Are my sneakers giving my a better workout??? HELP!

[clam]

I just recently started training for the Police Department's physical. The advice I was given is-running, running, running and some more running. I had a baby 5 months ago and started excercising vigrously for about 2 months now. I've started going to the nutritionist and have 8 pounds left to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight (which was still overweight!)
I just got brand spanking new sneakers-I have done some reserch and picked the "stability" shoe, Asics Gel Nimbus 9. Since I started using them, I feel like I am getting twice as much workout-in fact when I do a 45 minute cardio class-I am wiped out after 30 minutes!!!!! Same with running. They are extremely comfortable....but what's happening is just strange. Is it because I am overweight??????
Also, I have noticed that my lower legs, my shins and ankles-actually every part of my lower muscles hurt very bad, especially at night once I lay down and try to get back up-I can barely walk!!!! What the heck is going on???
Totally baffling!

Anynone???

[chickdiver]

When you did your research, did you go to a running store and have your gait analyzed? Most will do this for free. Wearing a shoe that is wrong (ie a stability shoe if you don't need one) can be problematic. The right shoes make all the difference in the world.

[clam]

Originally Posted by chickdiver

When you did your research, did you go to a running store and have your gait analyzed? Most will do this for free. Wearing a shoe that is wrong (ie a stability shoe if you don't need one) can be problematic. The right shoes make all the difference in the world.

Well...I actually have done research online (weight, height and activities) and that was one of the suggestions. I have heard about the machines that analyze which shoe would fit you the best-but now that I dished out $120 for these........eeehhhhrrrr!!!!
Maybe it's because I do cardio class in them also? I will try to go to one of these stores and get them evaluated.
Thanks for your reply.

[emartin10]

Well, I think you should still go into a running store to have your gait looked at. They'll probably do it for free, and if you just tell them that you're trying to figure out if it's your shoes, they'll help. Weight really doesn't have much to do with it, if you land on the outer part of your foot at 180 lbs, then it's a LOT different than landing on the inside of your foot at 180 lbs. Your shoes could be built for someone who over-pronates rather than someone who is neutral footed, and that could be causing lots of pain. I'd suggest doing some research on your foot fall and see if your shoes are appropriate for that type of gait.

Good luck!

E

[jeans541]

Well, there's a lot of things that could be contributing to your pain:

1. the shoes. Where did you buy them? Some running stores will let you return shoes that don't work out for you. Each store has its own policy on returns--my favorite store is 30 days and no wear restrictions (like treadmill only or something). Anyway, even if you can't return them now, do look up a running store in your area and bring the shoes in with you. They will help you decide if the shoes are a good fit for you. My store does this at no cost, other than the price of a shoe if you choose to purchase.

2. Sounds like you're fairly new to running.....running too fast too soon can lead to injury as well as running too far too soon. If you think that may be the culprit, try slowing down the pace or shortening the distance a bit and see if that helps.

3. Running surface. Concrete sidewalks are much harder on your legs than asphalt and dirt and treadmills. Running downhill can also be tough on your legs--particularly on your quads and shins and knees.

4. stretching. I recommend you don't stretch before you run. If you feel the need to stretch before AND after, do a brisk warmup walk and a light run for maybe a half mile....then pause to stretch. Continue the rest of your run and be sure to stretch well after the run while your muscles are still warm. I also do a "warm down" walk at the end of my run--gradually slow the pace down toward the end so the last quarter mile or so is back to a brisk walk.

hmmmm.....that's all I can think of for now. When is the physical?? Congrats on the baby and good luck!

[ODBSGIRL]

Get thee to a running shoe speciality store. If they don't have a treadmill or take you outside to run while watching you (hopefully from a squat position so they can see your feet, knees and hips), you're in the wrong place.
Shoes can make a huge difference. Stability shoes don't work for everyone, also they tend to be heavy. But are yours built for overpronators, underpronators or are they "stability" because they have less give in the sole? I would venture to guess that if you are used to a more flexible shoe, this could really be wearing you out especially in cardio class where you are making a lot of different types of foot placements. They might actually be good for running but not for aerobics. The good news is, once you find your shoe and buy a pair to support the folks that help you out, it's usually pretty easy to find them at an online store cheaper.

[clam]

Originally Posted by jeans541

Well, there's a lot of things that could be contributing to your pain:

1. the shoes. Where did you buy them? Some running stores will let you return shoes that don't work out for you. Each store has its own policy on returns--my favorite store is 30 days and no wear restrictions (like treadmill only or something). Anyway, even if you can't return them now, do look up a running store in your area and bring the shoes in with you. They will help you decide if the shoes are a good fit for you. My store does this at no cost, other than the price of a shoe if you choose to purchase.

2. Sounds like you're fairly new to running.....running too fast too soon can lead to injury as well as running too far too soon. If you think that may be the culprit, try slowing down the pace or shortening the distance a bit and see if that helps.

3. Running surface. Concrete sidewalks are much harder on your legs than asphalt and dirt and treadmills. Running downhill can also be tough on your legs--particularly on your quads and shins and knees.

4. stretching. I recommend you don't stretch before you run. If you feel the need to stretch before AND after, do a brisk warmup walk and a light run for maybe a half mile....then pause to stretch. Continue the rest of your run and be sure to stretch well after the run while your muscles are still warm. I also do a "warm down" walk at the end of my run--gradually slow the pace down toward the end so the last quarter mile or so is back to a brisk walk.

hmmmm.....that's all I can think of for now. When is the physical?? Congrats on the baby and good luck!

Thanks for the tips-Yes I think I am the culprit...I mean I literally sat on my a** for a year before I started excercising. During my pregnancy I was sick and nauseous all the time, therefore I could barely move......Now-I am pushing myself to the limits-but I know the tranformation will not happen overnight....Honestly I've always hated running, but I see the best results in weight loss when I do run regularly.
Anyway-my physical will probaby be around lat fall/early winter so I have some time to get in shape!!!