Tired legs and a twingy right knee.
It was my week 6 run 2 today I did 4k in 30 mins and my knee was twinging all the way if there is such a word.
Am I to old for this?
I find the 5 k normally comfortable should I just stick to doing the 5k or should I continue trying to complete the 10k?
'Am I too old for this ?'
What do you mean by 'This' ?
If you are asking are you too old for running then i would say the answer is no your not !
I am 64 (65 in January) , I will sometimes get twinges also during or after a run .
Infact I remember when I had just started running 10k that my knee used to twinge at around 7 or 8k then it often settled again .
Once I was running regular 10k's it was no longer a problem .
I guess it really depends on what you want from your running and why you are doing it ?
Of course , it becomes a bit more of a challenge as we get older..
Have a read of this FAQ post by IannodaTruffe
I'm sure it will be useful !
healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Happy Running!
Thank you for your reply, perhaps today was just a bad day.I will continue to run for pleasure and rest when my twinges appear.
I am still happy to have found this site and the encouragement I get from it.
The important thing is not to be too hard on yourself. Everyone has bad days occasionally.
Part of the process is learning about your body, its capabilities and limitations, and working within those.
I've no doubt you'll reach 10km at some point, just not today.
“Not running is bad for the knees” is a quote from my running friend - a bones man with special interest in knees, so he should know. I always remember his wise words when I’m considering my dashing around the streets and trails.
Anyway what else would we be doing? 🤷♀️😁
Have fun out there 😀
You’re following a set plan and you think you might be too old to do it?
You could be right. The set plan doesn’t know what kind of runner you are. It’s likely you’ll need to adapt it to suit your ability and age.
We all need more recovery time as we get older, it might just be a case of ignoring the set weeks and following the runs in their order with extra rest day(s) in between.
As for running 4k or 10k, unless your goal is to run a 10k, for a sense of achievement or for an actual event, you’re just as well keeping to shorter distances for fitness. Most training programmes are based on duration running rather than distance - including the Couch to 5k, despite its name. And it’s worth repeating that slow is better most of the time, regardless of whether you’re a competitive runner or leisure runner.
I think it’s worth coming back to the question time and again, what do I want from doing this, what do I want to achieve?
Keep an eye on the twinges. The first sign of pain and it’s better to stop running and allow things time to heal. 🙂
So if you're doing the magic plan to 10k, maybe a more flexible approach would suit you. You're definitely not too old, but maybe you just need to 'feel' your way to 10k. I'm 62 with twingey knees. Sometimes they're fine, sometimes they're not. Maybe today just wasn't a great run for you and maybe it was cold? I would be kind to yourself and build at your own pace, speed and time. There is no need to stick slavishly to a plan if you end up feeling negative.You can run 10k, but listen to your body. I was injured and lacking motivation for 6 months and didn't run. I had been running regular 10ks, and further, for some time. I've had to build up gradually and am still not back to 10k, but am enjoying running, whatever the distance and speed. I will get there again, but in my own time.
Best of luck.
Spot on. 👍
Thank you for your reply and yes you are right in everything you say
The worst thing to do is listen to negative comments from others. I met a colleague who said ' you shouldn't be running with arthritic knees, you should do nordic walking'. Well, I don't want to do nordic walking and my knees are under control. We all need to take care of ourselves and listen to our bodies to avoid injury or worsening of any conditions, but my knees are actually better as a result of running and exercising. You know best!
Agree - I am younger but had double hernia op recently - way I am risking anything so taking plenty of time out and will restart running in jan after a good long break .. and keep it slow to start - you need to not give up of course but also be mindful of your situation
Agree Roxdog. I've been following Ju-Ju's Magic Plan and have got up to 8k but finding it very painful on my knees at the moment and I need more rest days. I was shocked 😲😳 to find that I increased my distance by 81% from September to October so have reduced my 2 weekday runs to 3k and will stick with a long run at the weekend.
I don't want to get injured so I will take each week as it comes rather than set an arbitrary date of the 31st December to get to 10k. I love running and enjoy reading the posts on here about everyone's journeys. I have been guilty of trying to do too much too soon, despite reading all of the warnings and it's time to dial it back.
I am actually too lazy to run and yet I run 😂
Just make sure you're not forcing yourself, not running too fast (there is not too slow, but there is a too fast). Keep an eye on those niggles and take an extra day of rest when they are acting like a brat.
Should you keep feeling as if running is too much, look into Slow Jogging, the Japanese Niko Niko way of running. It is SLOW and is often done to prevent injury. You can always try Slow Jogging, build up your distance this way and very slowly increase your pace until you're at what feels like a good and comfortable pace.
