I played basketball my whle life and since I was 17 and learned to dunk, that was the end of a pain free leg base. I had shin splints, calf problems, knee problems and back problems. I remember throwing every ounce I could muster into trying to jump higher and I realize now my body just wasn`t ready for it without the proper foundation. Pistol Squats will help you build that foundation.

It took me 2 months to learn to do pistol squats. After that I added in squats, lunges, dumbell jumps etc and my legs have never felt stronger and more stable. I have zero pain anywhere in my legs and I can dunk like a mad man again.

I am a 31 year old male and I am 6ft2. My Out of shape weight is between 195 and 240 pounds. Playing weight is 178-182.

At 27 I went to block a shot (This was the highest jumping day of my life) and the shooter tripped and fell forward instead. He under cut my legs and spun me around. I landed on my neck and shoulders and my knees flipped over to hit me in the face. I had multiple cuts on my face (which required stiches later) but I just cleaned them up and returned to the game. After 15 seconds onthe floor I realized I had a big problem. Later I would learn I damaged my siatic nerve from the flip and it took 6 months to feel right again. As a result I gained 40 pounds and lost everything I worked so long and hard to get.

I came back at 29 and was starting to get close to my age 27 level again. Obviously looking back, I was in great shape but my leg structure wasn`t right yet. I was chasing a guy down the court who had an open layup, I caught up to him and he made a quick change of direction I tried to match at full speed going the opposite direction (think skating style). I screwed up the move by getting ahead of myself and firmly planted my left foot and attempted to pivot and push off. My leg crumpled and I suffer a terrible hyperextension of the knee which took another 6-7 months to heal. It was 3 weeks before I could bend the knee at even the slightest angle. It seemed locked in the straight position. I remember it was 4 months before I could even somewhat bend the knee into a casual squat postion. It always felt like something the size of an apple was behind my knee on the back of my leg that would compress and stop the bend. I`m certain I didn`t severe any of the ligaments but I assure you 3-4 were heavily damaged.

I`ve never been to a doctor for a second checkup and I never got either of these 2 injuries checked out… but I am completely pain free as I write this. I owe it all to pistol squats. Focus on excellant form at all times and you will feel better too.

1. Perhaps you are stretching too much or too hard. Try to run without stretching. I rarely stretch and hardly ever feel the pain that you’ve described. Other runners/joggler might disagree but it works for me.

2. Maybe you need some time off. Last year when I had a case of Achilles Tendonitis, I took a 3 week break from running and spent time doing things like bike riding, volleyball, and table tennis. The extra rest seemed to help.

3. Take a painkiller after your workout. I do this on occasion and it seems to work. Running is painful for most anyone at one time or another. Especially if you are trianing hard.

It sounds like it will take you some time to get back to where you were. If it were me, I would take a few weeks off from running and then start up training with a short run (1 mile) with a fast walk before and after. When it hurts, go back to walking. Soon you’ll learn to accept the pain.

Running can hurt. But it’ll stop hurting when you do it enough.