This Is Why Running Hurts Your Body So Much

Skip navigation!ADVERTISEMENTStory from RunningADVERTISEMENTThis Is Why Running Hurts Your Body So MuchCory StiegJuly 22, 2019, 7:00 PM Photographed by Molly Cranna.Becoming person who likes running is, dare we say, a marathon not a sprint. While some people seem to be born to run, others don't have the same natural affinity for the sport. You might find that no matter what you do, your body feels like a bag of bones being slammed against the pavement, and you're in pain for days afterwards. Trust us when we say it doesn't have to be like this.If your workout causes any kind of physical (or mental, TBH) pain, it's typically a sign that you need to do something differently. Here we've troubleshooted some common running-related pains. Obviously, if you are in pain from a muscular injury, or if you have a medical condition that affects your workouts, you should probably see a doctor who can diagnose you appropriately. It's important to remember that there are many other workouts out there that provide the same cardiovascular and muscle-building benefits as running. But if you're determined to get into running, here are five factors that might be holding you back:AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

You're wearing the wrong sports bra.

Running is a high-impact activity, meaning your boobs will need a highly supportive sports bra to stay in place. If your sports bra isn't tight or strong enough to hold your breasts in place as your run, the excessive movement can irritate your breast tissue, which leads to pain, Donnica Moore, MD, host of the podcast In The Ladies Room, and women's health expert in Chester, NJ, tells Refinery29.

You're running outdoors.

The running trail and fresh air might be calling your name, but in general, running on a treadmill tends to be easier on your joints and body because it's softer, Zika Rea, lead female coach and co-founder of ZAP Fitness, a Reebok-sponsored training center for runners in Blowing Rock, NC, tells Refinery29. On top of that, treadmills literally propel your steps forward, allowing you to go faster and maintain a steadier pace. Not sure how to start using a treadmill? Here's a 30-day challenge that will help you get there.

Your gait requires different shoes.

If you're running in the workout sneakers you wear to your HIIT class, or whatever was on sale for Prime Day, you might want to reconsider. Running requires shoes that are supportive, can absorb shock, and provide cushioning. Having the right shoes will not only make your workout more comfortable in the moment, but also prevent injuries long term. Running specific stores typically let you try running on a treadmill in shoes before you buy them. A professional fitter can explain your gait and arch, and find the most appropriate shoe for your feet.AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

You're going too fast.

Cardio can suck the wind out of you, especially if your pace is too fast. Many beginner runners have a tendency to go out at a pace that's not manageable, which leads to that side-stitch, gasping-for-air feeling. Ideally, you'll want to run at a pace at which you can comfortably talk for up to 20 seconds. If you feel like you can't go any longer, it's always okay to walk, and speed up once you catch your breath.

You've been running too often.

Caught the running bug? That's great, but don't forget about rest days. Running more than three days a week might not give your muscles time to recover appropriately, David Siik, creator of Precision Running, a treadmill running program at Equinox, tells Refinery29. And, from a mental perspective, running every day could make you feel burned out or at least plateaued.AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT Most WantedLululemon’s New Arrivals Are Here — But Won’t Stay In Stock For Longby Esther NewmanPersonal BestI Stick To My “Fitness Activity Cocktail” — & It’s Ma...I’ve been going to the gym for about 10 years now. My goals and motivations have shifted during that time, as has how I’ve trained. I started off excluby Tanyel MustafaMy PeriodYour Exercise Routine Can Be Compatible With Your Period — Here&#...No one enjoys a period, and certainly not exercising on one, either. It’s a multiple day event in the calendar (if we’re lucky enough to have it come aby Tanyel MustafaAdvertisementADVERTISEMENTUnbotheredIf Your “Women’s-Only” Gym Excludes Trans Women, It’s Not A Safe ...When fitness influencer Natalee Barnett first announced plans to open The Girls Spot, a women’s-only gym in London in 2021, the internet embraced the ideby Laura-Ashley Modu...Personal BestGirlies, Here’s How To Hold Your Own Space At The Pilates StudioWomen have spoken time and time again about experiencing more “gymtimidation” than men. These conversations have often focused on the weights room, wheby Tanyel MustafaFitnessThe 27 Best Gym Bags For Your Workout Essentialsby Emily RuaneFitnessIn A World That Demands Women Shrink, Weight Lifting Taught Me Th...When I joined a gym last year, I was searching for a way to process my anxiety and reduce risk of injury from long-distance running. My goals were modest: by Prachi GuptaWorkout Clothes16 Workout Dresses Making A Case For Active (& Inactive) Wearby Karina HoshikawaMost Wanted17 Workout Crop Tops For When It’s Absolutely Too Hot For Shirtsby Cory StiegWorkout Clothes19 Pairs Of Workout Underwear For Your Sweatiest Gym Daysby Cory StiegSo, How Is It Really?So, How Is It Really? Running A 5K At Disney WorldAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. Welcome to Refinery29’s Sby Karina HoshikawaMost WantedClassPass Isn’t Just For Workouts — Here’s How I Maxi...At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the edby Karina HoshikawaAdvertisementADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENT