? for Betty or another runner

[cmcole]

Now that I've begun running more frequently (lots of up and down hills), I find that my achilles tendons have a tendency to hurt (after - not during).

The trainer at the gym says it happens to her, too.

Have you experienced this in the past, and has it gone away after a while, or is it something that I will have to endure periodically?

[ttdriver]

Re: ? for Betty or another runner

Are you running up hill alot?

I personally haven't had that problem, but running in Tampa is FLAT pretty much everywhere, so hills aren't an issue for me.

Take enough rest days so you don't overdo it and cause yourself a permanent injury! I would suggest icing the area after you run. The RICE method is always good advice: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.

HTH!!

Betty

[cmcole]

Re: ? for Betty or another runner

At lunch, where we run, it seems that almost everything is uphill. There's a saying that the Navy uses when they dock at the harbour here - getting to the bars is uphill both ways (getting back to the ship, too).

Really, St. John's is hilly. Even near my home is hilly. There are very few places that it can be avoided. Some are worse than others. Seems like there's only one hill during our runs lately that we actually walk, because it is nearly vertical.

Even around the lake was undulating, although certainly not the extent of the hills on the streets where we run at noon, or even when my hubby and I run evenings or weekends.

Some days I feel like I'm getting shin splints, and I do know the RICE solution, which I try to use as I need it.

[ttdriver]

Re: ? for Betty or another runner

I'm sure its the hills causing you the discomfort. It should get better with time as you get stronger. Just don't try and do too much too soon.

Take care!

Betty

[Iapetus999]

Re: ? for Betty or another runner

My feet/ankles hurt all the time.
It's called "overtraining."
I do it because I have a lofty goal ahead of me so I just tough it out.
What you may want to do is throw in some "easy" or "cross-train" days in there on the bike or elliptical.
Also getting a good-fitting shoe is critical.
If your feet keep bugging you, slow down a little.

[FightingTheFight]

Re: ? for Betty or another runner

I would suspect the hills. I am a hill runner, thats my self given official title, I go looking for the hills, the steeper the better in my opinion.

I noticed at the beginning my achilles hurt aswell, they just wern't use to the load, luckly I have very strong calves that make up for it. But the more I did it, My achilles got stronger and tougher. Now they are like thick steel cables lol

Sometimes we have to learn the difference between discomfort and pain. We are only as strong as our weakest link. Thats why I frown at the advice about running when you are overweight. The stress it causes your knees and ankles is good, builds them up! as long as you are not overdoing it.

[ttdriver]

Re: ? for Betty or another runner

Sometimes we have to learn the difference between discomfort and pain.

VERY TRUE!! Discomfort is to be expected initially and when you increase the intensity of your running (either miles or speed) .. But PAIN is your body's ONLY way to communicate to you that you are overdoing it.

There is a HUGE difference between the two.

Betty

[2big4mysize]

Re: ? for Betty or another runner

there are a lot of different stretching exercises you can do for that area. Are you doing some before after and at other times of the day too?

Also how are your shoes?