Are Any Oppos Runners?

"Tripper" (tripe46) 11/03/2016 at 15:59 • Filed to: None

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I hate running, I fucking hate it, but I want to lose a little weight and we have a gym/showers at work. So I have been dipping in there and running a few miles in the afternoons.

My body hurts. That could be because I have not been active in a few months then one day I up and decided to run 3 miles. In any case, I’m looking for some tips. My arches and my hips are so sore that I’m walking around like an old man. Are those fancy running shoes $130 better than my $30 reeboks? Could it be my technique?

Have a zombie driven foot car for your time.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 16:03

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Just sounds so old fashioned. We have cars now.

Berang > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 16:04

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My knees won’t stand up to running, so I ride a bike instead. It’s also better for your heart and lungs. It’s cheaper to run, but there are better ways to burn calories, and which aren’t as hard on your joints. Swimming is even better, but then you need to find a pool and learn to swim properly.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 16:07

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I run on marathon a year and compete in triathlon and other such stuff.

1. Yes those shoes and the fitting make a huge difference especially to the joints you just mentioned.

2. Run on dirt.

You’ll enjoy both better.

If you’re looking to drop weight, diet will do it faster than running ever will. Losing weight by running is really hard actually. You’re better jumping rope, honestly. But if you are looking to bone up your cardio and lose weight, jump rope and eat less (you thought I was going to say run.)

Running is not fun, I still hate it. But I like trail running with my buddies twice a week because I get to enjoy nature and get a discussion in with them about life, liberty, and the pursuit. We just happen to be running at the same time.

Frank Grimes > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 16:08

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Those $130 shoes will be better but how much better than say a $75 pair? basically you dont need to spend $130 on shoes. Just buy some that are comfortable from a major brand and a style that isnt made to be sold in kohls or something.

Your body will hurt! But it will go away. This is especially true if you are overweight. In fact from what I remember its better to lose weight by eating less and then add in the running or just start walking because it can cause lots of injuries. This is doubly true if you just decide to run 3 miles one day.

I think everyone hates running even people who love it. You start out feeling all tight and uncoordinated but then your body gets used to it and you get in this groove which I love and you just keep going adding more laps or miles or whatever. My problem is I have ADHD and running is boring so I start thinking about things and when I start thinking about negative stuff I get tense and then I run crappy and feel crappy so then I try to control my thoughts but that seems to make it just as bad. Just run and keep your pace and relax your body but keep upright and good posture forget about what you look like or how you feel etc. This seems to work for me.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 16:09

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I hate running too. There’s very little motivation in it for me and is just plain boring. As I recently answered to a coworker who asked if I ran – no, because it is just too easy to stop, turn around and go home.

As far as alternatives though, biking is much better on your joints (I particularly like the ones that are like a real bike – it feels more mechanical and real than some huge machine that gives you a vague feeling of pedaling) – and I love using the rowing machines at the gym. WAY more fun than running, amazing full body workout. Just make sure you do it properly to not hurt yourself.

Over time I’ve tried to convince myself to try running many times – and I’ll still do a mile or two just to warm up sometimes, but I don’t see it as something to beat yourself up about if there are other alternatives that you take to easier. I haven’t been to the gym in months, moving to a new city and new job has completely messed up my routine – hopefully someday soon again.

ps - good shoes definitely do help with discomfort and form, but it’s not going to make you enjoy doing it if its something you know you hate.

Tripper > Berang 11/03/2016 at 16:11

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I’ve got a nice road bike, and I ride it when the weather is nice. I definitely enjoy it more than any other exercise activity. However running is something I can do in the middle of the day at my office which is why I have taken it up. I’ve had surgery on both knees (nothing serious just arthroscopic) so the second they start giving me a problem running is out, but they have not been a problem thus far.

Michael > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 16:11

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The shoes make a big difference. I used Nike shox, New Balance, Adidas, ASICS, etc, and none of them hold a candle for actual running to Brooks running shoes. There are a few tests you can do online to figure out a good starting point for what you should look for, too. This is a good one for me

http://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/ShoeFinder

extraspecialbitter > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 16:11

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Back in February of two thousand and sixteen, I started working out everyday. Specifically, running. 5 miles. Because of Fitbit. That I forced myself to buy.

Fast forward a couple months later, my knees were in terrible shape. Trips to the podiatrist were a must. Also to Pacers for some orthodics. But my $50 sneakers were still okay.

