Running everyday....

sirant

New member
Hiya,

Once again I come seeking assistance. Recently started running on a more regular basis. Well, just started running period.... ;) Anyhow, been running 3 days a week, primarily on weekends for the past few weeks. Have gotten up to 5Km without a problem. Usually I walk home 6 km after work everyday, but today, since I have 2 parks on the way, I decided to try to run most of it. Other than having to walk 1 km through the super crowded city center streets, the rest of the run was awesome and I cut my regular travel time in half, now faster than the bus! I am considering doing this everyday.

However, since I am a big guy and I am sure this is working my legs quite hard, should I treat it similar to weight training, and take days off in between runs? It isn't hurting, other than the typical "What the heck are you doing to us?!?!" sore spots that come with any new exercise.... I suppose if it isn't hurting it should be ok, but as I am just starting out I wonder if maybe I shouldn't be running everyday yet like them skinny folk.

Maybe I am just over thinking things. If it ain't broke, why fix it right?

Any ideas?

sirant
 
Yeah, this is a good question. I am also a big guy and I recently started jogging myself.

I am just worried if I am putting too much pressure on my knees/lower back? Any suggestions?
 
I don't think that amount will lead to any problems. Basically just listen to your body and I think you will be fine.

You are doing a great job, keep it up!
 
That's great, guys! I'm also running to lose weight, it's a fantastic feeling! I think you should be ok as long as you invest in a good pair of running shoes and run on grass or other soft surfaces as opposed to concrete whenever possible!

Good luck!
 
Congrats on the running! :) It is a wonderful way it is to unwind and get exercise.



^^^ This website is very awesome!!!.^^^

It has lots of information and subsections for all kinds of runners.

When it comes to running, more isn't always better. Your body is like a machine that occassionally needs a break to "maintain and upgrade" its parts (IOW - build up muscle and bone). :)

A few years ago, I had a close co-worker who wanted to get into running. He was in decent shape and had already been cross-training 2-3 times a week. Well, he started running 1-2 miles every day. For 2 weeks, he felt great... 2 weeks later, he had to give up running entirely because he seriously injured himself and was so fatigued out he didn't want to run any more. It wasn't the mileage that got to him, but the fact he never gave his body a rest.

Now, you *may* be okay as you were already walking the distance to begin with. However, when it comes to running it is generally a good idea to air on the side of caution.

While running can be very healthy, it also does more damage to the body than most activities. This is because of the impact and stress put on your muscular and skeletal system as you hit the ground with your feet. Also, when you do any kind of exercise, you also create tiny fissures and tears in the muscles--which get repaired during sleep (during REM your body releases the hormones to make your body fix the tears and build up your muscles).

For this reason, it's healthy and important to get good sleep and take at least 2-4 days of complete rest (meaning low/no activity) when you start out running. Otherwise, you risk injury, fatigue, and demotivation. Even the pros will take a day or two to kick up their heels each week.
 
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Hey...I dont know about taking breaks or what not....I just wanted to post and say way to go!! and good luck on the running, I just picked up running too :)
 
Congrats on the running! Remember to take days off and continue to cross-train. Pay attention to your nutrition and make sure you get enough calories and protein. Be sure to warm up before running-that will prevent a lot of injuries. Good luck!
 
Newbie here!

Hi all,

I am a noob here so just wanted to introduce myself. I currently started running/jogging everyday about a week ago for about half an hour to an hour everyday. Been going mostly to the gym and went for a run outside today now that the weather is getting nice. I have been running about 2x a week prior to that about 45-1 hour and decided to cut down the running time and go more often, which I've decided should be everyday if I can help it. I am running for weight loss purposes and just to get more healthy. I would like to lose about 20 lbs. I'm currently 5'5" and about 140-150 lbs. I am also trying to diet and maintain portion control and cut out bad foods.

Anywho, I have been having bad bouts of insomnia and about 4-6 hours of sleep everynight since I started and have been slightly sore every single day. Today particularly was pretty painful. Even despite being sore I went for a jog/walk around my neighborhood for about 45 minutes and ate and took an hour nap and I just woke up. I still feel relatively sore and even a little bloated because I ate some high-sodium foods after my run, which I regret now. In any case, yea I am debating buying some sleeping pills so that I can get some decent sleep and appropriate recovery time for my body b/c I don't know how much longer I can commit to running everyday without the appropriate rest. I was thinking of buying Ambien which I think you don't need a prescription for? Anywho yea, if anyone has advice on how to deal with insomnia and sleep-deprivation on a daily running program, please feel free to give me some insight~

Hope everyone is doing well!

:)
 
Hiya,

However, since I am a big guy and I am sure this is working my legs quite hard, should I treat it similar to weight training, and take days off in between runs? It isn't hurting, other than the typical "What the heck are you doing to us?!?!" sore spots that come with any new exercise.... I suppose if it isn't hurting it should be ok, but as I am just starting out I wonder if maybe I shouldn't be running everyday yet like them skinny folk.

Maybe I am just over thinking things. If it ain't broke, why fix it right?

Any ideas?

sirant

A few years back I started to run a lot when I was still a bit too heavy, and I ended up with Iliotibial band problems (the length of connective tissue that runs down the outside of your leg and knee). It was aggravated by the fact that I ran on the shoulder of the road, so I was always tilted to one side, but I'm sure my running form was off too. It may be a good idea to go to a running-specific store, or an orthopedist and have them analyze your running form. Depending on what they offer (and how much they charge :)) they'll look at your running form, and some will even analyze your foot placement/weight distribution and see if your over/under pronating.

Something to consider, if you want to get serious about running. The thing that I found with knees, you'll be fine, no problems then all of a sudden you've got knee problems for a while. Knees are funny with how they sense pain. Little tears in the tendons and tissues don't hurt, until the whole thing blows! Again, speaking from experience.

Some food for thought. Good luck with your running!!
 
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All Good Info

A combination of all of these suggestions is going to be the best. Make sure you have proper shoes at all times. Running in the grass can help. Cross training and elliptical training would be a great option every other day instead of running every day. Is your weight going down with the running? Maybe we should be looking at the overall plan as well.
 
A combination of all of these suggestions is going to be the best. Make sure you have proper shoes at all times. Running in the grass can help. Cross training and elliptical training would be a great option every other day instead of running every day. Is your weight going down with the running? Maybe we should be looking at the overall plan as well.

I just got new shoes yesterday and am VERY excited

I plan on running them out as quickly as possible!
 
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