Check the sky for flying pigs, ED is excersising!

[El Dingo]

A bunch of people at my office jog regularly.

I decided to give it a go. It's actually quite fun. The first few weeks were painfully hard, but I'm starting to build up my stamina and can see why it's such a popular acticity. Also, I'll be able to get away from zombies.

I'm using this training schedule:

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml">http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml</a><!-- m -->

As of Monday, May 29 I am on week 4 of the plan. Problem is, my knees are killing me. Ice packs seem to help for a while, but I'm hoping there is some magic herbal remedy.

Perhaps you athletic types can recommend something, perhaps a non-FDA approved balm or addictive ointment unavailable in the U.S.?

[cranefly]

Well, if you're new to running, your knees aren't likely accustomed to repetitive jarring. Maybe you've looked into this already, but I'd recommend making sure 1) you've got good running shoes with decent cushion, and 2) you run on a soft surface.

Running on concrete is more jarring than on grass. Of course, usually you don't have a choice (I run on concrete all the time). Which means a good pair of cushioned running shoes becomes all the more important.

A good warmup before the run, where you stretch out the legs and loosen up the knees, will also help reduce stress.

--cranefly

P.S. Drunk Monk and myself would both recommend Dit Ja Dow liniment, though neither of us dare go near the stuff these days.

[The Queen]

In addition to getting good shoes and/or finding a nice padded track or treadmill for your running, you might want to look into getting some Sombra. My physical therapist introduced me to this stuff -- it's similar to Icy-Hot, but much more effective, especially used in conjunction wtih (after) an icing session. Burns like a (expletive deleted) shortly after applying. But it sure does the trick for me (especially if I can get Greg to do the applying.)

You can pick it up via amazon.com - just search for Sombra. Must be getting popular now; used to cost about $25 a jar, now it's down to $8.49.

[Dr. Ivor Yeti]

Booze. Lotsa booze.