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My Running is About to Become a Figure of Speech

Running hurts too much. I’ve got this weird space in my life where I love to run and being in motion makes me feel centered and sane. Unfortunately running is doing permanent damage to my joints.

I feel great when I run. Who doesn’t? It’s an incredible feeling when both feet are off the ground. Unfortunately by the end of a run I feel throbbing in my feet and then an hour later in my hips. The next morning my toes feel like they’re on fire. This is the arthritis telling me to slow the fuck down.

This weekend I ran on the sand and I had no pain whatsoever the next day. I’m not sure that I’m willing to make a commitment to being on the beach four days a week just to get my exercise. This puts me back at the gym, stuck on the elliptical.

Since AT&T has begun throttling my “unlimited” data plan I’m having to download my podcasts on wifi rather than streaming Sirius. I do not have words for how entertaining it is to listen to Howard Stern while simultaneously watching actors preen for one another at the gym. With Sirius not an option I need something else to make the gym not suck. 

I need podcast recommendations. I’m totally depressed about giving up the running so make it something wonderful.

9 thoughts on “My Running is About to Become a Figure of Speech”

  1. I am in the same boat. Running is really taking it’s toll but I am having the hardest time time letting it go. My favorite podcast is the Dan Patrick Show but unless you are a giant sports fan, you won’t enjoy it. Will be checking back in to see what others suggest.

  2. You know I’d be your buddy and gossip with you at the gym if I were there. But since I’m not, I suggest you consider buying some quality running shoes (check out Asics) that would offer you good support. There are other brands that are much more expensive but do wonders for reducing impact on your joints.

    Life is like Project Runway: Make it work!

  3. These podcasts are all pretty intellectual and NPR-y, so the whole bunch with either be hit or miss, but my favorites include: This American Life, Freakonomics, The Moth, NPR’s Planet Money, and occasionally RadioLab. All can be easily downloaded through iTunes to your iPhone/iPod.

    1.  I was about to chime in with Radiolab and This American Life. I’m a runner too and I’m addilcted to both those podcasts. Also, the News from Lake Wobegone is fun. Also, have you tried purchasing running shoes that are a half size to a size larger? Yeah, I know, it hurts the feminine ego a little to make your feet look bigger than they really are (or at least it hurts my ego) but running pain-free is totally worth looking a bit more like a Yeti.

  4. I’ve listened to Adam Carolla’s podcast for years. I’ve recently added several more to my routine. Freakonomics, The Mental Illness Happy Hour, and Alison Rosen is Your New Best Friend are good stuff.


  5. I feel great when I run. Who doesn’t?”

    I have never been running and thought “I feel great.” Mostly I just think “can’t. breathe.”

  6. Jessica~ I have no suggestions on podcasts. (I can’t listen to people talk when I run, only singing with a driving beat — I have plenty of suggestions in that area)

    But I did want to mention that I’ve had issues with my knee (arthritis developing after a fracture [earned while running!]) and other joint issues. 3 months ago I changed to a pair of Merrell Barefoot shoes and ZOMG! What a difference they’ve made in my joint pain. Even my stride is different.

    May be worth checking out and giving a try.

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