Completed W4R3 and so happy but my knees hurt

[Cocostokoe]

After never being able to run and not being very fit I thought I would give C25K a go. I have really surprised myself and really enjoyed it so far after completing w4r3 today. It’s been tough at times but so look forward to my next run every time. I really want to continue and would love to become a proper runner. A little worryingly though my knees have started to hurt. I just wondered if there was any advice anyone could give. I really don’t want to stop now as I’m loving it.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome and well done.

My first question is what are you wearing on your feet? If you are not wearing proper running shoes, fitted after a gait analysis done at a specialist running shop, then your footwear may be contributing.

Have you read the guide to the plan? healthunlocked.com/couchto5... It has advice on many topics, including shoes.

You can reduce impact to knees by slowing down, making sure footfall is under the body, not out in front, running on grass, avoiding heelstrike and landing as lightly as possible.

You can find knee strengthening exercises here nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

Take care.