So we are starting our third week of running with the C25K plan and I can barely walk. I was fine after the first couple of runs. And then my right ankle started hurting the day after I ran and got progressively worse with the next couple of runs.
My internet research and the bottoms of my shoes indicate that I am an overpronator.* I've been intending to go to a running store to confirm my self-diagnosis and be fitted for supportive running shoes, but I haven't had the time.
So this morning I tried switching shoes to a pair of trail walking shoes, hoping they would be more supportive. I made it through my run, but was in major pain by the time I hit my driveway. And now I can barely walk. The left ankle (which I haven't had any problems with before today) feels like it is going to buckle if I put any weight on it, and both feet are throbbing. I feel like I have two sprained ankles.
This sucks. I don't want to give up running. DH and I are doing it together and I'm pretty impressed we've stuck it out so far since exercise isn't really our thing. And I can set goals where I get to compete against others. I want to do a 5k in the fall and have set the time I want to hit. Can't really do that if I am relegated to an eliptical because my joints can't take running.
And I'm a little concerned that this throbbing is an indicator of arthritis. Because my mother has rheumatoid arthritis (which is genetic) and had both hips, shoulders and knees replaced before she was 50 (and has since had some of them re-done). It started setting in when she was about my age and she broke her hip when she was in her early-40s and I was a senior in high school (at one of my band concerts). I so do not need to inherit that crap.
* Everything I've read says that overpronators are usually heavy and have flat feet. I have a few pounds to lose, but I don't think I'm that heavy or that I have flat feet. I suspect that the stiletto heels that I wear every day are to blame for screwing up my feet. Or maybe they were already screwed up--I did have ankle braces when I was a baby.
4 comments:
Getting a new pair of running shoes that fit you properly may be all you need. The right shoes make a huge difference. Get thee to a running shoe store!
I have super flat feet too, and the biggest thing that has helped is going to a good running store and getting fitted with shoes with significant arch support. Works wonders! I have a pair of Brooks and I love them.
Other things that help us flat footed people are toe raises, lunges, squats, etc. - things that strengthen the muscles around your knees and ankles so that your body can support you better.
Good luck!
High heel wearing can shorten the acchilles tendon - that might have an effect.
I have flat feet too!
Getting shoes properly fitted is important, although I don't look for arch support - I found it pushed up into my non-existent arches and actually hurt, if I had too high an arch in the shoe.
Also, picking up a pencil with your toes is a good exercise. Also fun - see if you can throw things with them. :-)
Added to this - see if your local pool has aqua jogging.
Athletes use it in recovery - you put on a floaty around your waist, and then run up and down the pool in teh water (feet don't actually touch the pool floor) You don't progress very fast - but it's great exercise and you build up stamina with next to no impact on joints.
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