This may sound crazy...

[mugsy273]

...but I'm a little concerned about the effects that all this running is having on my body I graduated a few weeks ago, and have been running 5k 3 times a week, every week. Unfortunately, over the last few weeks, my hips have been really playing up, cracking every now and then and have been quite painful at times, especially in the cold. I do Pilates once a week, and there are some excercises that I now can't do, as my hips crunch quite painfully during them. I wear nike airshox trainers, and have not had gait analysis done, mainly because I'm skint and can't afford to buy a new pair of trainers, but I'm wondering whether this may force my hand?

Also, I've become quite concerned about my weight loss. I have always been slim, partly due to a fast metabolism but also due to a stomach condition I have, which means that my body struggles to absorb nutrients. I am now the lowest weight I have been in years, and a few people have remarked on it. I eat 3 times a day, and snack a little during the day too, but My runs seem to be burning too many of the calories that I'm taking on. I've been wondering whether to try food protein shakes or supplements? Problem is that I also do body pump once a week, and don't want to take anything that makes me get too muscly and turn me into a female Schwarzenegger! Any suggestions? I really don't want to give up running - I still find it a chore going out, but the natural high I get when it's done is amazing, and would really miss the satisfaction I get from it

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I would get your poor hips looked at, we only get one body... Look after it :0) good luck!

[Mummysaurus Graduate]

Firstly congratulations on graduating, I am not a doctor or anything but I would guess as you only graduated a few weeks ago 5k three times a week is still quite a lot for newly gained muscles and tendons etc to handle so it might just be an adjustment your body is getting use to, but might be worth getting you hips checked especially if you are having nutrient problems you may be lacking in calcium or something for bones, as for weight loss you only burn 100 calories for every mile you run so that's 300 for your 5k if you don't take in the calories when you finish then yes you will lose weight, maybe have a high protein snack when you get home which helps to repair muscles I like chocolate milkshake or peanut butter sandwich the best or a banana is also good. You may find it is the other exercise you do that is causing your weight problems rather than the running as you will burn more calories doing body pump. I would consider gait analysis as it's free at most good running stores and if they suggest a correct shoe you could always try to find it cheaper on the internet you don't have to buy from them.

I wish you all the best with your running.

[Jenwrenarm Graduate]

I'm the same Mugsy. I've had to cut back because my hip has stated playing up too. I've always had a dodgy knee but now the hip has flared up and it's hard to walk after a run. Listen your body and perhaps throw in an extra rest day. Go easy for a bit or try a treadmill which is gentler. Either way, you should get that hip checked out. I think mine is tissue or ligament related as it hurts when you press it rather than in the joint but you shouldn't leave it. Good luck mate.

[promqueen Graduate]

Hi Mugsy. My 50-year-old bod not too keen sometimes either. First it was my ankle, then heel and lately it's been shins. Each time I've rested for a few days and got back to it. Strange that after being a non-runner, the last thing I want now is for someone to tell me I shouldn't run. However, you really need your hips and I would make it a priority to get them checked. Congratulations on graduation and hope you soon back to full fitness. X

[notbad Graduate]

Both things you write about have been issues with me. Firstly the weight loss, following graduation I found I dipped into the underweight zone which is not good - but for me it was temporary, I'm back in the healthy zone, it was like my body adjusted and found it's balance. Snacking is good (what the GP told me) make sure meals/snacks are calorie dense, carbs are good.

As for your hips, as others say, do get them checked out. Clicking on it's own is okay according to my physio, but if accompanied by pain it's a concern (if the pain is at the same time as the click that is). It may well be muscular (mine was) but either a GP or a good physio (the GP can refer you to an NHS one if needed) can check/diagnose exactly what it is and get it sorted out before it gets any worse (I'd consult them first before you try gait analysis/new shoes as that's not always the root of the problem). Take heart - many problems are fixable with the right physio exercises.

[mugsy273 Graduate]

Thankyou all so much for your advice, it really is invaluable! think I will go and see the doctor about my hips, and then take things from there, need to stop pretending that it will go away on its own!!

With regards to the weight gain, someone today suggested I try full fat milk (currently have semi skilled), so going to try and start having full fat hot chocolate after my evening runs, see if that helps. Thanks again guys, it's much appreciated x

[misswobble Graduate]

I can appreciate your concern about this as I have noisy hips too. Mine clicks a lot!

I did get some new trainers but they weren't expensive ones. I am going to a 10 k run tomorrow, not as a competitor as I'm not good enough yet, but there is going to be a running shop there selling last year's colours of running shoes at much cheaper prices than the current and new season's models. My friend has got some Asics Gel Kayano's for £30 from them. It's worth checking out any runs near you as you might be able to pick up a pair of really good shoes but much cheaper.

As for the food, if you eat really good healthy food and snacks you should be well. Galaxy On the Go choc drink is supposed to be excellent, according to a bit of research I read on the internet into chocolate recovery drinks. Perhaps you could run a bit less, and add more walking breaks to your runs, so you are not putting too much pressure on your body. Always have a rest day in between! Good luck with it and I hope you start feeling better soon

[FABFiona Graduate]

Maybe my experience will be of use to you.

I lost weight when I first ever ran, and stopped because I was loosing the few curves I had, especially my almost non-existent bum. This time around (four and half months x 3 times a week thanks to this programme), I've tried to make sure I increase the number of calories proportionate to how much I'm running. Obviously I wasn't running to lose weight, but to improve my aerobic health. I found that I could actually run further and faster if I ate more - and I haven't actually gained any weight overall. It also seems to have solved my stitch problem. I wondered if it was related to my body trying to use the fat in my body - which of course becomes non-existent from time to time.

I don't always get the intake right, but I've taken a pragmatic view: if I struggle running, then I eat more. I don't tend to be a snacker, and I eat healthily, which includes meat protein - but I've found that the carbs are important. Now I eat plenty of pasta (no protein) the evening before I'm running. .

I don't find running gives me bigger muscles - I work out with weights to try to maintain a curvy body shape which means my muscles could become bulky and like you I stretch/do yoga to try to keep the muscles long.