Tips for running because I suck.

[voodooqueen]

Good shock-absorbing shoes will definitely make a difference. A trainer one showed me an exercise for shin splints wherein you do essentially a pigeon-toed push-up against a wall. Walk back to stretch your calves as much as possible without lifting your heels. It worked for me. Now that you have fixed your form, you shouldn't get them again.

 

[jtmedli]

Want to get awesome at running, or doing everything and anything athletic? Try crossfit. Best workout I have ever done. Works your body in every possible way.

I went into my first day of crossfit in what I thought was awesome shape. I could already get an outstanding high on my PRT so I was sort of cocky going in, but I was in for a surprise. I left my first crossfit workout feeling like Jared from Subway probably felt doing jumping jacks in his fat pants. I could barely drive my car home I was so exhausted.

Another cool thing about crossfit is you can start it in any shape or fitness level, it just pushes you harder than you ever could push yourself. An ex-marine leads my class, which is a bonus for OCS prep. Check it out in your area, lots of gyms offer it.

I Just started crossfit and it definitely forces you to go beyond your comfort zone. I couple it with weight training/pullups/running and I feel horrible by the end of day (horrible in a good way though).

 

[Hoosier]

I've never been a solid runner so I've been focusing a lot on improving. I'm looking into the Pose method of running where you lean forward and try to land with the soles of your foot rather than the heal. From what I've gathered, this reduces the shock put on your legs significanty.

Here's my question: will this fly in OCS or will I be forced to revert to a uniform running technique that is less efficient and more prone to injury?

 

[Pistol719]

I suck no more

Hey all,

I've been hella busy so this is the first time I have actually had to post on here in quite some time. I just wanted to give everyone an update of my progress over the last few months and how my training paid off.


Well when I originally posted this I was in Oklahoma City on a business trip waiting to hear back about my NROTC scholarship or BDCP. I took alot of advice from people on here and started to improve my stride, pace and technique drastically. Back at the end of May I was informed I got selected for the 2 year NROTC scholarship so I spent the last 6 weeks in Newport Rhode Island attending NSI. Basically thanks to the help I was given here and of course some "motivation" by our glass GySgt. I went from 215 lbs and huffing and puffing at anything a mile and half or more to now 195lbs and pushing out 6 miles like it aint a thing... LOL I looked back at a few posts on here when I originally posted this and chuckle becuase at the time It seriously perplexed me as to how anyone could run 6 miles and be copestetic with it.. Now I know its all about healthy eating choices, consistant stretching and keeping with the routine. Oh and WATER!!! Plenty of WATER!!!!.


Anyhow I just wanted to post on here and let everyone know that once again Will over Skill prevailed. I feel like a fucking rockstar and look like one now for the summer

 

[C420sailor]

I feel like a fucking rockstar and look like one now for the summer

Good to hear. Now get out there and slay it.

 

[JSnake]

I'm looking into the Pose method of running where you lean forward and try to land with the soles of your foot rather than the heal. From what I've gathered, this reduces the shock put on your legs significanty.

Here's my question: will this fly in OCS or will I be forced to revert to a uniform running technique that is less efficient and more prone to injury?

That's the method of running I was told to do as well by some personal trainers I work with at the gym. Once you get used to it, it does help a lot and seems more efficient. I have horrible shin splints so the less shock the better. I doubt they'd make you run in a specific way during PT.

 

[C420sailor]

That's the method of running I was told to do as well by some personal trainers I work with at the gym. Once you get used to it, it does help a lot and seems more efficient. I have horrible shin splints so the less shock the better. I doubt they'd make you run in a specific way during PT.

No offense to personal trainers, but a lot don't know their head from their ass when it comes to long distance performance running.

I'm not saying you should be a heel striker, but for the sake of your lower leg muscles and the tendons and ligaments in your feet, stay off the balls of your feet unless you're laying down speedwork on the track. 'Shin splints' is a vague term that covers many different injuries, some of which are shock related while others are inflammation, compartment syndrome, and/or tendonitis in disguise. Running on the balls of your feet puts tremendous strain on these muscles and is actually LESS efficient for distance running than a natural roll through. Ideally you want to come down on the very rear part of your midfoot and roll through your toes. Don't drive your heels into the deck, and don't do the fairy bounce on your toes.

I'm not a sports medicine doctor and I didn't sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night---just so you know.

