I am wondering something and want to pick your brains a bit.
I have tried to run 3 times a week since I started running last November and had build it up until 85 minutes / 10K. After that the running declined due to circumstances, but last Wednesday I succeeded in getting back to 60 minutes. Unfortunately that was my last run, as I wanted to give my knees a bit of rest.
2 weeks ago I injured my left knee a bit during tai chi and it kept niggling. Now after the rest, the niggling appears to have disappeared mostly, but I am feeling my knees too much, both knees. Whenever I have to stoop down, both my knees protest a bit. Am I getting old?
Anyhow, I was wondering something. Can you run just 1 time per week and still keep up your fitness? Maybe combined with walking every day or every other day? Is there any chance to run 60 minutes or longer (90 minutes??) if you run only 1 time a week? I guess not, but as said: I want to pick your brains. Also, how long should you walk for to keep up your fitness if you want to run 1 time per week? I might continue to run 3 times a week if my knees feel ok again and if I can get my ass from the couch. But I want to review my options.
I'm just a bit worried about how my knees feel. I have arthritis which is under control, but don't want to risk anything. But I also I don't want to lose my fitness level.
In my 40s, I used to run just once a week. It was a regular thing, about 3 miles or say 5k. I wasn’t aiming to improve but still maintained a level of fitness over those years.
Maybe if you want to see improvement in your running performance, you need to run more often. But while you’re recovering those knees, and can walk okay, 60 to 90 minutes spent walking at other times would be very beneficial to your fitness level, I reckon.
Maybe supplement it with gradually getting back to Tai Chi - or some other kind of beneficial routine for improving fitness, mobility, strength and suppleness.
It must all help but just suck it and see. If it doesn’t seem to be going as well as you like, you can review it and tweak it. 🙂
Thanks! I am 40 now, must be something with that 4, haha. I think I will try for 1 time a week running with walking on the other days in order to get those knees to feel less 'tired'. I have some vacation coming up end August, might be I will run some more again then as I'll be able to run early in the day then. Not interesting in improving, I am a proud snail. But I would like to maintain a certain level of fitness and not become a couchpotato again...
I think it will depend on how long you carry on with just once a week, how long or hard those runs are, and what you do with the rest of your time.
I occasionally only have time for 1 run or like this week, 2. It can be good for your body to get some extra rest...
If you can at least get out for a brisk walk it will keep your cardiovascular system working well. The less you do in the down time, the harder the run will be the more weeks that pass.
Thanks, the runs would be - if my body manages - long runs. Would run in the weekends, which is when I normally do my long runs. No hard runs though. But might as well be I'll increase my running again when I have my holiday. Don't know yet. The 'tired' knees will tell!
…just anecdotally here…my daughter (42) has a step count average of around 15,750 per day. She does one long slow run at the weekend (up to 10k) only. She also goes to a gym class 2 or 3 times a week. So I guess I’m saying that, yes, if you’re pretty active, you can probably run just once a week.
I’ve dropped down to 2…usually a 5km, then a longer run at the weekend. I’m back in work 2 or 3 times a week, and walking to ensure 10k daily steps. I’m trying to maintain a daily yoga practice too!
…so try and increase your walking to start. Download the Active10 app and that will automatically record any walking you do at a brisk pace…also look at ways to build up your step count during the working day 🙂
I do am wondering whether to record my walks on my Garmin watch and count them for my Conqueror challenges or not... Going to look up the Active10 app!
I didn’t start running to get fit physically but for mental health reasons. However, the more I run, the more I feel the physical benefits and it gets so much easier. Get your knees sorted and get back out there Evy. Don’t go back to the couch ❤️🏃♀️
I will try, just fear I am not all that healthy (I have rheumatic arthritis and get easily hurt and tired). I do my best, but my knees are worrying me a bit now. They feel... well tired is not the right word, but whenever I bend them slightly (or more) I feel them aching a bit. I don't think that's normal for a 40 year old?
You should absolutely get a professional opinion before you continue on. Just don’t give up on running until you’ve got some advise. Cheering you on Evy ❤️🏃♀️.
Yeah, I already stopped with skipping last week. I was not good at it either plus don't think I had the right form / posture / jumping height and such. I guess that did not really help my knees either. So my skipping rope is buried now...
Might be what caused your knees to hurt. I did it in the first lockdown and realised quite quickly it was potentially going to cause an injury. Think it’s brilliant if you’ve got the right technique. x
Yeah, I find it amazing to see those boxers jumping rope as if it is nothing. But I am 100% positive that I do not have the right technique. Correction, make that 200% positive. Unfortunately I don't know anyone who would be able to guide me and I can watch another 100 Youtube clips on skipping, but as long as they don't correct me, I fear my technique will always be incorrect. So as mentioned, the rope has been ditched and who knows, maybe someday I'll meet someone who can help me. But until then, it's running and walking for me.
Will do, have an appointment with my specialist in 2 weeks for my 4-weekly IV. If it's not better by then, I can ask / let him check if it has anything to do with my rheumatic arthritis or not. Hope not, I am so good with my current IV's...
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