Running because I can!

Good job today! You are really quite a fast runner!

I think you have the potential to run well in the marathon, but to get there you need to be more consistent in your training. In addition to increased fitness, this would also help reduce the chance of an injury. Many if not most injuries come from sporadic training. The body is often caught unawares not being ready for the punch when you finally decide to exercise after a couple days off. If you train consistently 6 days a week, no skipping, no excuses, at a moderate volume and intensity, something your body can handle, eventually you become injury resistant.

I know you have a lot on your plate. So you have to resort to some creativity to get your workouts done. E.g get up 15 minutes earlier, run back and forth in front of the house, maybe even buy a used treadmill and run on it. The key is the determination to not end a day with a goose egg for your mileage. It is amazing how much difference this makes when extended over days, weeks, and months.

Thanks you guys.

I really am to hard on myself most of the time. When I first read "You are really quite a fast runner" I said to myself is she talking to me?

I am not sure how to read my body I guess. How long do I run after my shins start to hurt.

I ran 3 miles down hill once and my shins were killing me and I ran through it but the next day I thought I was going to die I could not walk for like two weeks. That was about three yrs ago and I was about 15 pds heavier and not as good of shape but I can't do that agian, so when I feel my shins start to really hurt I stop.

Also don't people who run have to cross train and do weights for the upper body at least?

I did not mention I had 4 c-sections my first went very bad and I ended up healing from the inside out. and my last one ended up herniating. My abs are so weak or non existant. I still can not do a full sit up. It is like my brain is not conected to those muscles. This is why I work my abs so offten.

I do have a treadmill at my house. It is upstairs and it wakes everyone up. We just cleared hte basement bedroom and I am moving down there.

thankyou for sticking with me so far.

Use your best judgment. If it hurts while you are running to the point that it requires mental fortitude to just keep going regardless of the pace, something is wrong. If it hurts a little bit, like a mosquito bite, does not keep getting worse as you keep going, and the pain is reduced when you slow down, then slow down to the pace that makes running a reasonably pleasant experience.

Regarding upper body training. It is not a bad idea, but it is definitely not a must for all runners. I would say it varies from individual to individual. I've tried various types of upper body training on a number of occasions, and noticed no difference either in performance or injury rate. My upper body training right now consists of doing 20 push-ups 3 times a week. My approach is that if a muscle is asking to be strengthened in a way that will not happen through running, I do the exercises to strengthen it.

Treadmill in the basement may very well make a big difference in your progress if used properly.

When I am running besides my shin splints my other two biggest issues are that my shoulders start to hurt. I have read that it is because I am carrying tension there would strength training help that? And also I have this contant urge to lean down and hold on to the treadmill instead of running upright with my arms moving. I don't know if I am affraid I will fly off the back of the treadmill or if my upper body needs to be stronger?

Any idea's?