I stopped running for a while...

Steve

Lifer
May 2, 2004
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Some of you may remember I took up beginning running back in September. Towards the end of it (early November) I suffered an ankle injury and had to stop to let it heal. I haven't run since then, which has been at least a month. Should I be able to pick up where I left off? (two fifteen minute runs per session)
 

Raiden256

Platinum Member
Feb 11, 2001
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If you don't think your ankle is really at 100%, but you're good enough to excersie on it, I would say go for something like an elliptical for a couple weeks. See how your ankle feels after using that, then step up to the high-impact jogging/running if it feels good.
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
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I posted the best way a while ago.

What you want to do it make sure you have the right nutrition first. Get some decent clothes...drymax/coolmax/etc are WAY better than heavy cotton that just sticks to you.

A great pair of shoes is a requirement. Think of how they feel rather than the namebrand. Don't neglect good socks.

Now make sure you stretch...nothing will get in the way of a comeback than an injury.

Now once all that is done...you are probably feeling good already. Find the meanest biggest dog in your neighborhood. Piss him off real good and then open his gate.

You will be running in no time.
 

sgrinavi

Diamond Member
Jul 31, 2007
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In 30 yrs of doing this stuff I have never met a healthy runner.... Our joints just are not ment to take the constant, steady, pounding.

I suggest a low/no impact cardio routine. Cycling is my favorite......
 

theeedude

Lifer
Feb 5, 2006
35,787
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If you do run, get some very high cushioning shoes, like Nike Air Max 360s or Adidas Megabounce. Running purists will laugh at you, but your joints will thank you.
I also agree that you should be doing more biking/elliptical than running.
 

Rickten

Golden Member
Apr 17, 2001
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I think the best suggestion so far was the walking. Try walking then jogging for 2 minutes, then walk for 4 minutes, then jog for 2 minutes, etc. etc. Until you finish the desired distance. Make sure you really stretch out your ankle and have some good basic running shoes. I run 7 miles a day, sometimes for 10 days straight before I realize I haven't taken a day off and the most important thing is to have a good basic running shoe that isn't worn out.
 

Bateluer

Lifer
Jun 23, 2001
27,730
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Originally posted by: sgrinavi
In 30 yrs of doing this stuff I have never met a healthy runner.... Our joints just are not ment to take the constant, steady, pounding.

Sounds like the words of a non-runner to me. Running is one of the best exercises you can do.

The human body is a naturally evolved running machine. In fact, our ability to run upright for greater distances is one of the key factors in human evolution.

To the OP: It would depend on the ankle injury you suffered. I'd start off slowly, possibly on an elliptical glider. If your ankle feels alright, then transition to shorter runs, progressively moving to longer runs.

Clothing, meh. For most casual runners, the simple clothing you can get anywhere is fine, so long as its light weight and breathes easy. No need to spend a ton of money if you're just running local 5Ks. :)

Socks, on the other hand, get some good socks. I used to get serious blisters on my feet, often multiple blisters on top of each other. Then I purchased some Thorlos running socks, one of the best items of running gear I've bought in a long while. They've got more padding in the ankles and around the balls of the feet, very beneficial.

On the subject of shoes: The best thing you could do is seek out a professional running store and have them fit you. Bring your old shoes in so they can analyze the wear patterns, they'll have you run on a treadmill so they can observe your stride, etc. They'll hook you up with a good pair of shoes for your unique feet. Most shoe makers have dedicated lines of shoes for pro runners that you usually won't find at your common shoe stores.
 

GenHoth

Platinum Member
Jul 5, 2007
2,106
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0
Originally posted by: alkemyst
Now once all that is done...you are probably feeling good already. Find the meanest biggest dog in your neighborhood. Piss him off real good and then open his gate.

You will be running in no time.

:shocked:
Ahahah, I love this plan. I may have to try it out when it warms up!
 

ubercaffeinated

Platinum Member
Dec 1, 2002
2,130
0
71
Originally posted by: Bateluer
Originally posted by: sgrinavi
In 30 yrs of doing this stuff I have never met a healthy runner.... Our joints just are not ment to take the constant, steady, pounding.

Sounds like the words of a non-runner to me. Running is one of the best exercises you can do.

The human body is a naturally evolved running machine. In fact, our ability to run upright for greater distances is one of the key factors in human evolution.

