[joyfulloser]

I've been running for 5 weeks now and making great progress. I started at only being able to run non-stop for 30 sec/rest 2 min/run 30 sec and repeat. I'm now up to running 1 1/2 miles non-stop/3 min walk/1 1/2 miles non-stop/and repeat.

I run 6 days per week for approx 1-1 1/4 hours each day.

The problem I'm having is that my achiles tendon(sp?) starts getting tight and hurts causing me to have to stop running at about 1 1/2 miles in. I've still got more lung capacity and strength, and I just know I can get up to 2 miles if it were not for that darn achiles tendon problem.

Anyone ever have this problem? How did you remedy it? Could it be my sneakers??? Could it be my running form? Could it be that I'm just old? Hellllllp!

Also, is it safe to run 6 days a week. I'm running for fat loss and trying to build core strength and stamina. Training to run 5K race by January 2011.

Appreciate any help you all can give me.

[mkroyer]

"I'm running for fat loss and trying to build core strength and stamina"

http://www.leighpeele.com/running-for-weight-loss

[joyfulloser]

Originally Posted by mkroyer

"I'm running for fat loss and trying to build core strength and stamina"

http://www.leighpeele.com/running-for-weight-loss

No offense, but I totally disagree with this woman. I think it's absolute nonsense! Running is terrific and the fat is FLYING off...and my legs are getting defined....I'm seeing way more progress in short amount of time than I ever seen doing any other exercise.

*UPDATE* - Went to running store...got fitted for a pair of GOOD running sneakers. The pair that was chosen for me corrects my gait (Saucony Pro 3) and I am happy to report...I run with no more pain in my ankles and achilles tendon!

So...hopefully, this will help someone else with the same problem. If you are going to run regularly...you NEED to go see a professional at a REAL running store (not lady footlocker) and get fitted for a good pair of sneaks. You'll be surprised how much it can help and it will be well worth the money you spend in saving you medical bills.

[happytobeamomof2]

joy - i also get achillean problems... to help, i super stretch post run by standing on the first step of my stairs and slowing dropping my heels (one at a time) below "floor" height!

i would recommend crosstraining a bit as well... i lost a ton of weight by only running 3x MAX per week and doing elliptical, bike, spinning, classes and weight training for the other days. I STILL exercise 7x week, every week, for over two years now!!!!

GO GIRL GO !!!

[joyfulloser]

Originally Posted by happytobeamomof2

joy - i also get achillean problems... to help, i super stretch post run by standing on the first step of my stairs and slowing dropping my heels (one at a time) below "floor" height!

i would recommend crosstraining a bit as well... i lost a ton of weight by only running 3x MAX per week and doing elliptical, bike, spinning, classes and weight training for the other days. I STILL exercise 7x week, every week, for over two years now!!!!

GO GIRL GO !!!

Thanks happytobeamomof2!!! Yeah...I always get a good stretch after each run...and I warm up for about 3 minutes before my run. The sneakers really corrected my achilles problem, but now (this morning, in fact), after a GREAT 4 mile run, my ankles feel sore when I touch them. I'm not limping on anything serious like that, but wondering why are now my ANKLES aching! It's right on the bone too!

I'm starting to think it's because I need to take a one day break in between runs, but to be honest, I LOVE RUNNING!!! I feel like bird poo on days I don't run...even if I do eliptical or bike. I have a full gym at home equipped with Vectra double stack weight system, squat rack, lifecycle elipticle and recumbent bike. All this equipment COMBINED does not give me the feeling of WELL BEING like running does. Might I be becoming an addict? I may have to join "runner's anonymous" (if there's such a thing..lol)