knaveman Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 I started running a few weeks ago. The dog and I go out into the woods behind my house and run the trails there. I've been reading a little and people say that running on streets and sidewalks is bad for your knees. Now that it's getting dark earlier (4:30ish) I can't run in the woods too often. Is it going to be really really bad for my knees if I run on the streets a couple of days a week? Are there some good web sites to go and learn more? Link to post Share on other sites
TheLoneSock Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 Yes it can be bad for you since it is such a hard, non absorbant surface compared to soil. You can help negate this long term hazard though with the proper running shoe and running with correct form. Also, if you can find a track close by, say at a local college or high school, that would be an ideal location to run. They are lighted for the most part at night and the tracks are built for running, and so aren't such a stress on your joints. Link to post Share on other sites
Author knaveman Posted November 12, 2009 Author Share Posted November 12, 2009 Yes it can be bad for you since it is such a hard, non absorbant surface compared to soil. You can help negate this long term hazard though with the proper running shoe and running with correct form. Also, if you can find a track close by, say at a local college or high school, that would be an ideal location to run. They are lighted for the most part at night and the tracks are built for running, and so aren't such a stress on your joints. When you say "proper form" what does that mean exactly? I've heard that before but was unaware that there were different forms to running. Link to post Share on other sites
WTRanger Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 When you say "proper form" what does that mean exactly? I've heard that before but was unaware that there were different forms to running. A lot of the knee and shin injuries come from how your foot strikes the ground. If you hammer the ground with your heel, every stride sends shock waves up your legs. You want to have an even roll from your heel to your toes as you run. As long as you get good shoes, stretch and ice your legs properly after you run, you will have minimal risk of injury on roads. In fact, you run more of a risk of rolling an ankle running on trails if you have not properly strengthened your ankles. Link to post Share on other sites
Jexranger Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 Get some proper running shoes and you'll find running on concrete a lot more easier, the impact of your feet hitting the ground will mess up your joints Shin Splints is the most common problem and I heard from a friend it hurts like a bitch and it takes a while to recover so the money you spend on some proper running shoes is more than worth it. >>>> Shin Splints if you want more detail http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shin_splints >>>> Correct running technique Hope I helped Link to post Share on other sites
Enema Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 Running on the road is fine for your joints. Bad joints from running is a myth:- recent studies back this up. The more you run, the stronger your joints get, regardless of surface. Link to post Share on other sites
northstar1 Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 Running on the road is fine for your joints. Bad joints from running is a myth:- recent studies back this up. The more you run, the stronger your joints get, regardless of surface. This is true. Link to post Share on other sites
deux ex machina Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 Get some proper running shoes and you'll find running on concrete a lot more easier, the impact of your feet hitting the ground will mess up your joints Shin Splints is the most common problem and I heard from a friend it hurts like a bitch and it takes a while to recover so the money you spend on some proper running shoes is more than worth it. >>>> Shin Splints if you want more detail http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shin_splints >>>> Correct running technique Hope I helped The above, regarding proper footwear, is absolutely crucial information. It is very important to wear the right shoes, and to know when they wear out. Trust me from someone who didn't take it seriously for some time - it can make all of the difference! Link to post Share on other sites
mark982 Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 alot of local people have taken up running on the high school 440 track,it's cushioned alittle by what it's made out of. Link to post Share on other sites
Lauriebell82 Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 I agree with others that have said you need to find the right shoes for the environment/way you are running. It can make a world of difference in how your body reacts to the strain you put on it. Link to post Share on other sites
Author knaveman Posted November 12, 2009 Author Share Posted November 12, 2009 Everyone has said to get the right shoes but how do I know which ones are good? Any suggestions? Brands? Do they have to be expensive? I can't afford much right now. Most of my running is on nice maintained dirt roads and some trails as well as sidewalks and roads. Link to post Share on other sites
northstar1 Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 Everyone has said to get the right shoes but how do I know which ones are good? Any suggestions? Brands? Do they have to be expensive? I can't afford much right now. Most of my running is on nice maintained dirt roads and some trails as well as sidewalks and roads. Most good sports stores or running stores will have experienced staff who can do a gait assessment. Some stores actually have pads or treadmills you can run on that will measure your footstrikes/gait to see how you run. They can then see what kind of shoe you would best be suited to ie. if you overpronate ( your foot rolls when you strike the ground) they might suggest a motion control shoe that has a stiff midsole to prevent roll or if you are a bigger frame, they might suggest a shoe with more cushioning. They should pick out a few pairs and let you try them on and walk/jog around and see how you feel in them. Link to post Share on other sites
GrayClouds Posted November 14, 2009 Share Posted November 14, 2009 Everyone has said to get the right shoes but how do I know which ones are good? Any suggestions? Brands? Do they have to be expensive? I can't afford much right now. Most of my running is on nice maintained dirt roads and some trails as well as sidewalks and roads. Go to a running shoe store. Not a general sport store like Athletic Foot. Even if you have to go a few miles to do it. They wll look at your foot, gait, weight and help you select the right shoe for you style of running. Price should be around $75-100 usa. Far as street running emema is correct study show that runner generally have less joint issue that non runner as they age. Regarding correct running style do not over compensate tiring to run a certain way get the basic form down and your body will do what is right for it. If your looking to improve you speed and stride add a couple of day of sprints on a track. Link to post Share on other sites
Author knaveman Posted November 14, 2009 Author Share Posted November 14, 2009 Thanks for all the input. I found a running store in Tacoma, hopefully I have time to get over there in the next couple of days and get some good shoes. Link to post Share on other sites
GrayClouds Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Thanks for all the input. I found a running store in Tacoma, hopefully I have time to get over there in the next couple of days and get some good shoes. South Sound Running? I have heard good things about that them. Link to post Share on other sites
WTRanger Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 To be honest, I bought a $60 pair of New Balance and they lasted me through the entire San Diego marathon training and actual marathon. I still have those shoes, and they are still as comfortable as ever. I also have had great results with Saucony shoes. So paying over $100 for a pair of shoes does not always equal quality. You may have to run through a few different brands before you find your brand. Me personally, I hate Reebok and Nike, but I know other ultra marathon runners who love them. Just listen to your feet and your body. If something hurts, change it. Don't keep running with the pain. Link to post Share on other sites
Author knaveman Posted December 1, 2009 Author Share Posted December 1, 2009 South Sound Running? I have heard good things about that them. So I went and bought some shoes from these guys. Great store, highly recommend it. Sales people were very helpful and not pushy. The clerk watched me run from one side of the store to the other with every pair of shoes I tried on. Told be good and bad about each one and never tried to sell me anything extra. Settled on a pair of Brooks. I've been running several times now with them and I don't even know they're there. It's great. Link to post Share on other sites
GrayClouds Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 I am glad to hear it. Enjoy your runs! Link to post Share on other sites
Fitness Dude Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 That age old question about whether running does more harm that good is HOGWASH at best. Excercise can be stress on the body and it's parts. That's life but the body is so good at rejuvinating what needs it, and making itself better to protect itself in the future. How many machines do you know that get stronger when they are overused? Good running shoes are a must, proper technique is important, and some common sense about how fast you "dive in" to a training program are all good advice points. But, again, any potential injuries that you could suffer from running are FAR outweighed by the positive benefits from some good old fashioned "sticktoitiveness". Good luck. Link to post Share on other sites
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