There are many sensible comments here, so I won't repeat them, other than to offer you heaps of encouragement to keep on ignoring the nay-sayers, and just get out there to make the most of YOUR runs, whatever shape or form they may take. And keep in mind, when you are having doubts, that it took me 15 months to complete the 10k magic plan, and I'm 57. Take your time, listen to your body, and enjoy your own running journey, wherever it may take you 🤗
Bless you thank you your just a youngster😁 I will keep at it xx
I started on C25k aged 66 (now 69) and found 10k a nice distance….that led to 10 miles and then HM. I kept the pace right down until I got to 10k ……distance, however slowly run, was the only objective. Speeding up came about 18 months after I started C25k. I found that increasing distance showed up underlying weaknesses which needed specific strengthening exercises; calves came first, then hips and then I developed runner’s knee.Each time I went to my physio, she produced an exercise regime, and we fixed the problem. I think it is a bit harder to get run fit and stay that way at our age…..but so what?
Enjoy yourself…..🙂
Thank you for your reply I will continue to try and run s.. l..o..w 🏃♀️😁
👍
No one is too old, but moving up from 5-10k takes some effort, your speed is faster than us, can you slow down a bit and find the enjoyment in running? and remember to take extra rest days to let your body heal and become stronger, plus have you good trainers and insoles? a lot of knee pain comes from misaligned feet, just a suggestion
Never too old...never! Just go for it... !
You're not too old doggytail .
However, going by your previous posts, you do push yourself pretty hard, with lots of gym work and walking, as well as running. Nothing wrong with that, cross-training is a good idea, as long as your mind and body are both happy with it. But you absolutely do not have to keep on adding more and more to what you're doing. If your aim is to run further, then maybe reduce other aspects of your physical activity.
Also, assuming you're still doing the Magic Plan, remember that it's designed to be flexible. Cut yourself a bit of slack, especially since your knees are objecting. As a mere babe of 61, I can tell you from experience that taking an extra day's rest is much more likely to be of benefit rather than harm you.
Not too old! No no 😁. There are some great comments here, so I don’t have much more to add apart from enjoy yourself, and ignore those naysayers, and take an extra rest day when you need it. 😊😊😊
Definitely not too old! I long for the day when 5k feels comfortable! If you want to go for 10k, then don’t let anyone stop you with their negativity. Happy running 😁😁
Hi , I am in my 60’s with a dodgy knee also but I love running.You are not too old .I can do 10K but prefer a 5 or 6 at the moment .When I have improved my speed and I might add ,this is happening already .I shaved 4 minutes off .Don’t feel pressurised by others just do what your body tells you .If it twinges I ignore it but if it’s worse I take a few days off .Most of all have fun and enjoy those endorphins.
Too old! Not for running - I find that at 68 I can like you complete 5k with ease and some days when I’m in the zone I’ll do 6 or 8 and when I’m really in the zone 10k. I listen to BBC Sounds Johnie Walker and run. A steady 6.40/k. Keep steady, listen on you air pods, avoid too many ascents and you’ll get there- keep trying as it is worth it 🏃♂️
If I’m feeling a bit cranky or getting twinges then it’s a moment for reassessing my goals in the short term and bringing in a sense of what would bring me some pleasure or joy here? I wonder if this would be helpful?Dropping how quickly you can usually run and how far and finding the enjoyable distance today for your body. I often find a natural recalibration happens then, injuries are soothed and I reconnect with the joy of running. Too old - I think not - you sound awesome !
Well the very technical sports science answer is..........NO.😁
I find it really easy to think negatively after a run I'm not happy with. I'm also 70 and frightened of loosing fitness if I don't keep it up. At the moment I'm just doing 5ks regularly and going g a bit further on the days when I feel great or have slept well. Who are you running for??? You! So stay calm and keep running!
Thank you for your replyFeeling a bit low at the moment the sale of our house is becoming very stressful with all the hoops we have to jump through.
Yes I am running for me 🏃♀️ or away from me 😁
Also feeling old
Ignore my rants lol
It would be very strange if you didn't find moving houses stressful as its very high on the list of stressor! Hopefully running can change your mood ever so slightly....I'm someone who loves bright light, sunny days and these wet, grey, cold ones are really demotivating me. Plus a week of coughing caught from 3yr old grandson.... I have to be realistic tho and tell myself I won't always feels like this🤔
I certainly hope not because that means I will be when I am your age! I read in the guardian the other day about a guy who had just got his black belt at karate in his mid 70's - not to say that age is in the mind - everyone is different but don't think about the number (my brother does this all the time) just how your body feels - be respectful but not overindulgent to your body's needs.
