Running experts: need your help

[Argo]

I started running lately, training for a race in september. It's a 3.1 mile race and I'm trying to finish under 25 minutes. Needless to say I'm training pretty hard.

However, recently I started having weird pain in my ankle after running for half a mile or so on the threadmill. I know that I didn't sprain my ankle since I don't feel anything when I walk. I'm wondering is there something wrong with running shoes, or is the hard surface of the threadmill to blame for this? Any ideas?

 

[Corporate Thug]

if you go from little exercise to intense training, your body needs some time to catch up with the increased stress your putting on your joints. try wearing an ankle support

 

[Argo]

Originally posted by: shady06
if you go from little exercise to intense training, your body needs some time to catch up with the increased stress your putting on your joints. try wearing an ankle support

Well, I've always been active. I've been working out in the gym for more than 3 years now. I've been working out my leg muscles, as well as playing basketball and raquetteball from time to time. However, this is my first week running after more than half a year layoff.

 

[Koing]

Originally posted by: Argo

Originally posted by: shady06
if you go from little exercise to intense training, your body needs some time to catch up with the increased stress your putting on your joints. try wearing an ankle support

Well, I've always been active. I've been working out in the gym for more than 3 years now. I've been working out my leg muscles, as well as playing basketball and raquetteball from time to time. However, this is my first week running after more than half a year layoff.

Training in the gym is not the same as running. Doing heavy squats isn't like running. Running you have quite some impact on your knees and ankles. When you squat sure you load your knees and ankles but you load it gently not with a big impact.

You said you do Basketball thats good. But I don't know your ankles hurt after 1/2 a mile. The Basketball running around and jumping has lots of impact.

When you play Basketball do you use Basketball shoes? If you did then I would credit this to not hurting your ankles. But also the Basketball the running isn't as intense as running with no breaks all the time though, not like what your doing now.

It will take about a week of 5x running to sort this out. I know when I start to run my achiles tendon hurts for a while, until I get through a week then its fine. I go cross country running through woods and such though. Not on a tread mill and I have good running shoes.

Go for a week with the same running I would advise against a treadmill. Hit road running and go through some woods if you can. Its more realistic and also when you run that race I take its not on a tread mill. You will face wind resistance.

If the problem is still there after 10 days of running go to a *decent running shop*. Not a high street one. They should have a foot scan and they can see what trainers suit you best and if you are not level with with your steps when you run. Can't remember the technical terms, but my bro works part time in a proper running shop and they have a foot scan. Trainers are not equal, nor are the designs. Some suit better feet.

Koing

 

[RJ45]

You should really do try brisk walking (not power walking) for a few days so your joints get used to the new movements. This should loosen and strengthen your joints. Plus include your ankles when you stretch before (and after) you walk/run.

Aaron

 

[AndrewR]

Sounds like tendonitis to me or a form of shin splints (or something similar). I assume you bought new shoes with plenty of cushion prior to starting a running regimen? Don't underestimate the usefulness of new shoes especially when your legs/ankles/feet aren't conditioned for the constant impact of running.

BTW, I'm not a running expert. 😉