Fellow runners, help me out here, please...

[Colleen]

I'm kinda bummed because once again, I can't up my weekly mileage. I put in 20-25 miles each week and it almost seems like that's my limit. Whenever I try to gradually increase that, I start having problems: joint troubles, increased lower back pain, shin splints, or what have you. So I'll do a couple of weeks in the 25-30 mile range, and then be forced to ease off for a while. And the cycle continues.

Sometimes I wonder if this is just my reality. Maybe sticking with 20-25/week is best for me. On the one hand, that's okay because at this point, I don't want to devote a great deal more time to running. But I would like to run the occasional half marathon more easily, and for me, that means increasing my training a bit. But what is it about the 25 mile/week barrier?! Any ideas how how to get past this? Btw, I'm good in the shoe department, so that's not the issue.

Oh, and while I'm at it, I'm developing one honker of a corn on my right foot. This is a first for me and I can't figure out what's bringing it on since my shoes fit well. Corn remedies, anyone?:tongue_smilie:

[lynn]

My only thought is, taking enough time to stretch? Maybe add some extra stretch time or pilates?

[AmyinPA]

Add some other training. Not sure how often you run, but it sounds like your joints need a break in between and replaced with some resistance training or pilates.

I know for me, (back in the day when I still ran-sigh), stretching for a loooong time before I went out for my run helped tremendously. I also replaced two run days with a weight training day. It didn't affect my stamina at all. In fact, even though I was running less, I was able to go much farther distances without all the aches and pains.

Good luck

[plansrme]

I know this is counterintuitive, but if you usually run a relatively flat route, find one with some hills. The up and down is tough aerobically, but it really helps minimize the repetitive-motion type injuries, such as shin splints.
Also, and I'm sure you know this, but the more running you can do on dirt or grass, or even asphalt (anything other than concrete), the better. Makes a world of difference if you can even do even one run a week on trails or some other dirt surface.

Terri

[Cindy in C-ville]

Hey Colleen,

When I was training for the 10-miler (not quite 13, but close), our trainer had us run 3 shorter runs/week and then one long run. To be over 25 miles/week, your short runs still wouldn't be that short, but you you could do something like:

Day 1 - 5
Day 2 - 4
Day 3 - 5
Day 4 - 3
Day 5 - 7

Then, gradually stretch out Day 5 and possibly even drop back on the other days a bit until you get up to the 13 mile mark. Increase that Day 5 by 1/2 mile each week. Then it might look something like this:

Day 1 - 5
Day 2 - 3
Day 3 - 4
Day 4 - 2
Day 5 - 13

Just a thought!

Right now I'm sticking with low mileage, working on speed, some HIIT, and strength training. It feels good to mix it up a bit. I'm not doing another race until summer, so it's a good time to play around with it.

Take care!
Cindy

[Colleen]

I was hoping a few more people would chime in, but apparently most of the runners were out running.;) Thanks for the ideas offered. Today I went to the running shop and chatted with my favorite guru there. I actually decided to go ahead and get some new shoes. It's not been that long since I bought my last pair, but I'd put about 400-500 miles on them so they were pretty flat.

I'm also going to start taking glucosamine and see if that helps me. Someone here mentioned it a while back in my first "Runners Unite" thread, and today Craig suggested it, too. He also reminded me how important it is to stretch, and encouraged me to do more cross-training. I know in the long run (ha!) it'd do me a world of good; just need to get into that routine...

[Brigitte]

I was hoping a few more people would chime in, but apparently most of the runners were out running.;) Thanks for the ideas offered. Today I went to the running shop and chatted with my favorite guru there. I actually decided to go ahead and get some new shoes. It's not been that long since I bought my last pair, but I'd put about 400-500 miles on them so they were pretty flat.

I'm also going to start taking glucosamine and see if that helps me. Someone here mentioned it a while back in my first "Runners Unite" thread, and today Craig suggested it, too. He also reminded me how important it is to stretch, and encouraged me to do more cross-training. I know in the long run (ha!) it'd do me a world of good; just need to get into that routine...

My shoes are toast with 400 miles on them. Try getting two pairs and alternate running days. They last longer that way and they have a chance to recover between runs.

Also, have you checked out Chi Running? My dh swears by it and he is now up in the 40 miles per week range. I, on the other hand, am in the 0 miles per week range right now. :crying:

[TwinMominTX]

custom orthotics. I was a serious runner before having my twins. After the twins, I was absolutely positively plagued with problems. Likely it all had to do with the physiological changes my body went through during the tough twin pregnancy.

Anyway, I really really wanted to run. I spent a zillion dollars on physical therapy which did seem to help, but I didn't get true relief until I got some custom orthotics.

The difference it made to my running - and my mileage - was amazing. I wore them faithfully for at least a year. I haven't worn them for probably the past year and I haven't had any problems. I am certain that the orthotics helped my funky mis-shapen muscles stretch back into their intended shape.

Anyway, it might be worth a try if you're serious about upping your mileage.

TK

[Mad Charity]

Still not stretching, are you... ;)
mad charity

[Colleen]

Try getting two pairs and alternate running days. They last longer that way and they have a chance to recover between runs.

That's a thought!

Also, have you checked out Chi Running?

I remember you mentioned that before; I don't have a clue what it is...?