I am keen to start the c25k. I have a knee that twangs very occasionally. Otherwise it doesn't bother me. Any advice before I start? Cheers

[Eebahgum]

[theriddler]

Obvious advice would be to see a doctor, which is sensible advice before starting any new physical exercise regime.

- Don't run on pavement, instead use a treadmill or run on grass. These are more cushioned and should be easier on the joints.

- Look at getting a decent pair of running trainers (if you haven't already) - the cushioning should help.

However, this program has quite a gentle intro, so you could just try it and see how it goes. It starts with brisk walking, then running for 60 secs

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome, Eebahgum, you've just got to stick around with a monicker like that!

See this post healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Keep posting and keep reading this forum and you will soon pick up tips and inspiration from some of the amazing people on here. The advice from theriddler is sound and I would only add, take it slow to start with.

Good luck.

[crox Graduate]

My experience is, Dr will send you to Sweatshop, Sweatshop will send you to Dr, no one wants to be left holding the gun...

Take it steady, don't rush, it's not a race. Get some tubi grip from the chemist.

If you do tweak it, rest and cross train doing something low impact such as swimming, rowing machine or the cross trainer. If you can find a council gym with a flexdeck treadmill they can be good on the joints with out a monthly contract.

[Eebahgum Graduate]

Thanks everyone. What a friendly place this is! Instead of the Dr, I'm seeing a physio for an assessment. Between ourselves, I have more confidence in her opinion, plus, she is a runner.

[crox Graduate in reply to Eebahgum]

Useful when they're in to running too, my Dr was a runner, he's the one who sent me to sweatshop for advice

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome to the BEST running forum going!

My knee make a noise like a bag of crisps being crunched each time I get up, so I went to see my local doctor. His advise was simple and succinct ~ if it doesn't hurt carry on ~ if it hurts stop and come back! Basically, if there is no pain, there is not much to worry about.

I would suggest good old Cod Liver Oil too. It does work, and if it starts hurting, see a physio.

[OldNed Graduate]

Let me tell you a true story. Four years or so ago I walked the Samaria Gorge in Crete - all downhill, very rocky surface throughout, 11 miles. Towards the end my right knee was twanging considerably (and that describes it perfectly). I felt sure cold beer would help but wasn't sure whether to rub it on the knee or apply internally. I texted brother-in-law (a podiatrist) and he prescribed applying cold beer internally. If unsuccessful, repeat prescription until feeling no pain. And what do ya know, it worked!!

Serious point here is that I just treated the knee gently and it recovered by itself, although I do anyway take glucosamine and fish oil supplements too. It's twanged occasionally in my C25K journey but has never given me any serious problems and it regularly runs 10K. Indeed I'm taking it on the Great Yorkshire Run on Sunday and it tells me it's looking forward to it.

[Eebahgum Graduate]

Thanks everyone. I've bought a startling pair of electric blue and luminous lime running shoes. They are SUPER comfortable. I'm going to attempt my first run tomorrow, and will be buying the recommended supplements next week. I've also started doing knee strengthening exercises, so it's all systems go here!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Eebahgum]

BY 'ECK!! She's going to do it!

Good luck and take it slow to start with.