To the OP: It would depend on the ankle injury you suffered. I'd start off slowly, possibly on an elliptical glider. If your ankle feels alright, then transition to shorter runs, progressively moving to longer runs.

Clothing, meh. For most casual runners, the simple clothing you can get anywhere is fine, so long as its light weight and breathes easy. No need to spend a ton of money if you're just running local 5Ks. :)

Socks, on the other hand, get some good socks. I used to get serious blisters on my feet, often multiple blisters on top of each other. Then I purchased some Thorlos running socks, one of the best items of running gear I've bought in a long while. They've got more padding in the ankles and around the balls of the feet, very beneficial.

On the subject of shoes: The best thing you could do is seek out a professional running store and have them fit you. Bring your old shoes in so they can analyze the wear patterns, they'll have you run on a treadmill so they can observe your stride, etc. They'll hook you up with a good pair of shoes for your unique feet. Most shoe makers have dedicated lines of shoes for pro runners that you usually won't find at your common shoe stores.

I think the most important thing is technique, and you provide sound advice. There's is a right way to run, and there is a wrong way. Also you have to consider genetic factors as well. Not everyone is meant to run. But I do agree there is no exercise as good as running.
 

InflatableBuddha

Diamond Member
Jul 5, 2007
7,416
1
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Originally posted by: Rickten
I think the best suggestion so far was the walking. Try walking then jogging for 2 minutes, then walk for 4 minutes, then jog for 2 minutes, etc. etc. Until you finish the desired distance. Make sure you really stretch out your ankle and have some good basic running shoes. I run 7 miles a day, sometimes for 10 days straight before I realize I haven't taken a day off and the most important thing is to have a good basic running shoe that isn't worn out.

Yep, the walk/run program is the only way to go. I have done this numerous times coming back from various injuries over the past 10 years. There are many variations, but this one was recommended to me by my sports med doctor:

For each week, do 3 sessions with one rest day between each session.

Week 1: 6 sets (4.5 min walk/0.5 min run)
Week 2: 6 sets (4.0 min walk/1.0 min run)
.
.
.
Week 9: 6 sets (0.5 min walk/4.5 min run)
Week 10: 30 min run (steady pace)

This is an ideal progression. Only increase the duration of running if you are symptom free. Otherwise maintain the ratio of walking to running, or decrease it. Listen to the signals your body is giving you.

Once you can complete a week of 3 x 30 min steady runs, completely pain free, you can begin to work back up to your regular mileage. However, never increase either your distance or intensity by more than 10% per week.

Good luck!
 

chusteczka

Diamond Member
Apr 12, 2006
3,399
3
71
Originally posted by: Steve
Some of you may remember I took up beginning running back in September. Towards the end of it (early November) I suffered an ankle injury and had to stop to let it heal. I haven't run since then, which has been at least a month. Should I be able to pick up where I left off? (two fifteen minute runs per session)

One month is not long enough. Give it another month of healing and you will be fine. Start running now and you risk re-injuring the ankle and this will require another two months of recuperation.
 

DAPUNISHER

Super Moderator CPU Forum Mod and Elite Member
Super Moderator
Aug 22, 2001
32,286
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146
Originally posted by: alkemyst
I posted the best way a while ago.

What you want to do it make sure you have the right nutrition first. Get some decent clothes...drymax/coolmax/etc are WAY better than heavy cotton that just sticks to you.
Truer words were never written. Cotton is the death fabric.


 

Capt Caveman

Lifer
Jan 30, 2005
34,543
651
126
Originally posted by: chusteczka
Originally posted by: Steve
Some of you may remember I took up beginning running back in September. Towards the end of it (early November) I suffered an ankle injury and had to stop to let it heal. I haven't run since then, which has been at least a month. Should I be able to pick up where I left off? (two fifteen minute runs per session)

One month is not long enough. Give it another month of healing and you will be fine. Start running now and you risk re-injuring the ankle and this will require another two months of recuperation.

Bad advice. It varies based on the extent of the injury.

As others have suggested alternating jogging/walking is the best means to get back into it. Slowly reducing the walking breaks as your endurance and muscles recovers. Let your body dictate things.

If your ankle starts to hurt - ice, elevate and rest for another week.