It’s no secret that running places an enormous amount of strain and pressure on your body. It’s an activity that pushes your physiology to the limit.
Running is actually quite a strange phenomenon. There are very few examples of creatures in nature that run for prolonged periods - say, more than a couple of miles. The vast majority simply don’t have the biology to do it. Antelope, for instance, can’t sweat the way that we do, and so they can’t keep running if they get too hot. (Hey, am I related to the antelope?) They have to stop and cool off first. The same applies to big cats. They can also only run a short distance. An exception is dogs because they are able to stick out their tongues as they run, allowing water to evaporate and cool them down.
Given that running is so unusual, it’s not surprising that it can create problems. In terms of evolution it’s new. In this post, therefore, we cover some of the main reasons why it hurts to run and what, if anything, you can do about it.
Stomach Cramps
Most runners have experienced stomach cramps at some point in their running careers. Usually, these occur when food is still lying undigested in the stomach. Instead of sending oxygen and nutrients to the gut to process food, the body’s resources travel to the muscles in the legs. This, in turn, causes cramps.
The solution? Don’t go running on a full stomach. Instead, wait at least two hours before you set off. If you can, take energy gels on the way round should you fall low on energy.
The Arch Of Your Foot Hurts
Human feet have a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the ball to the heel. This material creates an arch in the foot that acts as a kind of shock absorber whenever your feet hit the floor.
Unfortunately, if you have a poor diet or exercise too much, this can lead to plantar fasciitis which just means inflammation of the fascia connective tissue. Fortunately, you can get kinesiology tape for plantar fasciitis, learn how here. This supports your natural tissues, helping to soothe any swelling.
Shin Splints
Shin splints are among the most annoying and persistent of issues that runners develop. They occur when impact forces shoot up the leg repeatedly.
Dealing with them though is usually pretty easy. Instead of trying to run fifty miles per week from the get-go, reduce how frequently you train. This will provide your shins with an opportunity to recover between sessions. Over time, they will adapt and become stronger, allowing you to cover more miles.
Your Lungs Hurt
Do your lungs feel like they are about to explode after you’ve been running for a mile or so? Don’t get discouraged. It turns out that breathlessness is very common, especially if you are new to the sport.
To fix it, do intervals of running and walking. You don’t have to push yourself to the limit every time you train. Instead, you can build up the performance of your cardiovascular system over time - usually about six months.