how can I run faster, longer w/o injuries?

Question

I run cross country and track for my school, but every week it seems I get calf, hip, or knee pain and there is nothing that has worked. I only run 30 miles a week 6 days a week, so over-exertion isnt the problem... is it my diet?

Answer 1

It may be your diet, shark cartilage and stuff like that is pretty good to prevent deterioration of muscle around the joint; but the very first thing I'd think is to check your shoes. I run, too, and I've had leg problems and all that other good stuff. You should change your shoes every 3 months or so, depending how quickly you wear through them. Also, you might want to try looking into getting custom orthotics or just some extra insoles. You'd be amazed what a little extra support will do. Oh, and one more thing, are you running on mostly hard surfaces? Running on concrete and other hard surfaces is really hard on your joints. Try running on grass or something. If all else fails, head for the pool and run a few laps in there. Same distance, far less impact (and a better workout)
Best of luck

Answer 2

If its cramps, eat more bananas. Other than that, i'd say get better shoes. Get those expensive insoles, too. The pain is most likely coming from the strain that every step puts on your limbs. Think about it; however much you weigh coming down full force everytime you step. Over time, it can get really bad. Running on softer surfaces also helps minimize impact. From the sound of things, thats most likely what it is.

Answer 3

i run the same sports and 40 or more miles a week. i used to have the same problems too but the best way to get rid of the pain is to stretch before and after you run. also when you start to run you need to warm up at a really slow pace for a mile and then run hard or medium pace.

Answer 4

Man all i can say is eat lots of fruits and bananas ! yur calf is prolly cramping eat more bananas!yur hip im not real sure about that! yur knee hurting may be jumpers knee they got little bands you put around the lower part of yur knee to keep tension on yur knee while yur running so it don't screw up even worse and you may have a fractured knee cap thats all jacked up! other than that if none of that works yur just gonna have to deal with the pain!

Answer 5

have you tried stretching cause im in high school and i watch the guys all the time and they stretch. just keep stretching and you should be all right

Answer 6

get a physical! That is a lot of stress on you legs!