Feet hurt from running (normal?) and jump rope difficulties...

[ibex333]

1)So I started running a short while ago.

First the breath would be a huge problem. I'd be out of breath long before my legs would get tired. So I started doing other cardio, like bicycling, jump rope etc. After only a week of that my breathing has improved to a point where I can now run a whole 3 minutes without stopping! (WOW!)

Now I got another problem I dont know how to get rid of. My feet hurt like crazy. That part of the foot where it bends.. Where the shoelaces are... I run for about 3-5 min and then I have to stop because of the pain. If I reast around 5-10 min, the pain goes away and I can run some more but it returns very quickly and I have to stop again. Is this normal? It is something that I just have to get over before it gets better with more training?

2)Jump rope... People make it look so easy in movies. In fact some men go as far as to say jump rope is a "girl's thing". Clearly these guys never tried it. I have now been doing this for a week and I can only continue in short intervals of 3-5 sec before I trip over the rope and have to start over again. Not only is it difficult to get into a proper rhythm, it's also extremely tiring and exhausting. I see very little improvement in myself when it comes to the jumprope, and I ma wondering when that improvement will come. Any tips on this wonderful but difficult cardio exercise?

 

[katank]

1) Google POSE running. Believe it or not, running correctly and efficiently actually requires some technique.

2) I don't know anyone who bashes jump rope. Lots of badass boxers and MMA fighters use jump rope for conditioning. Try not to land flat footed. Get a bounce going with just ankles + calf. The key isn't to jump high but to whip the rope around with the wrists.

 

[Capt Caveman]

How old are your running shoes?

 

[SociallyChallenged]

The first question is to ask: how is your running form? Secondly: how much do you weigh?

The running issues can, in all likelihood, be explained by your weight (if you're heavy), your form, or your running shoes. The jump rope issues are a bit more complex, but very, very common. Jump rope requires cardiovascular stamina as well as coordination. The first thing you should work on is your coordination. Take it slow if you have to - do a bunny skip like little girls do to keep the rhythm. It really helps. Use your wrists, not so much your arms. That will prevent you from having coordination problems early on (since your arms will fatigue very quickly with poor form).

 

[RagingBITCH]

Leaving his running form completely out of it, sounds like your shoes that you're running in are causing your issues. You'd be better off getting fitted for a proper shoe. (Regardless of form, not just buying crap off the rack)

 

[ibex333]

My running Shoes are $130 Nike Shox. (running sneakers) Bought only 2 months ago.

I weigh 170 lbs at 5'9" and I'm 28 years old.

I guess my problem is improper form. I will look into POSE running.

 

[alkemyst]

I'd still say it's more shoes than form. Check out shoedog.com or go to a CVS and try their insert machine.

 

[RagingBITCH]

My running Shoes are $130 Nike Shox. (running sneakers) Bought only 2 months ago.

I weigh 170 lbs at 5'9" and I'm 28 years old.

I guess my problem is improper form. I will look into POSE running.

The problem is - did you buy them off the rack, or go to a running store to get your gait checked? Just because they're running shoes doesn't mean they're the right one for your feet. Running should be simple - put on a pair of shoes and go. Anytime you purposely alter your gait and concentrate to change your form should not be taken lightly - you should do some research into it first.

 

[ibex333]

I found the POSE running website but I find it extremely confusing. First, it seems like they only give out useful information if you pay for their books/DVDs/etc. I dont have the money to spend on this stuff... I cant sign up for their clinic lessons either. $300?! And not even available where I live? No. I cant do that.

Is there any way to learn to run efficiently without paying money to anyone?

 

[SociallyChallenged]

I found the POSE running website but I find it extremely confusing. First, it seems like they only give out useful information if you pay for their books/DVDs/etc. I dont have the money to spend on this stuff... I cant sign up for their clinic lessons either. $300?! And not even available where I live? No. I cant do that.

Is there any way to learn to run efficiently without paying money to anyone?

You can research POSE running outside of the official website. I learned quite a bit about POSE from outside sources.

 

[StageLeft]

I found the POSE running website but I find it extremely confusing. First, it seems like they only give out useful information if you pay for their books/DVDs/etc. I dont have the money to spend on this stuff... I cant sign up for their clinic lessons either. $300?! And not even available where I live? No. I cant do that.

