Never thought I'd get this far!

[mand3966]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to posting on this site, but have been an avid reader of this site for some weeks now. I started on my couch to 5k journey approx. 3 months ago, but only just over 2 weeks in, had an injury and ended up with a torn cartilage in my knee, and was told by the doctor that I should never try running again! and also told that 'some people just are not built for running'! Hello, I now I am not stick thin, but at a size 16, don't think I'm massively huge either! I told her that I was enjoying running and wanted to continue, she did agree after some persuasion, and said if I wanted to continue to rest the knee for at least 6 weeks, and to go very slowly!

Well, 6 weeks to the day after, my couch to 5k 2nd journey began! and last night in the heat I actually managed the dreaded week 5 day 3 of the plan, and jogged for a total of 20 minutes!!!! The first 10 minutes I was really unsure I was going to be able to do it, but after Laura said I was half way there, I actually began to enjoy it, and at one stage could tell I had a great big smile on my face! When Laura said it was time to stop, I was pleased, but felt that I could have even continued for a while!!!! What a feeling, couldn't believe I'd done it! ME!!!! Someone who hated sport at school, never done any form of exercise, and who turns 50 years of age in a fortnights time!

Can't believe that only 5 weeks ago, I was dying after running for 1 minutes, now I'm jogging for 20 minutes! Ok, a slow jog (and at one point I think I saw a snail overtake me!), but I didn't resort to running and kept on going!

Now for some advice really, as I said at the beginning, had an injury to my knee the first time off, and even though it is letting me run now, it still isn't 100% and after my run last night, I had to put ice on it as it was hurting, it's still playing up somewhat this morning, nothing serious (touch wood), but feeling tight, any advice on how to make sure I don't do any further damage to it? Really don't want to have another injury now and have to give this jogging lark up! Just as I'm beginning to enjoy it!!!

Mandy

[OldPossum]

Well done to you. That first 20 minute run is the biggest high ever isn't it? I'm afraid I can't help with the knee but just wanted to congratulate you on your perseverance. 😀

You could always try discussing it with a physiotherapist - one who understands sports injuries - you may need to support it when you run. Good luck. 😀😀

[Bluerockdragon Graduate]

Well done! That's run's a hurdle on so many different levels but it feels great to be over it. Like OldPossum I can't advise on your knee but a physio sounds like the right person to see, they're experts in joints and muscles. Make sure the one you choose is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Hope week 6 goes well.

[SleepySloth Graduate]

Well done on the W5R3, I did it at the weekend and it is great to get this far!

On the cartilage pain, obviously seeing a physio is a good idea. I've got an over-stretched ACL which has resulted in damage to the cartilage, so I run in a big black knee support (underneath my aging joggers). This keeps my knee from moving about when I'm running, but I am trying to be good and do the knee exercises linked to from the NHS Couch to 5k webpages. Also, I think that doing the stretches properly after exercise stops the muscles from pulling joints about as well as stopping the aching the next day!

When I asked for knee advice, lots of people pointed out that gait analysis and proper shoes were a Good Thing. I am putting it off at the moment due to lack of funds but I do know I should get it done. So far, by taking it slowly and following the programme, my slight niggles in the muscles around my bad knee have all calmed down and I haven't had any pain.

I hope it all settles down soon!

[mand3966 Graduate in reply to SleepySloth]

Thanks for all the advice SleepSloth, and well done to you for completing the same run at the weekend! I also have a big black knee support, and wear it underneath my tracksuit bottoms, but don't wear it over my jogging leggings, as I know it would look silly! (what am I like!) I will check out the knee exercises linked to the Couch to 5k webpages, and also look at the stretches as I don't do any at the moment, just the 5 minute brisk walk before and after each run.

I'm also toying with the idea of having my gait looked at, and buying appropriate shoes, but wanted to get more into this jogging lark before paying out a lot of money on new trainers... That was going to be the treat to myself after completing the plan (buying a nice new pair of trainers!)

Thanks again, and hopefully see you at the end of week 9!!!

[Titch121]

Massive well done mand3966 and SleepySloth on completing that scarey sounding 20 minute run in week 5. Im jogging along in your footsteps and just about to start week 5 so you two keep running and showing me the way.

[mand3966 Graduate in reply to Titch121]

Hope it all goes well Titch 21, just keep putting one foot in front of the other, and go slow (I started slower at the start of last night's run, and felt I had enough energy left during the last 5 minutes to get back to my normal pace, which seemed to work for me!)

Good luck! You can do it!

[Spongecake7 Graduate]

If you have a dodgy knee, don't wait too long for getting your gait analysed! After week 6 it's pretty much straight running with no walking bits so do be kind to that knee. I find stretching helps mine and if I can I run on grass/soft surfaces rather than pounding pavements.

Good luck!

[mand3966 Graduate in reply to Spongecake7]

Thanks, I was planning on getting it analysed when I finish the programme, as the treat to myself for finishing will be a new pair of trainers!