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Is it the shoes?

Socket's picture
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started by Socket on September 22, 2007

Or is it me?

Having only been running for all of 4 months I'm more prone to assume its me, but I seem to be getting a knee ache when I'm running for more than 4-5 miles. I know you can get problems with your leg and foot joints from bad shoes, so I don't want to just assume its completely me. The shoes I have are Asics gel-kayano 13s if that means anything and were the only ones that were comfortable at the store (and I tried on every type of running shoe they had in my size).

Is my body just adapting to the running? Do I just run badly? Did I get the wrong shoes? Is there no way to tell over the internet and I should find a running instructor or something to find out?

UFTriGator's picture
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UFTriGator posted 40 weeks ago.

Socket;80483 wrote:
Is there no way to tell over the internet and I should find a running instructor or something to find out?

Yes. Everyone has a different gait and needs different shoes. Some people will wear your shoes and they will be perfect. For you, they're probably not. Go to a running store (not a shoe store or general athletic store like Sports Authority) and have them analyze your gait. A good running store lets you run in shoes before you buy them. They'll probably have a treadmill and fit specialist inside.

______________________________________________
-Matt
Not fast enough.

blavelle's picture
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blavelle posted 40 weeks ago.

it is rather hard to tell over the internet but just from experience a poorly fitting/old/deformed shoe can be a major factor in body pains, especially in your joints. also it could be where you're running. do you do a lot of track running or trails? also a local running/shoe store will probably be able to asses your problem better.

"now I only have good days and great days."

Amka's picture
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Amka posted 40 weeks ago.

I second the advice on the shoes. And if everything has been going well, your running has been steady, and this crops up it may simply mean its time for shoes.

My toe suddenly started getting bruised on each run when it hadn't before. New pair of same shoes solved that problem.

Running can actually be very good for the knees. They become strong and get built up. In fact, I'm far less prone to knee injury now than before I started running.

But the key here is to build up slowly with running. I think this is more true of running than swimming or biking. That's because building knees up takes longer than muscle or cardiovascular.

If your knees start hurting beyond your workout or become problematic, then you might want to consider some PT. They'll help you work through your injury and teach you great exercises to get the muscles around your knees strengthened to avoid injury. They can refer you somewhere else if you need more help. There are lots of things that can cause knee pain, and ignoring it can lead to a more serious injury.

Socket's picture
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Socket posted 40 weeks ago.

So consensus is "get to the real running store and find someone who knows what they're doing." Right. Now to find a running store that hasn't been put out of business by the Sports Authorities...

Triguy98's picture
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Triguy98 posted 40 weeks ago.

Ya just might be surprised how many are around. We've got three in my city, which isnt the most atheletic place.

Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.

Socket's picture
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Socket posted 40 weeks ago.

Actually, you're right, I am surprised. After searching and filtering out all the crap, I found a running store only 13 miles away (with the next further one at 14 miles the other direction).

There used to be one in the next town over, but its an ethnic supermarket now. Kinda like the local bike store in my town that is now an antique shop and the one in the next town over which is going to be luxury condos. *sigh*

Thanks for the help guys! :) (I gotta stop being so pessimistic)

stewarba's picture
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stewarba posted 40 weeks ago.

Not sure if you have already been to your local running shoe store, but make sure you take your old shoes with you. They can tell alot about your gait by the way your current shoes are wearing. When it comes to running my general thought is that your shoes are the only real essential piece of gear you need to own, so you may as well have a professional recommend a good shoe for you. Most good running shoes shouldn't be overly expensive and the guys that I go to have never tried to sell me a pair that was outrageouly expensive - my shoes typically cost between $75 - 95 per pair.

Brad

Goals in writing are dreams with deadlines – Brian Tracy

2008 Sprint Tri A race goals
S: 500m in 10:00 – FS Stroke only
B: 22mph avg over course
R: 5K <= 25:00
Place top 50% for my age group

Socket's picture
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Socket posted 40 weeks ago.

Nope, haven't been to the store yet. With commuting time and distances I have to plan a few days ahead to get anything done; maybe this weekend I can sneak out. That's a good tip, I totally wouldn't have thought of that at all. Would an older pair I have work as well? The new ones don't have a lot of wear on them yet (lots of treadmill time).

stewarba's picture
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stewarba posted 40 weeks ago.

