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Why is it running in the rain can be so great!?

guest — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 02:40:40 GMT

I tend to agree with Skypilot, that the hypothermia thing is unlikely to set in as long as you are continuing to run (ie. not stopping while out in the cold).

I have had a couple pretty miserable wet, cold long runs that I've written about here, and I think the issue is not so much the hypothermia as much as the rate of energy consumption. I don't have any clinical documentation, but it seems logical to me that in cold, wet weather, when your body is trying to stay warm, you may use more energy. I did a 21 mile run in mild conditions with good results, and then two weeks later did a 21 mile run in cold and wet conditions, and bonked horrifically. It was a freak show....one of my worst running experiences ever. I learned that I needed to consume a lot more carbs and electrolytes in the cold.

Unfortunately I think the issue with rain gear is exactly as you say, GinnyinPA. A rain jacket starts to feel like a Hefty garbage bag in about .02 miles. I think the best you can do is a tech shirt / shorts/pants that will not absorb and hold so much water so you're carrying the extra weight. If you're wet, you're wet.

I do love running in the rain. But as I say...that's at 60+ F.

New guy with a question.

guest — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:11:49 GMT

One thing I think is really helpful for old and new runners alike, is to be sure you understand what happens to your body when you run. That is, it will help you train, both short and long term, if you have even a general sense of what muscles you are using when you run, what they actually do and how they do it, where their energy comes from and how they use it, what the 'repetitive stress' concept means and how it helps your body adapt to running distances, and what your body has to do to recover. To get started, google "running physiology".

The short answer is that if you have some pain, stiffness, soreness in the aftermath of a 'new' or extended activity, that is fairly normal. Pains that do not subside might be injuries and deserve attention.

For runners, a lot of 'pain' is about inflammation from repeated motion and use/over-use. Ice and rest, occasional use of NSAIDs, and proper (anti-inflammatory) diet, and lots of water (hydration) are all important in combatting inflammation.

Slow and easy wins the race. Listen to your body.

Why is it running in the rain can be so great!?

guest — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:46:33 GMT

NY was great...my first time. Terrific weather, terrific crowd, terrific course. Really a great experience. Hope yours was the same.

I'm hoping to run next year, but I imagine the first time always hold some special appeal.

Queensboro bridge wrecked me though. I tried to power thru it and should have eased off a little to maintain heart rate rather than pace. Next year I'll remember.

Couch to 5K knee injury woes

guest — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:21:57 GMT

I agree w/ BOSNPM. You originally posted one week ago, lieslieslies, on Nov.10. Has the pain subsided or reduced with rest?

There's a lot going on in your leg in the area you're talking about.

Pain on either side of your knee could be "runners' knee", precipitated by stress either to your IT band (on the outside) or hamstring complex (on the inside).

Pain behind your knee can likewise be a range of things. There are two spots where the tendons of your femoral biceps cross the tendons of your gastrocnemius (calf muscles), either or both of which can be come inflamed with use.

It's all inflammation, unless you can recall doing something traumatic to your knee (a tweak/twist/impact). So RICE, plus, when you're feeling better, make sure you're stretching and strengthening the muscles. You need to do both to prevent recurrence. Also try ARNICA gel or ointment...you can find it in any drugstore chain.

If you're still in severe pain, seeing a physician's a good idea.

Why is it running in the rain can be so great!?

guest — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:03:56 GMT

Ran on the road last night for the first time since NY. 4 1/2 easy miles...about a 9.5 min pace.

Temperature was in the mid-60s and rainy...alternating between steady drizzle and downpours. Of course it can suck when it's cold, but when it's warm-ish, sometimes there's just nothing to compare with running out in the rain. It just seems to wash away any pain or anxiety. Wouldn't want to do it all the time, mind you, but sometimes it rocks...like last night!

Anybody feel the same?

Posterior Tendon

guest — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:57:40 GMT

Glad if the info helps. I think it's always helpful to understand the root causes.

One other thing to add: In addition to the rest, try using Arnica gel or lotion on the area. It's a natural anti-inflammatory. I swear by it. You can pick it up over-the-counter at any drugstore chain.

Yes...the resting is absolutely the hardest part.

Great good luck for Boston. I'd like to try it someday too.

Posterior Tendon

guest — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 22:16:46 GMT

Jeff - I was just thinking again about your tendonitis. Just a couple more points:

First, be careful about the support and orthotics. People quickly jump to these remedies - and even physicians are quick to prescribe them - because they seem to make sense on their face and they do provide some immediate relief, especially if movement is painful or the joint/tissue exhibits weakness. Unfortunately, the reliance on artificial support can actually create a handicap longer term: your body doesn't use the muscles/tendons regularly so they "learn" weakness. Also, if the supports don't fit or move well (naturally) they can put pressure on areas they shouldn't and alter the way your body parts interact. Long term it can create other issues.

The second thing is just to try to deal with the inflammation however you can. You didn't say you had twisted or shocked, or had a trauma event related to, your ankle, so the pain you feel is probably actually inflammation in the tissue surrounding the tendon. NSAIDs (Advil, Motrin, tylenol...etc) can help, along with the RICE.

Last thing: Other than in trauma events, anytime you're having tendon issues, think about what the muscles they are attached to are doing. So....with regard to the stretching/strengthening....if there's a lot of pain associated, deal first with the inflammation, and then work on the muscles.

Get well soon!

It's Over...

guest — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 22:03:54 GMT

Way to go, ValerieAlbanese!! Congratulations! Great achievement. It was a great day to remember.

See you next year??

Posterior Tendon

guest — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 20:01:28 GMT

So...the full name of your Posterior Tendon is "Posterior Tibialis Tendon", which holds some clues. It is a tendon that connects your Tibialis Posterior to your foot. The Tibialis Posterior is a calf muscle...actually it is the deepest calf muscle and sits right against the bones in your lower leg (and can also trigger shin splints). The posterior tendon extends from the bottom of the muscle itself, runs down the length of the back of your leg and wraps around your ankle bone and connects, actually, to the side of your foot, to a lateral bone just ahead of your ankle called the navicular.

Anything that impacts your Tibialis Posterior is also going to effect your tendon. If you have tightness in your calf muscles, it will put stress and strain on the connective tissues. Tendons are very inelastic and unforgiving.

For the tendonitis go for RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression Elevation.

For the tibialis posterior muscle go for stretching and strengthening. See the link below

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/muscles/tibialis_posterior.php

The combination....plus some patience... should get you back on your feet.

Try not to Bonk: Gatorade vs. Gu

guest — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:42:26 GMT

Thanks. I think the "early and often" message is right. I started with the Gatorade at mile 3 (so, as early as possible), but probably should have supplemented. That said, given my pace I was running for so long I think it was bound to catch up at some point. In the next cycle I may try some of the honey-based gels. The bananas seemed to help me a bit over the wall, but they're a pain in the...uh...neck, to carry with you.

Anyone with additional thoughts about Gatorade vs. Gu?