Now I only run maybe 3 times a week. The rest of the days I started weight training so I don’t bruise so easily.

Keep at it!

haveacarortwoorthree2 > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 16:16

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Elliptical instead of running? It’s easier on the feet and knees, at least for me. Also, you can have $500 shoes and if they are the wrong ones, they won’t help. Don’t go to a general sporting goods store to buy shoes — find a running store and let them do a proper fitting (including seeing if you under or over-pronate, which may be what is causing your arches to hurt if you have the wrong style shoe).

http://www.runnersworld.com/tag/pronation

Junkrat aka Rick Sanchez: Fury Road Edition > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 16:19

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If you are just starting you probably need to focus on interval training to build up your cardio and muscles before taking off for three miles. You could try the couch to 5k app it will teach you basic interval training, but you will quickly outgrow the training of the app. If you are really worried about your shoes I would go to a running store and have them measure your foot and gait because different shoes are made for different running styles. If you are really worried about losing weight your diet is the biggest factor. It takes so much exercise to burn a 1000 calories, but it is much easier to cut down calorie intake than burn it.

Aaron M - MasoFiST > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 16:20

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If your Reeboks are new, they’re fine. The biggest deal is that running on three-year old, worn out shoes is not good for your feet or legs.

It’s probably not all that possible if you only have limited places to run, but something less even than a plain sidewalk or road will force you to pay attention to foot placement and improve your stride a bit. I know when I run on a treadmill it’s easy to zone out and just slap my feet down, and that’s how I’d usually end up with sore arches.

Nibby > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 16:25

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I run... to get inside my car

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 16:25

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Yes, having the good shoes definitely helps. You don’t necessary need to spend $100 plus though. A nice $60 pair of Nikes on sale will work just fine. I also find that running on soft surfaces like grass is much better than pavement. But I don’t ever run for the purpose of running, I have picked up playing soccer and ultimate frisbee instead so I am always in cleats. More about sprinting than constant jog but I find it much easier to enjoy that and still get the cardio excercise.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > PotbellyJoe and 42 others 11/03/2016 at 16:30

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on should be one.

PatBateman > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 16:33

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Diet+Walking+Light Weight Lifting=Weight Loss.

Decay buys too many beaters > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 16:35

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I run somewhere around 15 miles per week, used to be 25 or so but my body rejected that after about 5 years. I now find that 5 miles every other weekday is a pretty good balance that I can sustain. On the off days I go to the gym to read and use a stationary bike.

Shoes play a huge part in the overall experience, I hated running until I bought a set of real minimalist shoes. Basically they highlighted everything I was doing wrong and forced me to run with proper form. Most of the fancy running shoes just add padding that mask poor form whereas minimalist shoes punish you for bad form. A month or two after buying them I was running faster with way less pain (as a bonus they’re usually cheaper too)

Seems like I might be in the minority here, but I love running now. Gives me a chance to totally clear my head a few times a week.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 16:35

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Don’t dive straight into the deep end. Wade there from the shallow side, slowly.

Shoes absolutely make a huge difference. Improper running shoes could have you visiting the doctor for shin splints, knee, and back problems. Whereas properly fitted shoes could mitigate those problems if they already exist. I know this from experience.

Try finding some dirt trails to run on. It’s more fun and impacts aren’t as severe.

As far as form goes, watch some videos. General consensus is that it’s best to not land on your heels with each step, but rather the balls of your feet. Also don’t overextended your stride, your forward step shouldn’t go much past your hips/shoulders. There are a lot of great videos on this and they’re definitely worth watching.

Arrivederci > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 16:36

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As a runner, your shoes should be your most important investment. Go to a legit running store, have them check out your stride and test out a couple of their recommendations. Good running shoes can mean the difference between feeling good and being in pain after a run.

Secondly, build slowly. Your first week after being a couch potato should be full of distances no more than 2-3 miles total. Alternate between jogging and walking briskly. Give yourself a rest day every other day the first week, then every couple days the second until you’re only taking 1 rest day per week. Build mileage slowly - once you’ve stopped walking on your 2-3 mile jaunts, up to 3-4 mile jaunts.

When I trained for a half marathon, I was in the best shape of my life.

