Reached a plateau? Help!

[Kilibabs]

I've been doing C25K since June and was doing really well until week 8. I did the first 28mins ok but since then I've not managed it - I've been repeating the runs to try and build up stamina but I have developed a sharp pain in one knee so have to keep walking every so often. I feel like I've possibly plateaued at about 25mins running although in my head I still want to graduate. Should I stop running until my knee feels better? I'm frightened of losing my new found fitness - especially as I'm 60 and know that it will take me a while to build up again. Any advice gratefully received 😊

[roseabi]

It's probably best to rein back on your running time, and seek professional advice - GP and physiotherapist (GP can refer you). If you see a physio they will most likely give you exercises to strengthen your knee, and you will find some exercises on the NHS website you might want to try. It's important to keep moving, so walk at least (don't run if painful), and to maintain your cardiovascular fitness I'd recommend swimming too. Don't lose heart!

nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

[Kilibabs in reply to roseabi]

Thank you, roseabi! I'm enjoying it so much it's frustrating to not be able to run but I'll take your advice and see my GP.

[roseabi in reply to Kilibabs]

I had a knee injury some time after I graduated C25K, while I was training for a half marathon. I would not suggest you do the same as me, since everyone is different, but the physio I saw was very keen for me to carry on running. He told me to build up my distance gradually, avoiding hills. With proper care and consideration I'm sure you can go on to graduate, and continue your running career

[Kilibabs in reply to roseabi]

Thanks for your encouragement.......I like the term 'running career' ...I never thought I'd take to it like I have!

[roseabi in reply to Kilibabs]

It's good innit!?

[Whatsapp Graduate]

As roseabi suggests. Stop running and seek medical advice. Take some time out and recover. You may loose a bit of fitness if your out for a few weeks, but you'll soon get back to where you are. The alternative is you make your injury worse and end up on the IC for much longer - "A stitch in time saves nine".

[Kilibabs in reply to Whatsapp]

Thank you for that advice. I will take heed!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Any recurrent pain that stops you running should be checked out by a medical professional.

[Kilibabs in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you! I'm definitely getting the message about seeking medical advice. It's great to be able to come on a forum like this.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Okay... you are going to be fine...

Please get the knee checked out ... there are the exercises you can do to help... but it may not be the right thing to do... you know how bad the pain is... and we never run through pain.

The fitness is still there and will build up again... if you check out a couple of my last posts, you will see how long I was crocked... but back on it now ( I am 68)

You will be running again...never fear

[Kilibabs in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you Oldfloss. I did actually read your last post yesterday - it was wonderful! Thank you for the encouragement and advice. 😀