Is it possible to have a body not made for running? (Read 1202 times)

This is a question I ask myself a lot. I am wondering because it seems that whenever I try to train at a higher mileage for a half marathon or-like right now- a marathon, aches, pains and everything else seem to pull me down and not allow me to train. I have friends though who run marathon after marathon and they seem to be just fine. Do you think that it's possible that perhaps my body isn't 'the body' for running? Maybe I need to work harder and be more careful in my training? After my first marathon I seriously couldn't run for 2-3 weeks because of the pain. I thought I had ruined my body. Yet, I had trained for 4 months, had done two 20 milers, etc. Granted, there was a lot of elevation gain and loss but it's something I have wondered for a long time. Anyone have an opinion or any knowledge? I'm also nursing yet another injury and am curious. Perhaps it's the uneven cobblestone I'm forced to run on that is tearing me up. I guess I'll find out when I leave Europe and hope on the treadmill in Dubai.

I guess the reason why I'm frustrated and wonder if I really have a runner's body is because I run constantly. I usually run 5 days a week, around 20 miles or so and then injuries just come out of nowhere. I feel like I'm following all the necessary items such as only increasing mileage by 10 % each week, only 1 tempo run per week, easy days etc. I only run about 3-4 races a year and other than that, I just run for enjoyment. I've already taken off 5 days and it hasn't improved much. I don't want to take off much more because I know that my body needs the time to train. Ugh... it's so frustrating!!

Sound comments from others here. I would add just a couple--first, I believe you said your first marathon was Deseret News. That is a grueling marathon, and will beat up your body like few others can. There is a reason that, as the oldest marathon in Utah, it also has the fewest runners. It takes more than just two 20-milers to prepare for Deseret News, especially if it's a first. Your quads will ache for days after DesNews--as I'm sure you discovered. And, you knees can pay a price as well. St. George will be a lot more fun, but prepare for the downhill there as well. Not as severe as your first, but a lot of downhill anyway. So, it may help to keep your first marathon in perspective--there are many who don't finish, and generally DesNews would not be my recommendation for a first marathon. Good on ya for, in reality, a great accomplishment. And, when it comes to running, it can take some (most) people a couple of years of establishing a good base before they get through the 'growing pains' of running. What kind of injuries are you having? Hip pain? Foot pain? Leg pain? Stitches? Could be the cobblestones (ouch), could be your shoes (do you know if you need a motion control, stability, or neutral shoe?), etc. There are many experienced runners on this forum, and specifics may help generate some answers you are looking for. BTW--I have a friend who trains almost exclusively on a treadmill for marathons. At some point, you have to get outside and run under "race conditions"--on pavement. And, if you spend a lot of time on the treadmill, it will help if it has a decline as well as incline setting--for St. George, you really want to have some downhill running if at all possible.

FYI. A water running plan for injured runners. Good for all of us when we overdo it from time to time. www.pfitzinger.com/labreports/water.shtml

If it's any comfort at all to know that you are not alone in your ponderings...then please be comforted because I often wonder the exact same thing! I literally feel your pain...I'm currently icing my knees from a tough hill workout I did earlier today, brought to me exclusively by my degenerative joints ! When you break it down to mechanics and anatomical differences and deficiencies, perhaps there is such a thing as a body not made for running...I think I have one. No matter what I do or how I train, I am constantly injured. Unfortunately, I suffer from flat feet, knock knees, wide hips, and other general muscular/skeletal issues that probably aren't conduscive to running. Thus, I'm injured almost all year long and have a good regimen of NSAIDs every time I go for a hard run (which may not be the wisest thing). I've been told by numerous orthopaedists and physical therapists to just give it up and find a new sport, but hey, what can you do? You just have to work with what you have and literally take it one step at a time. But honestly, if you include the mind in with the body, which is feasible because a lot of running is all in your head...there might not be a body "not made" for running. You can literally do anything that you put your mind to; any limitations that one puts on themself are likely to actually exist, because they think they do. However, if you really, honestly believe in yourself and in the fact that running is something that you absolutely love and you're not willing to just "give it up," then your body has no choice but to adapt and go the distance. Like everyone has very wisely said, prevention is key -- there is an element of good judgement necessary in any training program, but combined with firm belief in your potential and your identity as a runner, great results can be produced. Mind over matter...as one of my coaches once said, "If you don't mind, it doesn't matter!" . Focus on the positive aspects of yourself as a runner...everyone is different and not everyone may have the same biomechanics, but if you focus on your strengths, they can only get stronger. I don't know if that offered any comfort or helped at all...I often read these forums but am reluctant to post in fear of saying something wrong or stupid, but your question just really struck a chord with me because I've gone through the same thing. I really hope everything works out for you...remember that no matter how injured your body physically might get, you will always have the the steely, unmoving mind and resolve of a runner! Best wishes, and happy trails!

I agree - speak up, "Spuds!"

Just a suggestion that has worked for some injury-prone runners that I know: Get your base mileage with ALL slow, easy runs. That means no tempo, no strides, no anything but slow, aerobic-pace runs. Look at the Higdon plans, even the intermediate ones are all slow runs. It might cause you to run your races a little slower at first, OTOH it might not if it enables you to run without injury. Then, after you establish a good base of high mileage without injuries, you can start mixing in some speedwork. In my opinion the most common cause of training injury is too much faster running. I was running a lot of mileage last year without problems but after I started doing a lot of speedwork I got a stress fracture. By the way, if you are running on cobblestone it will almost certainly cause you problems--not only is it uneven, but it's very, very hard, probably worse than concrete. I've done some runs on European streets with cobblestone and they are very hard on my legs. Another thing you might consider is an orthotic with extra cushioning. I use SofSoles graphite and they really soften the impact on my legs. Good luck!