Injuries and all that gubbins

[Mark1909]

My last run was last Friday, the usual 5k that I have been doing for a few weeks now.

However 3/4 of the way through I felt an uneasiness / slight niggle in my left Achilles’ tendon (just above the heel). As I guessed at the time it’s probably been caused by just running in a pair of big standard trainers that I used to keep in pristine condition for the gym - now looking a bit mucky & worse for wear since I have been running three times a week.

Yesterday I visited an outdoor sports shop to see about running shoes and after having my gait measured I do over pronate so need support and after trying a few pairs on I could certainly feel a positive difference in my posture. The chap explained that he does see quite a few “casualties” from people not wearing the right footwear and although I just hung back to see if I would carry on running and for the first time in my life I’ve now got a couple of pairs of running shoes on order. The Achilles is ok though - I went out on my bike and all felt good 👍

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Good quality running shoes, fitted after a gait analysis are one of the best ways to minimise your injury risk.............old gym trainers are not running shoes.

If you have a susceptibility to Achilles tension then make sure you stretch immediately after every run, as described in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You would probably benefit from doing eccentric heel drop exercises as well. These quick and easy stretches can keep you running.

[Mark1909 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Many thanks - I definitely will give them a try. I've never had any problem with that in the past - but then i've only just started running so hopefully will help just to keep things working okay and help prevent any injuries.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Mark1909]

My only purely running injury was a tweaked Achilles which stopped me running for about a month, so doing some extra stretching is very worthwhile.

[Mark1909 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I will do, my other half had six months off running when she knackered her achilles and was hobbling around on crutches - I don't intend going there !

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

It's amazing the difference both right and wrong footwear can make!

I'm having trouble with both my work shoes and trail shoes and can tell you it's not fun. Looks like you caught it in time though! 👍🏻

[Mark1909 Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Yes I am glad I did, I could feel a slight soreness and thought well now I need to get some proper footwear. I've gone from no running to over 9 miles a week and of course it will take its toll. but it felt amazing putting on a pair of shoes that had proper support to them. (My work shoes are a nightmare too)

[Annieapple Graduate]

👍👏Good decision! Enjoy!

[Mark1909 Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

Thanks Annie *new👟 !

[NearlyMan Graduate]

Enjoy Mark! Don’t be surprised if you feel a couple of new niggles the first time you wear them. I got cushion running shoes with support insoles in and I think the change of angle on my feet pushed my knees out a bit so you might feel a bit of something else but it does wear off - or it did for me. Hope they work out for you!