Running: Sometimes can run forever like Forest Gump, other times it feels like the road is hitting me back. What's all that about then?

[DrNortherner]

Have ran on and off for a few years, this time and really into it and run 4 times a week. Went this afternoon and it was hell. Left leg totally seized up and was so tight and painful I barely managed 20 minutes.

I have proper trainers, warm up and do all the proper stretches.

Is it possible to be a runner free from any pain or is there truth in the old 'no pain no gain' mantra?

[whomovedmychocolate]

Dunno, just sometimes you know, the air seems colder and everything harder. I find it is worse at certain times of the month for me. So maybe it's hormonal?

[HerBeatitude]

DrN, check out chi running. I am just learning about it now, there's a thread on it in thhis section. It claims to make running easier and injury free. My brother has started doing it, and today he went for a run, came back after 13 miles and said it felt effortless.

I really want to learn how to do it!

[blametheparents]

I def struggle at certain times of the month.

[DrNortherner]

WTF is chi running? off to investigate....

[saggarmakersbottomknocker]

I struggle at different times of the day. A run I can fly in the morning, I barely limp round at night.

And I'm running in pain at the moment simple because I haven't been able to get to the gym so am overusing some muscles.s

[moondog]

I'm in the Tropics right now and am limping through distances I do with no problem at home in the UK. Am also beetroot and wheezing.Very depressing...

[Themasterandmargaritas]

Some days it's a mare, this morning 10k was tough. Mentally you have to be there, in The Zone, if not then it's not worth pushing yourself to do it.

Also I'm rubbish about 5 days before AF.

[Themasterandmargaritas]

Moondog, welcome to my world, are you back in Bangladesh?

Does this mean I could zip through a half marathon at sea level in Blighty? [hopeful emoticon]

Chi running, what's that about?

[OrmRenewed]

I seem to lurch from one injury/illness to another atm. So fed up. Is chi running the same as running without shoes?

You are not alone.

[saggarmakersbottomknocker]

Moondog - I'm beetroot and wheezing even on a good day

[moondog]

Lol Saggars.I bet not.
Master, indeed I am.
Jesus, it is hot.
Power cuts every two hours for two bloody hours two.Hellish.
How are things in Nigeria (yes?)

[moondog]

But yes, on return to UK one feels like Superwoman!

[Themasterandmargaritas]

Kenya nowadays, full on rainy season but quite pleasant temps, just, you know, so sweaty.

I'm so looking forward to my run on the Levels with Orm in the summer.

[saggarmakersbottomknocker]

Come hither and bump this thread please.

Bump

[OrmRenewed]

[moondog]

Ah yes.
Do you have/do Hash there or is it not your thing?

[Themasterandmargaritas]

at Orm not keeping up as she lollops away into the 10 mile distance leaving me in crumpled heap in the doorway of a pub.

Hashing has never been my thing Moony, I don't like all that down, down, downing straight after a sweaty run, probably because I'm a total lightweight and would fall over very quickly. Do you?

[HerBeatitude]

Chi running is just a form of running that incorporates the principles of Tai Chi into running. Basically, it relies on leaning forward from the ankle and relaxing the legs, so that gravity rather than power pulls you forward. It isn't the same as barefoot running (interesting article here for anyone interested) but it does incoporate that principle of not landing on your heel, but on the middle of the foot, to reduce injury. I've just read a book on it with all the exercises, techniques etc. Link to the book here

My brother has done barefoot running (not literally, he has poncey trainers) for 3 years and hasn't had an injury in that time - and he does serious triathlon, ironman stuff - and a friend of mine does marathons and chi running and again, not an injury for years.

Am sounding evangelical about it, but I haven't yet heard bad things about either chi or barefoot running. Even Nike have started to produce a trainer which enables barefoot running technique.