Failure

[Johnny]

Hi All.

I bought this App a while ago and did try running with a serious mindset to do well. I'm not over weight, I am fairly fit, active and willing!

Problem is, the pain in my legs and ankles is unbearable. It wasn't until I spoke to a friend who is a nurse that I was told that this is most probably due to the statins I take for my high cholesterol. Admittedly, I do suffer ireditery high blood pressure and have to take medication for this.

My GP has said that there is not much that can be done as the obvious risks of stopping the medication would outweigh any running benefits. She stated that I would be better advised to cycle, therefore cutting out the associated impact and leg pain.

Can anyone help? I understand the issue and appreciate that running may not be for me. has anyone else had a similar issue?

Thanks, John.

[benjohn]

Hi John,

Well done on your commitment, and it's excellent you have an open dialogue with your doctor.

I'd recommend that you get some expert opinion from the other side of the equation. If you are a member of a gym, and they have runners on the staff, you could talk to them. Or you could find your local running club and go and talk to them (they'll likely be very nice, don't worry). You could also go to a good specialist running shop, or you could talk to a physiotherapist, ideally one specialising in sports.

The thoughts I'm having are that this could be down to shoes that aren't right for your feet, and tightness in your legs that could be overcome with some serious stretches. Also, your style of running might be able to be adjusted (where you land), and you could try running on a treadmill, or on grass or another soft surface.

Anyway – don't hurt yourself, and good luck!

Thanks,
Benjohn

[dagix]

Hello. I am new to this forum and am currently at the middle point of week two. I started this process about 2 months ago and also had the problems with the painful legs. I , too, thought "Failure". I quit and nursed my legs back to their healthy state but decided that I really did want to become a serious runner. I went to a specialty store and bought a shoe specifically for my foot. I also purchased an inexpensive arch support to help absorb the shock of running. I am happy to say that this time is different. I am running with no pain. I stretch for at least 5 minutes before and after I run. During the day when I am sitting at my desk, I trace the letters of the alphabet with my pointed toes. That really helps to strenghten the unused muscles in my shins. I ice for 15 to 20 minutes after I run whether I need it or not. I will keep doing this until I am certain I have conditioned my shins to continue . I look forward to the next run. I would like to go faster but I know that there is a method to this madness so I will follow the program. I hope some of these suggestions will help you if you wish to continue. Good Luck!

[benjohn]

Really great tips there, thank you for sharing them, and every respec to your determination: it will get you there!