Running

[Angrboda]

I rather suspect there are things happening in the brain of a runner and to the brain of a runner that are not apparent to a duffer. And you have to get past the break-in to start seeing any of that. My brother-in-law is a runner and I can tell by the look on his face that it's more than "just running." I used to do Tai Chi every morning, primarily for the exercise. I was skeptical of it at first, viewing it as likely little more than gentle movement, but the more I practised, the more I realized that there are mental aspects to the practice which aren't obvious from the outside. I've meditated from time to time in my life, though I never had much patience for it. I found that Tai Chi produced the same kinds of mental focus. I suspect what goes on in the mind of a runner is very different from that of a person who just occasionally laces up a shoe.

[Minimalist]

In 10,000 years archaeologists will find that chart and conclude that we were a bunch of primitive fuckers.

[Clueless Morgan]

[jots]

Haven´t been able to run more than a couple of times these last weeks due to a knee injury. I´m starting to get really depressed about it - feels like all my hard work in the summer was for naught .

Ran 15 km yesterday to test the knee, but it doesn´t feel any better than it did two weeks ago, even though I have only done light excercise during this period.

Don´t really know what to do, perhaps I should see a physical therapist?

[Gilgamesh]

I run, but I do a lot more weight training than running. Running is boring as fuck.

[Angrboda]

Don´t really know what to do, perhaps I should see a physical therapist?

I recommend seeing a doctor who specializes in sports medicine if your insurance covers it.

This may sound off the wall, but there's good science behind it. While you're not running as much, use the time you would have spent running to "imagine that you are running." Find a comfy spot, relatively free of distraction, set a timer so you don't have to mind the time, close your eyes and imagine yourself on a run. If dressing the part helps, do that. You might increase the interest level by imagining you are running in Valhalla, or receiving training from Hermes. (I suspect watching videos on running or watching others run has its place, too, but the mental exercise will actually result in physiological changes, or should.) Since it's in your head, unconstrained by reality, you can take short "runs" anytime and anywhere throughout the day; got five minutes after lunch, have a quick run. And you don't have to stop fantasy runs once you are running again after your injury is healed.

[Statler Waldorf]

Haven´t been able to run more than a couple of times these last weeks due to a knee injury. I´m starting to get really depressed about it - feels like all my hard work in the summer was for naught .

Ran 15 km yesterday to test the knee, but it doesn´t feel any better than it did two weeks ago, even though I have only done light excercise during this period.

Don´t really know what to do, perhaps I should see a physical therapist?

Hello!

I ran XC and Track in High School and for my University; I now coach high school XC. I am quite impressed with your 10K time! Nice job! Have you run many 5Ks? Where is your knee hurting at? How many miles would you guess you have on your current pair of shoes?

[Clueless Morgan]

Haven´t been able to run more than a couple of times these last weeks due to a knee injury. I´m starting to get really depressed about it - feels like all my hard work in the summer was for naught .

I know exactly what you mean; when I started running I got a pretty gnarly foot injury (a possible frayed tendon) that knocked me out of running for months and still occasionally bothers me.

Best advice I can give is to NOT RUN ON IT! I did that and made my injury worse.

If you're really concerned about it and don't want to lose ground on your gains so far, see a doctor and ask about physical therapy (I couldn't get PT without seeing a doctor but your situation might be different). Bring your running shoes in to the doctor/physical therapist, they might want to see them, especially if they're old and clearly show a wear pattern on the soles. Also, ask the doctor/PTist what amount of activity they recommend so you don't exacerbate your injury.

From my own experience the best I can tell you is use the RICE method for soft tissue injuries (assuming yours is a soft tissue injury): Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. It's not a cure all, nor will it, alone, get you back to 100%, but it's good practice for post-exercise recovery, especially when you're nursing an injury.

And always stretch before and after every exercise activity be it running, walking, biking, cross training, swimming, etc. Stretching before will help loosen you up a bit (don't overdo it), stretching after aids in recovery.

Hope your knee gets better!

[jots]

This may sound off the wall, but there's good science behind it. While you're not running as much, use the time you would have spent running to "imagine that you are running." Find a comfy spot, relatively free of distraction, set a timer so you don't have to mind the time, close your eyes and imagine yourself on a run. If dressing the part helps, do that. You might increase the interest level by imagining you are running in Valhalla, or receiving training from Hermes. (I suspect watching videos on running or watching others run has its place, too, but the mental exercise will actually result in physiological changes, or should.) Since it's in your head, unconstrained by reality, you can take short "runs" anytime and anywhere throughout the day; got five minutes after lunch, have a quick run. And you don't have to stop fantasy runs once you are running again after your injury is healed.

Thanks for the advice. Do you have any literature tips or other source material for this exercise? Would love to read more about it.

Hello!

I ran XC and Track in High School and for my University; I now coach high school XC. I am quite impressed with your 10K time! Nice job!

Thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it

Have you run many 5Ks?

No, not really. I have done some 5ks during training, but never any races.

Where is your knee hurting at?

A little hard to explain, but it is on the inside and to the back of my right knee.

How many miles would you guess you have on your current pair of shoes?

About 350 miles, I am thinking of replacing them pretty soon.

[downbeatplumb]

I just got an iphone 3gs, best running app?