Today was the second time in my life I ran 8 miles. This time, I had no gastro-intestinal distress (thank God), and I did the run on the DreadMill instead of a park.

Well. Instead of gastro distress, I had knee, hip and hammy distress.  At mile 2.5, my IT band was hurting so badly, that I stopped, took off my shoes, and jogged a little in my socks.  Once the pain subsided, I put my shoes back on, and Forrest Gumped my way through the remaining 5.5 miles.

It…took….me…forever.  1:39:00 later, though, I was finished.

As I was leaving the gym, I checked my iPhone and saw a comment on SBM’s Facebook page that said “today is National Running Day.”  Well, I guess I was in line with the times.  For once.

Ten hours later, I am hurting.  But I think being flung into the running fire helped.

But I am concerned about the knee/IT issues.  Is it my shoes? (Well, I know runner error is probably a huge factor). I have trudged along in heavy supportive shoes since I started this crazy journey, but I realized very quickly that a mid-foot strike (which I am desperately trying to obtain) is impossible with clunky running shoes. And I’m an overpronator (as are most chunky gals are).

I have a lighter, less restrictive pair of shoes… and I am able to run a little more midfoot in these… but then I hurt.   I can’t figure this whole shoe thing out.

Advice?  Anyone with fat buns, fat feet and a strike they are trying to improve?  This one needs some shoe advice.

4 Responses

  1. Mere – congrats on the 8 miles! Definitely an accomplishment, but I see why you're concerned. Have you ever gone to get a true fitting for running shoes? The kind where a shoe expert measures your feet, watches you run, etc and helps you pick the best shoes based on your results? If you haven't I'd definitely recommend doing so – especially since you're about to increase your mileage dramatically. Plus it will give you the peace of mind of knowing that you truly do have the right pair of shoes on.

  2. Your story and mine are VERY similar! Great job on the run! I have a coach Monster as well, just got through making my core scream at 5:30am! I won't be able to walk on those abs tomorrow! Grunt!
    My next big race is Orangeman 70.3 in Dana Point, Ca, then on to Cozumel Ironman (yes, I said, IRONMAN). 2 years ago I could barely run 2 miles!
    I have 2 seven year olds and a business, what AM I THINKING!!!!! : )

  3. Yes go get fitted again. My gait changed after 2 years of running some and 3 sprint tri. Good luck! love your blog!

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