Posted: 10/6/2004 8:29:18 PM EDT
|
A little over 2 years ago, I did major damage to my right ankle (forced to run with pain and an extensive history of previous injury to the joint). It was recommended that I not run for at least a year to allow everything to heal. Once that year was over, I've tried running off and on but without much luck. I'd run for a while, my ankle would become tender and I'd lay off. Recently, I've been going to a gym that has a nice treadmill. It has a nice long, wide platform to run on and has some type of cushioning system. I've managed to run/walk now for two weeks without any problems and I'm up to 2.75 miles with warmup/cooldown. What I want to know are the long term implications for doing all my training on the tread mill. (I have to run 1.5 miles twice a year for work and need to keep that time reasonable, say less than 12 minutes.) Any advice or comments???? |
|
Get some Dr. Scholl's running inserts for your shoes. They'l add some extra cushioning. I won't run w/o them, which may mean I'm not as "tuff" as some, but my ankles will be working far longer. The human running wheels do provide some cushioning, also. Best medium to run on, bar none, is on wet beach sand. Provides the best cushioning surface w/o being too soft (You can always run on the dry stuff if you really feel the need). |
|
I run on a 'dreadmill' most of the winter, if there is snow on the ground. I do not think there is much of a physical difference between running on a mill, and running on the road. For me, the difference is mental. The mill is mind-numbing. Radio, TV, whatever... it makes it no more bearable. |
I suggest making an appt. with a podiatrist and asking him/her. Since you had a serious injury you really need to get a pro's advice. If you screw up your ankle once more you may not be able to run ever again. He/she may recommend orthotics (custom inserts for your shoes) for you, or not. Overall I find the treadmill to be a bit more "cushiony" compared to what I run on outside (= concrete, which is the WORST). However even though I crank the incline up to 1.5% running outside is still tougher (a better run overall). |
|
I second the podiatrist and if that's out of the question at the least check out yoursole.com. Our troops are using their products and love them. If you have access to a pool year-round I'd suggest swimming when your ankle acts up to keep your cardio fitness level up while giving your ankle a break, er, I mean rest.LOL I know what you mean about painfull joints. My knees can really bother me at times. |
|
I generally use the treadmill only when it's too cold or wet outside. The length of the run is usually 30-45 minutes, but I'll sometimes bump it up to 1:00-1:30. The most I've ever done is a 20-miler one rainy Friday night a few years ago because I wasn't going to be able to do my long run on the weekend and I was anal about doing a weekly 20-miler for nearly a year there. That said, it's harder for me to run on the treadmill for some reason. I'm usually slower by a minute or so per mile, plus I sweat like a pig since there's no breeze as there would be outside. The treadmill is easier on the legs.  Edited to add: There have been a number of elite runners who use treadmill runs during the winter. One that comes immediately to mind is Dr. Christine Clark, IIRC; being from Alaska, she did quite a bit of training during winter on a treadmill, and she ended up winning the Olympic Trials marathon in (when was that?) 2000. |
| I have a treadmill and use it quite a bit when I cant get outside to run. I prefer running outside, I dont like being a hampster on a wheel. But need less to say some times I have no choice so I run on it and plan on running thru the winter on it. The one reason I like the treadmill is I can run in a more controlled enviorment. I find out how many calories I burn and I can change the intensity (increase speed and incline) |
|
I second the elliptical workout suggestion. I would run outside or on a dreadmill and eventually strain a knee then have to heal for a couple of months, only to repeat the cycle. Your workout will take longer on an elliptical than just running. If you are going to get an elliptical, get a good one. Expect to spend about 2K. Research for elliptical, and other stuff, on epinion.com for other experiences. Good Luck. |
|
I purchased a Precor 9.33. I researched it out for about 4 months before getting this model. I tried everything out there. For the money the Precor is the way to go IMO. Check out: http://www.treadmilldoctor.com/Pages/BESTBUYPAGES.htm http://www.precor-efx.com/hpr.php |