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Running Track!
I decided that I wanted to be one of the managers for track. Then, I changed my mind and wanted to try track. :] so if I want to stick with it, my coaches/teachers said they would let me. Today was my first track practice though. At first, I felt like I was gonna die, pass out, or throw up! Then later on, it was ok I guess. I'm kind of sad though, because everyone did the 400 meter. (I think it was meters?) The problem was, I couldn't keep running because this was like the second time my calf or leg like started hurting. It just felt strange... It felt like my muscles were cramping up. Then again, I don't really know much about fitness. Whenever I lifted my foot, or walked, it felt like my muscles were tightening up or something. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? Or does anyone know what this is called? My friend said it might be "Charlie's Horses"? I've heard of it, but I don't know much about it. I was so bummed, because I really wanted to keep running, even though I felt like dying! This was also my first practice, and I haven't ran like "that" in a whileee. I think I'm out of shape. I believe I can get better though! I just hope this won't affect me in the future. =\ I had my physical done, and I don't think i had any problems, or abnormal things about me. As I started running the 400m, I could feel myself getting slower, because my leg started to hurt. I had to stop halfway... I'm still bummed now. I've ran before today, without my leg being all weird. The first time was to warm up, but I just got very tired, and my legs and butt felt crazy, if that makes sense. Then we were running straight across my school's field. So does anyone know what I should do about my leg? Does anyone know what happened, or if it's a serious danger to my health? I would like to maybe try it for another day or two, maybe I'll start getting used to it. Stretching would probably help me a lot. Also, if anyone could give me ANY tips and advice, it would help SOO much!! I know some basic things, but it wouldn't hurt to repeat them. Maybe advice or tips on how to control my breathing (I know that I have to breathe through my nose, and breathe out of my mouth), to have good stamina, how not to get as tired quickly, to not feel like I'm going to DIE, throw up, or faint, how to control my legs or arms, how to become motivated, and just "KICK IT" in full power so that I don't stop running and start to walk, just ANYTHING that could help me improve, and become better at running! Please only answer this question if you know what you're talking about, or if you run track or have ran cross country yourself! I would love to NOT HURT or have bad feelings during practice. I just wanna have fun and feel comfortable, but not die and suffer as a result or during the process lol. xD (yes, I know it may get painful sometimes, and that it'll be worth it.) Thanks!!
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Want to answer more questions in the Health & Fitness category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Sports?
I'm a runner too. Running is one of those things that you just have to practice a lot in order to get better at it. Dedication is key.
Stretching is very, very, very important... try to take five minutes before AND after practice to stretch your legs. Stretching your legs is probably the most important (especially your quads!), but I also like to stretch my arms and stuff because running is a full-body exercise. I stretch my quads by bending one of my legs up and holding my foot at my hip for a few seconds. I also like to sit on the ground and bend one leg at a time back to where my foot touches my butt. My quads give me the most trouble when I run hard so make sure you're stretching them properly.
Warming up and cooling down is also important because it keeps you from getting hurt. Don't start off sprinting- ease into it. The same thing goes for when you're done with practice. Don't run hard and then just stop and go home. Finish running, jog a little, walk a little, stretch, and then go home.
As for stretching your arms and stuff, you might want to look up some Tae-Bo videos on YouTube. They have great warm-up exercises that stretch out your muscles.
I don't know how your track coach feels about this, but I like to listen to my iPod when I run. I have a special playlist for different races. It definitely keeps me going.
I've read that having abs helps you run faster. I wouldn't know, because my abs aren't so great :) But if you're super serious about running, do crunches before you go to bed a few nights a week.
The number one rule of fitness is to STOP if anything just outright hurts. I know that you can't usually just quit a practice, but you can prevent injuries by stretching, warm-ups, and cool-downs. Also, since you're a new runner, ease into it. Don't expect to be able to run 5 miles in a week- work up to long distance gradually.
Here's a personal experience of mine regarding stamina. I've been running for several years now (I'm 17). I'm not on a track team, but I run 5k's and stuff just for fun. I was seriously under the impression that I'm not that great at running and had no endurance until last week when I invited my friend to go running with me. I thought she was going to kick my butt. Wrong! She was totally dying when she was trying to keep up with me. Like, she was already out of breath when I was just settling into a good pace. I guess I have more stamina than I thought. So the moral of this story is... just keep running! Even if you don't realize it, you're getting better with every practice. Don't ever give up!
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The only way to get better at this is to keep doing it! I didnt believe it when my coaches said just stay with it and in two weeks youll be able to so much better. So i kept at it and I am so much better then when I started. My first day i could barely run the full track once, now i can do it twice and mayb a third if i tried. In only a few weeks ive progressed. This will be the same for you too! The pain isnt something you can escape. My calves and knee still hurt when I run but if you take Ibeauprofine before practice it really helps and ice or a heating pad after also. Make sure that you have the right shoes because if you dont you will get shin splints and im sure your coach can explain that to you. The breathing is also unescapable, but trying to keep it controlled helps a little. For example inhaleing for 3 strides exhaleing for 3 strides. What ever tempo feels right for you. Just know that your not as bad as you think you are. My first track meet happened days ago and i won first on my events.
goodluc
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I don't think there is anything seriously wrong with you. since you have not ran in a long while, it is natural for your body to respond that way. You need to start stretching before track practice then again afterward to get your muscles loosened up. try calf stretches, hamstring stretches, quad stretches and also stretch your shins (that is a little trickier, try moving your ankle around and putting pressure on your foot with your hand until you feel a good stretch in your shin). your track coach should be able to show you how to perform all these different stretches. Keep in mind you will probably be very sore for the first week of track or so, but gradually your muscles will become accustomed to the new routine and you will feel great. Also don't worry about not being able to run far right now, it will take time but eventually with enough training you will be able to go farther and faster as long as you are patient. good luck and have fun.
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