I just bought some ankle weights to help me with my running...should I wear them everytime I run or alternate?

Plus can I wear them during flutter kick with out hurting myself? Thanks.

Jeremy,

I wouldn't use ankle weights to improve your running. Let us know what your running program consists of (distance, times, frequency), and maybe you can get some other suggestions to help you improve.
You can do considerable damage to your knees with ankle weights.

As far as flutter-kicks go, ankle weights shouldn't cause any damage. That is if you are doing them right. I wouldn't try to knock out any crazy numbers in the beginning. They will probably help prepare you for flutter kicks while wearing fins, which you will be doing both in and out of the water at selection. Don't let flutter-kicks worry you, if you are meeting the standards elsewhere flutter-kicks will come.

Hope this helps,

Thanks for the reply. I have not used these ankle weights yet. I went to buy a pair of combat boots, so I can get a short road march or two in once in a while, and a man recommended I look into Ankle weights. I football player at school uses them for half a mile and then finishes his run...normal two miles. He said they work well, but you can really injure yourself with them. I figured...what the heck...I will buy some. If I don't like them or shouldn't use them at least I can say I have some (as dumb as that sounds).

I normally go 2-3 miles at a 7:30 pace. Sometimes I will run further and decrease my time per mile. Although I should be doing more intervals I don't do many...mainly distance runs, if that is what you can call 2-3 miles. I do flutter kicks as demonstrated in the "AF Elite workout Guide." I will keep your advice in mind and not do any crazy numbers (like I can anyways...ha). Thanks a lot.

Bowen

The reason for injuries with ankle (and hand) weights is that they throw your stride way off kilter. You're much better adding some fartleks (or just plain sprints) or long slow days to your schedule.

Don't rush yourself, you'll be better off for it. You want to make sure you get to Lackland with a solid foundation, the cadre will fine tune you as they see fit.

Sounds like you are off to a good start, minus the ankle weights. Listen to Todd's advise. If you are trying to build strength in your legs, add in a few days where you run mainly hills too.

It may also be better to work on your distance rather than your pace. Try to go for a few longer runs (5+ miles). Endurance will play a huge factor in your success at selection.

Oh yeah, don't waste your time (or your money) on combat boots. You'll get enough of them later.

Maybe I should pass this advice along to those who recommended these ankle weights. Glad I listened to your advise before using them.

There are some massive hills that I will probably try to tackle. I am going to go do a long run right now. Thanks.

I concure - scrap the ankle weights, there an injury waiting to happen. I've been racing for 25 years and have tried most every known trick there is to increase endurance and speed...including ankle weights. All they did were give me blisters and throw off my stride. Running is a purist sport, accessories beyond shoes and shorts are an aberration...

Capt Laymon
157th FW XPL
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Those ankle weights have become my newest dust collectors. I used them for flutter kicks and leg raises a few weeks ago but I haven't used them for anything since.
A question:
I have been running around 9-12 miles a week, until this week. I took your all's advice and started running longer distances. I ran 20 miles last week (maybe 22). I didn't run nearly as fast starting off, but I built speed without realizing it. My left knee started feeling pretty sore after my run yesterday. I am resting for a couple days. Do you think it has to do with the increase in distance or maybe something else I done?
I have to admit I thought about slowing down and walking about 3/4 of the way through my run. But I stayed motivated...walking is for wimps...the girl of my dreams lives down the road from me too...ofcourse I want to get there ASAP (hoping she will be outside) <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> so that helps me run faster and keeps me motivated.

1) Increase your milage by 10% per week
2) Don't be afraid to walk
3) Read "Once a Runner" by John L. Parker, Jr.

Capt Laymon
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