 

[DaveI]

I get shin splints from time to time, which I have narrowed down to two things:

1.) Bad form- I still haven't figured out proper form for myself, but I know its landing on the rear part of your mid foot as mentioned above.

2.) Improper Breathing- breathing through your nose really does increase blood flow to your legs and will reduce inflammation that leads to shin splints and muscle cramps.

Other things that make a difference will be whether you run on pavement or grass/ softer terrain. What do you run on while at OCS?

 

[Pistol719]

Other things that make a difference will be whether you run on pavement or grass/ softer terrain. What do you run on while at OCS?

I wasnt at OCS but I spent 6 weeks watching them train and doing practically the same things.. There is a nice clay track you do alot of running on.. You will do your PRT and some days on that. But for the most part expect to be running on pavement and gravel

 

[Cloak]

There are a few different exercises I do when at the local high school track. When I get going, after the first mile or two I just get into a "cruise mode" and a lot of times I find myself pushing out around the 10-12 mile runs and honestly not even realizing I am running that far until I check my wrist watch.

Never the less. Runnersworld.com will help. Also, lunges are amazing for building muscle and strengthening your legs for quicker running. As well as long distance if you're looking to be able to run that.

 

[Jaquel]

Okay, I read through this entire thread and it has really made me wonder if I'm just wussing out when I run. I'm training to get ready to start NROTC at the end of August. I try to run 2 miles every other day and from what I've read I think I'm going to just up that to every day. I don't have any problems with getting out of breath and having leg cramps. I have shin splints, but I can live with those and they're slowly starting to go away.

What kills me are stomach cramps. I can run for a mile easily, but between that and a mile and a half I get these extremely painful stomach cramps on both sides of my body, so I know one isn't really my stomach. It is usually my right side that cramps up, but if I eat or drink anything within at least an hour or two of running my left side cramps up as well. Are you guys just ignoring this and running through it, or am I the only one experiencing this?

 

[JhwK08]

Okay, I read through this entire thread and it has really made me wonder if I'm just wussing out when I run. I'm training to get ready to start NROTC at the end of August. I try to run 2 miles every other day and from what I've read I think I'm going to just up that to every day. I don't have any problems with getting out of breath and having leg cramps. I have shin splints, but I can live with those and they're slowly starting to go away.

What kills me are stomach cramps. I can run for a mile easily, but between that and a mile and a half I get these extremely painful stomach cramps on both sides of my body, so I know one isn't really my stomach. It is usually my right side that cramps up, but if I eat or drink anything within at least an hour or two of running my left side cramps up as well. Are you guys just ignoring this and running through it, or am I the only one experiencing this?

The same thing happens to me sometimes. Usually it's either because 1) poor breathing, 2) I'm dehydrated (usually this), or 3) I'm just out of shape and my muscles aren't getting enough oxygen so they start cramping.

If you know you're going to be running at 4pm, try drinking 12oz of water every hour from 11-3 - this will make sure you're not dehydrated.

Try this and let me know if it continues.

 

[MidWestEwo]

The same thing happens to me sometimes. Usually it's either because 1) poor breathing, 2) I'm dehydrated (usually this), or 3) I'm just out of shape and my muscles aren't getting enough oxygen so they start cramping.

If you know you're going to be running at 4pm, try drinking 12oz of water every hour from 11-3 - this will make sure you're not dehydrated.

Try this and let me know if it continues.

Could be a potassium issue too. Try to eat a banana every day, or Gatoraid has potassium in it.

 

[Jynx]

What kills me are stomach cramps...on both sides of my body, so I know one isn't really my stomach. It is usually my right side that cramps up, but if I eat or drink anything within at least an hour or two of running my left side cramps up as well.

If it were only one side of your body, I'd wonder if it were digestive pains from eating too heavily soon before running. More hydration more frequently, and lighter meals before running might be in order.
Out of curiosity, how is your core strength. Not just situps, but side ups and back excercises? It might be that the impact of running is overwhelming the stablizer muscles, and causing pain because the other muscles aren't there to support. If you think that might be the case, try increasing your core workout and attempt a lighter stride?

 

[capitoljake13]

When you guys do CrossFit do you just follow whatever the schedule is from their website, crossfit.com ??

When i did it for a month or so I put on to much muscle weight and it brought my run time down. I had to find a balance.. That balance just meant wayyy more running if I wanted to follow the website routine.