Run 2 Completed after 2 day rest....

[jwperks]

....but left knee feels sore again so I might do runs every 2 days for a while. Since the times increased I have experienced a bit of discomfort around the knees. I wouldn't call it pain. Just a stiffness. What do you do? have you experienced this....should I do some work to strengthen my knees? Any ideas? My right knee is fine again after 2 days rest.

[Treemouse Graduate]

I was like this when I started. My muscles were just not used to it. I carried on and gradually ran through it until about W5 when it stopped. But only you know your body, so do what you think is best. Have an extra day to recover if you like, or try to see if the stiffness eases off when you run. Obviously, if you feel any pain, then stop. Good luck, and keep up the excellent work

[useitorloseit Graduate]

I too struggle with knee problems. The only way is rest. I am reliably informed that, given time and work, all the muscles and ligaments get strong enough to cope with the impact and strain. I am only able to run on grass at the moment, and even that isn't enough to stop my left knee buckling under the pressure, but I managed Wk 3 Run 1 and half of Wk3 run 2 this week before it went again, so I'm going to keep resting then keep running. I got a tubigrip-style bandage which I wore when it was feeling tender, and that seems to have helped a bit.

[jwperks Graduate]

Great responses thanks. I am not alone! I've done a bit of research and I'm going to try running on the softer verge rather than the road. Also I realise that I've been making it harder on myself because my 5 min runs have always involved uphill gradients (nothing massive) but harder work just the same and a total coincidence too. I'm going to avoid those and see what happens.

[AncientMum Graduate]

Hi, I've had, and indeed am having at the moment, lots of knee trouble. Apart from all the usual advice about RICE, I would suggest you're quite careful about the camber of the roads/ paths you run on. I'm pretty sure my latest bout of trouble was triggered by running along a path with a very pronounced camber. Good luck and look after those knees

[ginbin Graduate]

When I was having knee problems (stiffness), I began using the upright and recumbent bikes at the gym. It was less impact but still provided mobility and helped get rid of the stiffness. I did this on the 'rest' days. Good luck on those knees.

[Mamma_Mia Graduate]

Hi - when I suffered with plantar faciitis 2 years ago, a good friend (who's also a good runner) suggested that running 3 times a week was probably too much. I now only run once or twice a week and combine these runs with other exercise and plenty of stretching. I know my progress through C25K will be much slower, but I'm aiming to stay injury free and get to the end of the programme this time!

Hope this helps!

[jwperks Graduate]

Thanks a lot. My knee is much better today - as if it's recovering quicker from each session. Tomorrow is the test - week4 run3 .