Get Running Forums

So I'm nowhere near the shape I would like to be. I'm 25 years old, 6'4 just under 300 lbs. Last week I started Get Running. W1R1 was one of the worst experiences I've ever had!!! I didn't have proper shoes so just ran in a pair of crappy basketball shoes, never ran before, and it went horrible. But I pushed my way through the run and completed it. I've run EVERY day now following the program with the exception on 1 day. Earlier I ran w2r1 and experienced the worst ankle pain ever. I'm not sure if it's my new running shoes I have not being broken in or by weak ankles I've always battled or what but WOW did my right ankle kill me!!! My cardio has made HUGE Improvememts though!!! W1r1 was challenging on the first run an the minute and half runs today were much easier then I thought they would ever be!!! Anyone ever experience the ankle pain and does it get better anytime soon?

I've sprained my ankle twice and broken it once. Suffice it to say it was a bit weak! It hurt all the time, and was just a mess. I was so afraid of turning my ankle again in my running shoes that I switched to Vibram Five Fingers. They're "barefoot" running shoes, so I figured if I wrenched my ankle, it wouldn't be SO bad because there would be no sharp edge of shoe sole to help wreck me on the way down. They're supposed to be good for strengthening weak ankles, too, so I thought that was a nice bonus.

Vibrams are definitely not for everyone: I suffered shin splints when I first started running, and the first several weeks in Vibrams caused a huge flare-up. In the end, though, I feel it's been so worth it: my ankle feels much more stable now, and only occasionally gets painful.

I would never simply recommend Vibrams, or barefoot running in general, outright. I do suggest looking into it, though, and seeing if you feel it's right for you.

Oh, David, the only thing that increased my patience was cutting out caffeine. And that was mostly because I was too tired to give a flip.

I wish you the best!