Please say it gets easier

[Nibbles_peach]

Just started couch to 5k, completed my third run and although the running is getting easier my knees are really hurting, I think it may be because of my foot placement so going to work on my mid foot placement, please someone say it gets easier😬

[TimB19 Graduate]

It definitely gets easier. Have a think about running style-land on your heels is given as advice about Week 5, keep a straight back if you can. There's also a very good bit of advice in Week 2 (I think) about keeping a level running gait-in English-if someone was looking over a hedge at your head and shoulders they shouldn't be able to tell if you're running or walking. Finally-quality running shoes are a must

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to TimB19]

If you have pain in your knees please don't follow the advice in the podcasts/app to land on your heels. It is the worst possible thing you can do. A mid to forefoot strike is generally accepted throughout the running world as giving the least shock to your joints. Your footstrike should be under your body, not in front, so shorten stride if necessary.

Running on grass reduces the impact.

Always land as lightly as possible.

Running shoes fitted after a gait analysis can often solve the problem.

Try these nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

Well done for pushing through. Aches are acceptable. Pain needs addressing. Once the aches disappear it is easier, but each week the new challenge matches you improved fitness, so it may not feel easier until you look back at your progress.

[Hidden]

It does get easier! I'm on week 5 and ran for 8 minutes without stopping this morning - unheard of a month ago! If your knees are hurting have you tried the Strength and Flex app from NHS with exercises?

[ShashHR Graduate]

Hi, I'm on week 8, im overweight and have really struggled with painful feet, lower legs and knees. Plantar fasciitis too. Stretching and ibuprofen 3 x a day really does help me. Ive also started some core strengthening exercise between runs. As thats supposed to help. Your muscles will build up and strenthen the more you run. Ne sure to rest fir at least a day inbetween. I tend to have two rest days after I dressing the run duration. Lush sell a shower gell called something like 1000 miles too for runners. Keep going. You will feel the benefit in so many different ways. I do 😁

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Relax..... you get stronger... you do...

Keep it very slow and very steady!

Try to run whichever way is comfortable for you...try to land lightly... I call it kissing the ground with your feet..

Knee exercise that may help....

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

Also.. make sure that you build on some core strength and stamina exercises in on your rest days...we have to make sure our bodies keep up with our legs