Running and Injuries

Gonzor

I just started running this week for the first time. A mate took me out and I couldnt help but notice that him and his circle of "running-friends" seem to have no end to the injurys they incur.

I thought nothing off it at the time. Then today I just got thinking about it and now Im kind of worried. Even my mate, who is the cautious type, he has had more then his fair share of problems. And aswell over the past few hours Ive being having a nosey through some of the training logs posted here on boards.ie and it seems that some well respected runners suffer huge injurys that put them out of action for months at a time.

So Im just wondering? Is running that much of a dangerous sport? WHy are so many people getting injured just from running? Im really starting to second guess getting involved, Ive enough to be worried about as it is.

RayCun

Bear in mind that when people say they are 'injured' they usually mean they can't run, not that they're on crutches. And plenty of people go for years without missing more than a week or two of running due to injury, so it isn't even that risky.

The main route to injury is doing too much, pushing your body further than it can go. So start slowly, build up slowly, do mostly easy runs, and you'll probably be fine.

gerard65

Gonzor wrote: »

So Im just wondering? Is running that much of a dangerous sport?

Very dangerous. You'd be safer swimming with great white sharks.
Every physical activity carries injuries risks, but the benifits greatly outweight the minor injuries. Remember, most here are fairly serious about their running and we sometimes overstep the thin line between getting the best out of yourself and overdoing it. It all depends on how hard you decide to push yourself.

Deego01

I remember reading an article in a running mag once that said if you run you'll have pain. Like you it didn't inspire me to continue, but what's the flipside? I'd prefer to have a few aches and pains (and I'm a physio), than have all the issues that could potentially arise from a sedentary lifestyle. Take your time building up your runs and don't try to keep up with people who have been running a while and enjoy yourself.:)

dahat

Get the correct shoes starting out and address other issues before going mad on mileage,for me it is weight......at 100kg i feel far too heavy to try hard training so i have to address this now for the spring season....

A few pains and aches never hurt anyone,a good moan about them helps also!!
As a beginner my best advice is to research the game,get the correct shoes and lastly get a foam roller and start using it now not when you get injured.saves time and a whole lot of euro's....

A0

Dangers to consider when running:
- pricks driving around, unable to control their cars
- dogs and their owners
- idiots walking as group on a footpath but never stepping aside, to give you a bit of space
Running itself? Don't worry about it as long as you respect the main training principles, you should be fine, cross-training (i.e., alternating cycling - running or swimming - running) is often a good thing to do and works well in beginners to sub-elite populations.

Deego01

I'm hearing a lot about the auld foam roller. The thing is, be careful using it. I find it very beneficial as a home exercise tool for my patients, but in a lot of cases there is an underlying reason for having to use one, other than pain and stiffness in muscles. For example, a tight ITB is usually due to underperforming gluts, and weak gluts can be due to many other reasons. Some benign, some serious. A foam roll should be used in moderation and with professional direction, but then I would say that wouldn't I.:D

dahat

Deego01 wrote: »

I'm hearing a lot about the auld foam roller. The thing is, be careful using it. I find it very beneficial as a home exercise tool for my patients, but in a lot of cases there is an underlying reason for having to use one, other than pain and stiffness in muscles. For example, a tight ITB is usually due to underperforming gluts, and weak gluts can be due to many other reasons. Some benign, some serious. A foam roll should be used in moderation and with professional direction, but then I would say that wouldn't I.:D

All of the above cost alot more than 30 euro for a roller to fix or partially fix...for us who are joggers/fun runners a foam roller keeps us going...

Deego01

Point taken, but advice in my shop ( in south tipp ), is free. In a few years time I think you're going to see issues arising with overuse or incorrect application with the foam roll.