches, I have high ones. Some "lighter" runners can get away with more minimalist shoes. I won't try them because of past injury. Everyone is an individual and you really need to have someone look at your specific needs and give you some ideas. You can do a lot of damage running in the wrong shoes.
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  • My Question would be,  when you picked up running again,  how long did you go for?

    Running is a very complex and high impact activity,  and you do need to ease into it starting up again.  Having trained for Ultra Marathons,  It is crucial to build up the milage.  You probably ran a few miles back when you were running,  but you"re body wouldn't  be prepared to start right up again.

    Also,  where exactly are you feeling the pain?  I have no idea what condition your shoes are in,  but  like the other commenters,  you may need to get a new pair.

    Greg Doyle
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