Nonster > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 16:39

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Definitely get some better shoes. It can make a huge difference. The trick is finding ones that fit you right. My favorite pair of shoes that I ran my first half-marathon in were only like $60-70. It just can be a pain finding the right ones. I had a nice pair that were like $110 and my hips and arches started hurting after a few miles. Go to an actual running store to get fitted. That should help speed up the process

You also may get someone to look at your gait. It may feel awkward at first but if you strike on your heels try landing mid-foot or even on the balls of your feet.

Over the past several years I went from barely able to run 2 miles to running my first full marathon this year losing about 70 lbs along the way. Yeah there are potentially better ways to burn calories, but swimming needs a pool, cycling needs a bike, rowing needs a erg machine, running you really just need shoes.

The first mile always sucks, but you eventually train yourself to make it part of your daily ritual like brushing your teeth. It takes awhile before it becomes fun, but it won’t be long until you realize that you like the way you feel after the run. Personally, I start to feel cranky if I go too many days without running.

You should also try to work in some other workouts too. Even just doing pushups, planks, and other body weight exercises.

Keep it up but listen to your body. If something hurts don’t force yourself to run. On days like that I hop on the eliptical or stationary bike

The Lurktastic Opponaught > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 16:48

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I used to be a runner before my back went kaput. Work your way up slowly. Stupidly slowly. Annoyingly slowly. Or you’re going to hurt yourself and set your progress back beyond stage 0. And yes, proper shoes can make a world of difference. Go to a running store with a treadmill- proper fitment can make a world of difference in reducing your suffering.

And yes, it’s going to hurt for a while.

Now that my knees and back are toast, I find cycling a hell of a lot easier on my body and a far more enjoyable means to counteract my cheeseburger and whisky consumption. Running, even at its best, fucking sucks.

NotoriousEID > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 16:56

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Yes, the $130 running shoes will always be MILES ahead of the $30 rebooks. The nice shoes support and aid not only your foot, but the rest of your body while running. I’m in high school and run pretty seriously; I’m on the Cross Country and Track teams. It also helps greatly to stretch before and after you finish a run, some of the hip pain could be tight muscles. If you put your mind to it running can be one of the most rewarding things that you do with your time.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 17:12

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Sorry in advance for the long post:

I am a former collegiate cross country runner and a current wear tester for a major running shoe company. Shoes will make the largest impact on the pain you are experiencing. Go to a specialty running store (not finish line, etc.) and get fitted. Think of this like a test drive. Go outside and run in a few different brands and styles. Choose the pair that fit and feel the best. Make a note of the brand and model and buy a few pair online when they are phased out for next year’s model and are discounted.

Stop running on a treadmill. Yesterday. Go outside and run on natural surfaces if possible. I prefer trail running but it is not for everything. Find a spot that makes you happy. Concrete is worst case but still better than a treadmill. It will also help boost endorphins and mood just by being outside.

Running sucks for most people until they are warm and loose. These days, I don’t start feeling good until around mile 5. It used to be after a mile but 10 years of competitive running will do that to you :p. The trick is to run past this point. It will take a while but work your way up slowly. If it sucks to run a mile, start with half a mile. Take it very easy, stop and stretch, continue on until you feel good. Soon, you will know your body a little better and more equipped to get over the hump and enjoy the good part of the run. Most people never get to this point and never experience the true joy of the sport.

Injuries. You have to know your body but there is a huge difference between sore, hurt, and injured. Work through soreness and you’ll feel better. If you are hurt, keep going but reduce effort levels and mileage. If you are injured (something catastrophic like a fracture) stop. For best results with an injury, do some cross training and basic physical therapy. Ice is also your friend.

Tripper > Frank Grimes 11/03/2016 at 17:14

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I’m not horribly overweight but overweight for sure. I’m 5'10" and 185lbs. I know running multiple miles over a few days from doing nothing was not the best idea, but I do things full on or full off lol. Normally I would never take up running but since I can do it at work when I would normally just be sitting at my desk I figure its worth it.

Tripper > Aaron M - MasoFiST 11/03/2016 at 17:19

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Yep definitely slappin the shit out of my feet lol

AfromanGTO > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 17:33

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Asics with the gel are super comfy for running on concrete. I destroyed them after a mud run showing off.... I had these, so comfy.

I generally run in Pumas. For some reason I like these the best, but they aren’t as comfy as Ascis.

I need to get back into running like I used to. I used to run 4-6 miles everyday, and 11-12 miles twice a week. Too much lifting, and playing with puppies.

