Taking up running?

[Catrin]

Good points Crankin...I think the best thing for me to do right now is to not try to add anything new. I certainly don't feel like I am exercising too little! This winter, when my outside riding starts ramping down, then I will consider doing more running at the gym and see what happens. I don't see my choosing running over riding outside, ever, so this is probably the best approach.

It really helps me to articulate this and get a bit of feedback, thank you!

[Blueberry]

Given the number of overuse issues/orthopedic issues you've run into (no pun intended) with cycling and your other activities, I think I'd check with your doc on this one. If you decide to try, definitely make sure you're strengthening all the muscles/tendons that support the knee - I bet your PT could put together a program for you if you're not already hitting all the key areas.

[indysteel]

I think this is a topic to discuss with your osteopath or whichever doctor you have that's most familiar with the state of your knees. Remember, too, that you have had other overuse issues--your hamstring and ITBs that might be irritated by running. I hadn't been running very long or all that much when I developed hamstring issues--issues that continue to plague me roughly 8 months later.

I do like the Couch to 5k approach and I don't see anything wrong with stopping short of the final goal of the program if your body (or mind) responds better to shorter intervals. Like Crankin, I find that I have to give my legs a bit of extra rest when I run regularly. If you experience the same thing, I have to wonder whether it will cut into the other workouts you seem to be enjoying at your gym (Bosu and your group ex) and likely getting a lot out of. In terms of addressing your muscle imbalances, I'm not sure running offers much--but that's something I would encourage you to talk to your trainer about.

[Catrin]

Good comments both Blueberry and Indysteel. Part of the focus of my new group training exercise is to take care of those muscle imbalances I have - and I've enough trouble with my hamstring and IT band on the bike, let alone the issue with my knee... It is kind of cool that I can keep up with the "real runners" at the gym for short runs and sprints, but I think it should probably just stay as part of my group exercise.

I will reevaluate this winter and discuss it further with my osteopath and trainer at that time if I still want to pursue this.

[OakLeaf]

+1 on getting professional advice. Knee health is so closely tied to foot and ankle strength and flexibility, and with your history of ankle surgery, you just may not be able to come up with a foot strike that protects your knees.

Still, finding the right professional isn't always easy. So many doctors will categorically advise people not to run - against all the evidence of its general benefits for orthopedic health. If you can find a PT or osteopath who's also a Chi Running instructor or at least practitioner, that would be my first choice. While I'm a devout follower of Chi Running, I'm also well aware that they tend to overlook structural issues and preach that imbalances can be adequately addressed with running form only.

[GLC1968]

Still, finding the right professional isn't always easy. So many doctors will categorically advise people not to run - against all the evidence of its general benefits for orthopedic health. If you can find a PT or osteopath who's also a Chi Running instructor or at least practitioner, that would be my first choice. While I'm a devout follower of Chi Running, I'm also well aware that they tend to overlook structural issues and preach that imbalances can be adequately addressed with running form only.

This. I have found that running smartly (is that a word??) has actually helped with a lot of my own limitations that cycling did not help. I've built up foot strength, ankle strength, hip strength and core strength that I didn't necessarily get when cycling. It really varies by practitioner though, and of course, by individual as well. I would do a good amount of research ahead of time (including Chi Running) and then listen very carefully to your body if you decide to give it a try.

Personally, I LOVE running in the winter when biking is fairly miserable around here (it's always wet and cold). I'm actually thankful that my injury happened in the spring so that I don't have to miss out on an entire winter of not running! (I know that's twisted...).

[Dogmama]

This. I have found that running smartly (is that a word??) has actually helped with a lot of my own limitations that cycling did not help. I've built up foot strength, ankle strength, hip strength and core strength that I didn't necessarily get when cycling. It really varies by practitioner though, and of course, by individual as well. I would do a good amount of research ahead of time (including Chi Running) and then listen very carefully to your body if you decide to give it a try.

+1
I am doing the C25K program in my Vibrams using Chi running techniques. I have bad lower back issues and a pounding heel strike in regular shoes makes my leg go numb & my back go into spasms. In my Vibrams, I cannot do a heel strike so I MUST run more smartly (yeah, it's a word - we've used it twice so that nails it!).

I admit, when I first looked at C25K I thought it was numbingly simple but I know the importance of building a good base, so I figured I'd haul the dog along with me & he can do the program too. So far, we're at week three, no back issues, no knee problems & I'm really liking it. I thought I'd be bored stiff.

I imagine that any minimalist shoe would be OK instead of Vibrams. Some people don't like things between their toes.

[zoom-zoom]

You've had some good advice, but I caution you to NOT incorporate sprinting/speed work unless you have been consistently running 30 miles or so per week for maybe a half year. This is pretty standard advice. Without a really solid base you risk injury. More miles at easy pace = speed FAR more than fewer ones with speed work.