Is there any way to learn to run efficiently without paying money to anyone?

Go to runnersworld forum, checkout the barefoot running forum. stickies at top have links to techniques.

 

[alkemyst]

I don't agree that barefoot is best for most people and I am one that is usually barefoot a lot outside (it's like those that lift without gloves to give something to relate to...I do that most of the time too except when I need extra grip, my gym is chalk free).

Fitness IMHO has become too trendy and everyone wants this complex and elegant solution for something that is just hard work and messy.

Unless you have dedicated barefoot running areas your feet are going to get racked quite a bit starting off. For most this is enough to throw in the towel if they are lucky to have asphalt paths even (concrete sidewalks will kill you if you are going long distance (5+miles a day and/or a non-lightweight runner)...Do not try to run "off-road/cross-country" in your neighborhood, you will be looking at a knee or ankle injury quickly.

I ran up and down Sanibel Island (a very hard compact beach with little shells) when I was up there in my teens. I didn't feel it, but I was leaving blood prints that week. Usually when people are running to find shoes on hot decks, I am still comfortable. I will say a good sandy beach run is great for calves and your lower body/core. It's not really a core workout, but you do get some free benefits thrown in from the process.

My hands and feet have always been pretty rough. My hands are sometimes rough enough that I will scratch my face enough to cut it if I rub too hard. I have to be careful with women, today I wear gloves more often and my hands are still pretty hardened from the past abuse.

All that said, I am willing to bet your issue is shoe selection. Sometimes the most comfortable shoes in the store are the worst for your runs. Check out the link I posted and do a 'foot' check...You should be able to find very reasonably priced shoes if you aren't requiring to have the hottest 'Air Jordans' for this year. I usually spend $50-75 tops with shoes retailing for over $100. I have ran in shoes that were opposite what I needed and within a week I was in pain (I was covering 3-5 miles every other day). When I run in proper shoes it's my muscles and cardio that limit me unless I run on concrete sidewalks...I can't do them it's a wierd concept for many to understand. I can run on the street all week no problem...concrete issues. It's just that little bit of extra give. I have run on some real running asphalt paths and those are really nice.

Also avoid getting 'race' shoes, you will regret it unless you are a racer. If you worry about leaving marks / marrs avoid those outsole materials. I haven't kept up with all the brand names for them, but just good "[your outsole material] leaving marks on floor" to see if it's a problem.

In the end I have found even the worst forms usually find their way to running right if they are serious about it.

Being you are in New York though I am sure you can find free running clinics / workshops to help you get started (and spending your money with them / joining in their runs).

 

[Capt Caveman]

The problem is - did you buy them off the rack, or go to a running store to get your gait checked? Just because they're running shoes doesn't mean they're the right one for your feet. Running should be simple - put on a pair of shoes and go. Anytime you purposely alter your gait and concentrate to change your form should not be taken lightly - you should do some research into it first.

This. Is your running shoe size the same as your regular shoe size? If yes, it shouldn't. Proper fit, lacing and the correct type of shoes are areas I would look into before even considering changing your form, especially when you're just talking about 3-5 minutes of running.

I can promise you, it's not your form that's causing your foot pain. I'm guessing that either you're tying your laces too tight or need some arch support.

 

[roguerower]

I'm gonna go with shoes and conditioning. A couple of months ago, a 2mi run would have my back killing me by the time I was done (really let myself get out of shape for the year I was coaching). I started work, started p90x, and got myself back into shape and I'm back in business. My problem stemmed from conditioning, something that's probably an issue for you as well.

That said, having the correct shoe can also make all the difference in the world. As a XC runner in HS and during college I would always go to the same running store (VA Runner) because when I first started with them they put me on a treadmill and had me run for a while to get my gait down. Once they had it, they gave me the shoe that best fit me. Ended up buying the same shoes year after year.

Now I PT and run exclusively in VFFs. I caught onto them almost 2 years ago before they got big and absolutely love them.

Going to a store and picking out a pair of shoes because they feel comfortable for 2 minutes and say "running shoe" is not the right way to go. Find a running store and get properly outfitted.