The faster you get and the more mileage you do puts more and more stress on your hips which are pivoting each step you take. Your core areas are trying to control this. Weak core means can creeate back, hip, ab, oblique, hamstring, and all kinds of injuries. Not just that, but your Core sections are used a lot when your running to keep you upper body where it shoud be, to breath right, and I'm sure many other things. So I'd say you'd be best to start up with some ab, oblique, and lower back exercises. Really all runners should do them. Plus they are safe to do pretty much everyday if you want. Plus you'll get that six pack you always wanted.

But start slow, don't start doing 100 situps a day. Most running sites have a good selection of ab and lower back exercises. And actually unlike most other things us humans do, building your core areas can be done in a few weeks fairly easily, stop any injuries, and run a lot faster.

Another thing the Umaine runners do, men and women is Pilates workouts. Get yourself a Pilates video.

Something else that may work is yoga, haven't tried it myself and you won't see me trying it, but another option.

karate classses also help build core areas as well as help with flexibility. Making strong muscles is good, but you want them flexible. Plus any type of martial arts program teaches dicipline and self confidence as well as breathing. I took Ju-Jitsu for about 6 years and it worked wonders.

Thank you Judson. All those are good thoughts. I am working with weights to strengthen core and a Yoga flexibility tape I use. I have never tried Pilates but it sounds like a good option. Amy

Hi Amy I was just reading your entry and feel the exact same soreness you are describing. It has been gradually starting to develop as the miles have been expanding. I have been comfortable at 35miles for about 8weeks, so added on a few 37,39, then ouch...I thought Did I pick up a child wrong? drag too much brush yesterday, gardening???? Then I saw my Chiropracter yesterday, he told me about the hips need to adjust given the miles etc...
I have also wanted to try pilates or yoga, now just might be that time.
I must say his ability to snap me back in place did not hurt any, you may want to check this out.