Hi. I am almost 73 and have only been running for 18 months. I am super impressed by you pace I never reach this. I am giving myself permission to take it slower in the cold and on hills. I twinge and ache and then carry on gently. Just running is fabulous. Never too old.
I am 68 with a twingy right knee. Like you am working my way up to 10K. Some runs are better than others and I find the weather is a big factor in this, cold damp days I sometimes have to adjust my expectations. Tempting though it is to follow the plan like a prescription, I think it is fine to adjust it to suit yourself, I’m sure this helps to avoid injury to as you are listening to your body. Good luck on getting to 10K or other goal of your choosing 😎
Never too old. My friend ran her first marathon at 70. I'm 65, ran my first marathon this year. Yes, with dicky knees, type 1 diabetes and a twingy ankle. Try Jeffing, that might help. Jeff Galloway has a great running book "Run till you are 100". Just don't compare yourself to others, and keep on keeping on. Well done for getting out there! 👏👏
Dear Dogtail, as you will see there are many of us well into our 60s and beyond that run regularly and over various distances including marathon. I started c25k 14 months ago and can now get to 6 miles on a good day! Our bodies were made to enable us to run, even from caveman times to hunt and flee danger. Although our lives are less demanding in the physical sense, our bodies are the same anatomically and if we care to use it we find it can do much more than we realized. Close your ears to neighbours who don't get it, if they prefer to lead a more sedentary life that's their choice, but you want to do more so just keep going. Your friends won't experience the runners high on a lovely day feeling almost part of nature and sense a gradual boost in health and well being, but you will. Find a running buddy if you can, then you will have positive support and encouragement.
In short, run on for as long as you can - the day might come when there will be more sitting, but don't invite it before time!
Best wishes ☺️
I forgot to mention that my next door neighbour is over eighty years old with some sight problems, and still runs regularly. He even does one of my circular routes the opposite way to me, making it harder for him.
You’re definitely not too old but go with how you feel. I’m 67 and wanted to do more than 5k but because of circumstances I’ve rarely done that but I just run for 30/40 mins two or three times a week, I don’t go fast and I don’t measure how far I’ve run I just enjoy it!
My goodness! You are fast for a 70-year old. I'm 74 now and I remember when I graduated back when I was 70. My son got me running. I thought he was absolutely crazy, but he kept bugging me so much that I did the program so I didn't have to listen to him bugging me so much. Then I continued running because it made me feel so much better. Before taking up running, I had a pain on one side of my hips, pain in my feet, under my ribcage on one side, and in my knees off and on. I noticed along the way that a most amazing thing happened--all those pains went away! I still don't understand it, but it happened. I gave up trying to run 5k; I just run for how good it makes me feel. I hope you find your niche in all this.
I think it all depends! If you want to beat the world record fir 5k or more then that probably right. If you want to stay fit, active and in good mental health then running is just perfect. Its a liberation which we should all keep on doing. You are not too old for that. Please keep running but be kind to yourself too!
Hi doggytail, first of all I don’t believe anyone is too “old” to be running or pushing themselves to achieve a goal.
I do believe that there are different ways to achieve any goal which can depend on the physical capabilities and this can differ according to the age e.g a 20 year old will be at a different level compared to a 50/60/70/80 year old.
However, even this level can be different when comparing a person who has exercised all their life to a person who has not.
I am 61 and would love to be able to run 4K in 30 minutes but, for me that is too fast. I manage 3k in 27mins and that is an improvement on my previous times so I’m very happy with this at the moment.
I have managed 10k twice so far a while ago and it was a great feeling to do this but I have now decided that I don’t need to be doing this.
What I need is to keep running 2-3 times a week. In these runs I still push myself and intermingle Fartlek and interval training with simple jogging.
I am slow but slow jogging is still good exercise and I haven’t had any injuries in the past two years.
Maybe consider continuing to do what you enjoy but slow it all down a bit e.g if you are in a plan then there is nothing wrong with taking longer to complete this plan.
If you plan is 10 weeks to 10k then that 10k goal will still be there in 15 or 20 weeks so what’s the hurry 🤗
Remember the tortoise and the hare 👍😂 so take your time but don’t stop 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️ And don’t listen to your neighbours.
Thank you for your reply great advice
This is why I don’t wear shorts to run - 
The 'I don't want to run', run
A funny old run!
Am I Overdoing it?