DynamicWeight > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 17:42

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Obviously there is already a lot of good advice here but I just want to throw in to be wary of treadmills/ellipticals. Get off them as soon as you can. I thought I was starting to be hot shit running “4 miles” on a treadmill every day. Then I went to the track to run with a friend and was exhausted by half a mile. The treadmill lies. Trail run if you can. Track run if you can’t. Street if you have no options.

Tripper > DynamicWeight 11/03/2016 at 17:53

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Yea a lot of people have mentioned that treadmills are the devil and my office is right near a huge state park where there are tons of trails. So I will have to get someone at the office to show me the good spots. My only burden for outside is the cold. I don’t mind the cold but I’ve got asthma (sports induced) and it does not really bother me much, except if its cold. I’m toast after 15 minutes when its below 50.

Under_Score > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 18:00

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I have Nike Pegasus 33 Jungle Packs ($100 on sale) and Nike Free RN ULTD’s ($85 on sale) that are both comfy. I don’t run, but they’re running shoes!

Audistein > Tripper 11/03/2016 at 21:18

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You may need arch support inserts if you have flat arches. That could explain the arch pain swell as some of the hip pain. You probably won’t need anything custom and they don’t have to be super expensive ($30-$50 and last longer than a pair of shoes). Too high arches in shoes can also hurt so be careful.

If you can’t go to your doctor or see a podiatrist (best option), any specialty running shoe store might be able to help. They should be able to tell you if you have flat feet. Some even have podiatrists come in one day a week to do free consultations for customers. If you do have flat feet, then you should wear inserts all the time, not just when running.

Depending on how severe your hip pain is and how old you are it could be bursitis. If your pain matches those symptoms and keeps recurring then you should probably see a doctor or an orthopedic specialist.

You can look at youtube videos on proper running technique. Some however will tell you that you absolutely have to land on your mid-foot and that’s not necessarily true. It’s okay to land on your heel as long as it’s not hitting the ground really hard, that can cause pain after running. Not even one has the same ideal running technique.

Nauraushaun > DynamicWeight 11/04/2016 at 19:08

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I’ve been street running for about a year and completed a half-marathon on trail. Why is trail so much better? It was tough, and the scenery made it feel better, but is it really so much better?

Might be able to dig up some local trails. But it sucks having to drive 20km to run - I’m running 3 times a week!

Nauraushaun > Tripper 11/04/2016 at 19:11

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I love my running. Part of the reason is because I listen to Game of Thrones audiobooks, and I only listen to them when I run. I love those books man, makes the running worthwhile. I don’t even think about the running!

Better than trying to find music to listen to all the time. And I find that the running can be so hard that you start to hate the music too lol.

Are you getting blisters? Is that the soreness? If so, you’re supposed to get better socks. Thicker ones. But I wasn’t sure I wanted to commit to that, so I started wearing 2 pairs of regular socks instead. Works a treat!

DynamicWeight > Nauraushaun 11/06/2016 at 20:58

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Well, you’re a more accomplished runner than me, but for me, trail running is superior to street running since you aren’t running on pavement and there are no cars. Plus, things like roots and leaves keep you on your toes.

Nauraushaun > DynamicWeight 11/07/2016 at 01:11

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Fair enough. I could do with less pavement, I try to use grass where possible. Dodging roots and whatnot is good fun!

SteveLehto > Tripper 11/10/2016 at 09:05

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I run. I just did the Free Press Marathon for the 9th time (I’ve done 14 full marathons in my life). Slow down. The shoes aren’t that big of an issue. The key is to start slow and build from there. And by “slow” I mean both in speed and distance. If you go out and try to run too far or too fast before you are ready, then you can hurt yourself.

On a side note, I lost 38 pounds this summer - primarily from running.

Tripper > SteveLehto 11/10/2016 at 09:10

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Thanks for the advice, I definitely went way too hard last week. Now I can’t run for more than 10 or 15 minutes because my shins burn so bad haha. This week I’ve been running until it starts to hurt, then I lift weights. Trying not to weight myself until I’ve been at it for a month or so.

SteveLehto > Tripper 11/10/2016 at 09:17

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If you are not used to running, you will get some odd aches and pains, most of which will go away once you are into it. The key is to not injure yourself. You will get a feel for the pain you can ignore (muscular) and the ones you shouldn’t (like if you screw up a knee or a hip). But once you get into it, there will come a time where it becomes effortless. I ran some long training runs where I’d be at 10 or 15 miles and realized I could just keep running all day if I wanted to.