To run or not to run?

[Sezza2u]

The past few weeks I've only been managing to get out twice a week and it's been driving me crazy wanting to do three runs.

I was planning on going out today but this weekend I've been getting twinges in my knees.

I'm not sure if running will make it worse and I should rest them. Or because they are only just twinges and not real pain that I should just go out and run.

I want to run but I don't want to do myself an injury. I can walk fine without pain, it's just every now and then I'm aware of my knees not feeling quite right.

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

Not sure what to suggest, my knees twinge a bit now and then too, but feel better after about 5 minutes. Only you can say if it's bad enough not to run. I would probably give it a go promising myself I'd stop if it hurt...

[beatricerose Graduate]

Have you had problems with your knees before? I'd probably recommend what I do for my shin splints- find some exercises to warm up especially round your knees and supporting muscles before you head out, perhaps use some tape to take some of the strain/impact off, make sure you have good shoes, and try not to run on hard surfaces as much as possible (tarmac/concrete etc).

And as always, stop if it feels worse when you run, take walk breaks if you need, and if it worries you check it out at the doctors!

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Any time I start getting twinges I get the foam roller out and in most cases, the twinges disappear like magic! For your knees, foam roller your hamstrings, ITB, quads and your adductors (inside thighs). If that doesn't do the trick then maybe get your knee checked by a sports physio.

[misswobble Graduate]

If you're new to exercise you can expect to feel the exertion from running

[Sezza2u Graduate in reply to misswobble]

I started the c25k in June and completed it in September/October, so have been running a few months. I've also been running further and faster than I have just recently. The last few weeks I've had less time to run and given the weather I've not wanted to go out in the wind and driving rain. I would have expected the problem to happen when I was running more not less. I did go out for a run yesterday and it doesn't seem to have made anything worse so here's hoping they settle down soon.