It can't hurt to take both. They should be able to tell alot from your old shoes. By looking at the way your current shoes are wearing, they should be able to tell what kind of foot you have, how your foot strikes when running and whether you stride pattern pronates, supinates, or is nuetral. There is actually alot going on with your foot when you run and you need an expert to help point you to a shoe that accomodates you and you alone. What works for you won't work for your running partner.

Another quick tip is to do a quick search on the net to give you some background in how to choose the right shoe for you. I don't mention this to prevent you from going to the running store, but rather so you have a basic background so you know if the guy/gal waiting on you knows what they are talking about.

And my final tip is that if there isn't at least three running geeks hanging out talking to the guy running the place about the 10 miles plus they ran that morning, they aren't worth their salt. You should be able to spot them, they are the guys about 5' 10" tall weigh about 160 lbs and will be wearing silky shorts that are split on the side with a white T-shirt from their last race and a pair of beatup running shoes - sorry, I couldn't resist ;-)

Brad

Goals in writing are dreams with deadlines – Brian Tracy

2008 Sprint Tri A race goals
S: 500m in 10:00 – FS Stroke only
B: 22mph avg over course
R: 5K <= 25:00
Place top 50% for my age group

Socket's picture
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Socket posted 40 weeks ago.

I know the type :) My dad's been a runner as long as I can remember and is a bit upset he didn't get a number for this year's NY Marathon. (He's 5'10" and 140 ;) )

amyro1234's picture
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amyro1234 posted 40 weeks ago.

I have the same problem with my knees giving me problems when I run more then a couple miles. I have very flat feet and am wearing a motion control shoe. I also have a pair of coustom made orthodics. Should I be wearing those when I run for more support, or are orthodics made only for walking? Are the shoes I am wearing now fine? I had a guy at the shoe store look at my feet and recommend those shoes for me. Should I just give my knees more time to get used to running?

stewarba's picture
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stewarba posted 40 weeks ago.

amyro - If you have to wear prescribed orthodics, you should probably start with your doctor. The guys at the shoe store may be able to help, but your doctor would know best concerning your feet.

Goals in writing are dreams with deadlines – Brian Tracy

2008 Sprint Tri A race goals
S: 500m in 10:00 – FS Stroke only
B: 22mph avg over course
R: 5K <= 25:00
Place top 50% for my age group

KenMierke's picture
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KenMierke posted 40 weeks ago.

Making sure you have proper footwear, and that they aren't worn out is important, but also make sure you're using good technique. If your weight comes down on the heel, you will experience significant injuries at some point.

Ken

Ken Mierke Ken@Fitness-Concepts.com
Fitness Concepts Fitness-Concepts.com
Author, The Triathlete's Guide to Run Training
www.EvolutionRunning.com

Socket's picture
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Socket posted 40 weeks ago.

I thought about that and its something I plan on looking into after my race this weekend. I was about 3 seconds from trying it today till I remembered the "how to sabotage your own race" article.

I do tend to come down on my heel pretty hard...

stewarba's picture
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stewarba posted 40 weeks ago.

KenMierke;80971 wrote:
If your weight comes down on the heel, you will experience significant injuries at some point.

Ken

That's interesting. I've never heard that before. I tend to be a midfoot striker, but I never associated injury with being a heel first runner.

Brad

Goals in writing are dreams with deadlines – Brian Tracy

2008 Sprint Tri A race goals
S: 500m in 10:00 – FS Stroke only
B: 22mph avg over course
R: 5K <= 25:00
Place top 50% for my age group

Socket's picture
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409
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405 days
Socket posted 40 weeks ago.

Something to do with the whole "bones make terrible shock absorbers" thing. Land on the heel and the shock hits all your joints or something like that. Gunna have to look into some running technique books. I certainly would like to avoid the knee and ankle problems my dad and sister have.

big 3's picture
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big 3 posted 39 weeks ago.

If it happens you commute into Manhattan. Jack Rabbit on 14th Street in Manhattan has 3 treadmills setup for gait analysis.
Paragon Sporting Goods on Broadway has one set up as well.

I've heard there is a place just off 287 north of 78. I'll have to ask my friends which store it was again. That's somewhat closer to you.

Socket's picture
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Socket posted 39 weeks ago.

Thats a lot closer (and cheaper to get to :) ). I'd appreciate the info.