runners: I seek your advice

[etaktac]

So, I mentioned earlier that I was going to take up running. I haven't yet. Definitely because of inertia and fear of change, but also for a couple of very practical, physical reasons - I'm not sure how much they matter, but I've been terribly afraid of injury

Comments

[24framesper]

I don't really run much other than a mile or so on the treadmill at the gym a few times a week but I do know that the physical aspect can be problematic if you push too hard at first. I'm still trying to rehabilitate my knee after it went on me a few months ago. It takes a long time for some of these things. I would talk to a dr about the hip thing. It sounds similar to the pain I have in my knee which for me is caused by the joint becoming inflamed and then pressing on the nerve that runs down the inside of the kneecap. If the pressure gets to be too much for the nerve, your brain will actually send a signal to your muscles to just shut down completely, which usually results in falling. They've got me doing some physical therapy exercises every night to build up certain muscle groups to give the knee more support. If your hip issue is similar a dr. might be able to give you some regular exercises to help while you slowly build into the running. I pushed too hard when i first started working on this stuff and set myself back a bit, so take your time with it so you don't injure yourself further!

If the PF is made worse by putting pressure on your feet, have you considered starting with biking? It might be a little easier on your feet and joints impact-wise when you start out.

Either way, I think the best route is to talk to a dr. before you get started so you can find out what the best way to build up to where you want to be is. Good luck!!