tip: try Dr Scholls, I bought the gellin' pad and its REALLY comfortable because I used to have lower back pain after running

Tip 2: keep spine alined and perpendicular to the ground

 

I agree with Ranger and also one mile ain't sh!t

 

Thanks for the words of encouragement. Or, to put it more eloquently, you. It's more than I was doing before and it's a start in the right direction. I also wasn't in terrible shape to begin with. Just needed something to get me outside for a few minutes a day.

I'm not a runner. Never have been due to a knee problem. After years of backpacking and climbing, I've finally found that my knees are strong enough that I can do whatever the hell I want on them. Including running. But I'm sure as hell going to take it slow to begin with.

Not to mention that the whole point of my posting this question was so that I could fix the issues that were keeping me from extending my runs.

 

Don't listen to the pessimists...my father used to smoke a lot and then when I was born, he decided he was going to get fit, he could barely run a mile at first, had to take a break a couple times, now with 25+ marathons and an Ironman under his belt, I guess you could say he came a long way. Keep at it munckee, just takes time.

Remember that you should find something you can enjoy doing, if running isn't your thing because of your knees, maybe cycling is, who knows...good luck!!!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 2002S2K
Don't listen to the pessimists...my father used to smoke a lot and then when I was born, he decided he was going to get fit, he could barely run a mile at first, had to take a break a couple times, now with 25+ marathons and an Ironman under his belt, I guess you could say he came a long way.

 

munckee, here is a small tip, but a huge help in getting you in shape (which seems to be your biggest problem, not trying to sound harsh, but all these cramps and pains your getting sound like those of a person who is out of shape tryign to get in shape).

heres the tip JOG DONT WALK!!!
Walking becuase of the pain is easy, but slowing to run to a jog, even a light jog, will help soooooo much more in the long run (bad pun) just dont stop and walk, try and jog when you feel tired, soon you will not need to even stop at all (Im not sure if you do now, but as you extend the distance you might need to). This goes with what Young_R said, it keeps your heart rate elevated.
ALSO...
I try and run about 4 miles a day, maybe more maybe less, split your run up to 2 parts (run in one direction, stop take a break, a walking around break, and run back home) This makes the run soooo much easier, since your not running (in my case) 4 miles straight, your running 2 then 2 more, makes it much easier on the mind and spirit to keep your speed up for the shorter distance (2 miles). This will also be a good time for your feet to rest (your original problem).
ALSO...
at your break fold your hand (cross your fingers) above your head, and just rest them there. This (as you will see many an olypic runner do after a race) stretches the chest cavity open, allowing you to breath easier (take larger breaths) Im not sure if theres scientific proof to this, but I do it and it works.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ninethreeeleven
munckee, here is a small tip, but a huge help in getting you in shape (which seems to be your biggest problem, not trying to sound harsh, but all these cramps and pains your getting sound like those of a person who is out of shape tryign to get in shape).

 

best of luck to ya.