Progress for me

I posted a thread a few months ago about how my heart rate was really spiking when I tried to run short 2 minute intervals. My shins and knees were really hurting as well.

Someone suggested that I read Chi Running and look at my form. Thank you! Thank you whoever you are. I'll admit that I've only read about half of the book, but reading that much started me on a path of research and learning. I've read everything that I can get my hands on. I've ditched my super motion control shoes for a flexible cross country flat. I've worked hard to change to a midfoot strike (found out I was overstriding and heel striking).

On Monday I was able to run a whole mile without stopping. That may not seem like much to most, but I've never been able to run a whole mile without stopping without pain. I used to get severe shin pain after only about 1/4 mile or less. I ran the mile in 10:30ish and I felt refreshed and able to do it again. I'm slowly building my base so although I felt like I could keep going, I stopped and was very happy about what I had accomplished.

It's funny that running one little mile without pain or struggle makes me actually believe that I could run 13 or 26 or 50 someday. So thank you for your advice. It set me on a path that I'm very very pleased with.

HOORAY!!!!!:D:):D
Glad to hear that you're making progress (and fantastic progress at that)!!!

Yay! So glad you've found a path that makes sense to your body. :)

Yay! I absolutely get what a triumph that is! I will be there one day - yes, I will!!

Congratulations!! I was one of the ones who mentioned Chi Running on your thread, I think (or else on someone else's who was having similar issues). Reading the book was a huge eye-opener for me and enabled me to run more than 1/4 mile for the first time in my life. I am no serious runner by any means. I typically run 3-4 miles twice a week as an adjunct to cycling, long brisk walks, and weight training (w/a sprinkling of Pilates and yoga mixed in). I am not interested in racing or marathons (don't really have the time or desire to train for them right now), but it's great to be able to run pain-free for fitness, bone strength, and fun.

So happy to hear your update!

AWESOME! Keep us updated on your progress!

I've had a bit of a setback, but now another success.

After I posted this thread, I went for another run that week. I had a tightness in my left calf and then when I was turning a corner I felt a little pop in my calf. Ouch! I think I really pulled or strained my calf muscle. It was very sore and I couldn't walk right away without a limp. Darnit!

I let it heal for a week and attempted another quick jog. Pop! Ouch! That didn't work out either.

Having done a lot of thinking, I figured out that I was running too far on my toes. I was trying so hard not to heel strike that I ended up holding my heels off the track and put too much stress on my calves. I was frustrated that I hurt myself.

Fast forward another week. I did a short trot around with husband. We walked 3/4 of the 200m track and jogged the other 1/4. We went around probably 8-10 times. I felt good and played around with my stride a bit. There was no soreness or tenderness afterwards.

Saturday I went to the gym myself. I decided to just run until my body said to stop, but stop at 1 mile no matter what. I ran 1 mile with no trouble at all and felt great. I walked 1/2 mile and then decided to try running again until my body said to stop. I ended up running another mile. I could've kept going, but didn't want to stress anything.

Nothing hurt after the 2 miles. My calves are a little muscle sore today, but not injured. They just feel like I went for a run. Yay!

That's great! It's so important not to overdo it when starting.

Veronica