Not giving up

[Amanda-Jane68]

So just over a week ago I was really happy to have completed W1R3, having completed the week twice to gain stamina. Unfortunately running through my knee pain was not my brightest decision and I have injured my knee ligaments in both knees; I suspect that is what I get for being overweight and not warming up nearly as much as I have recently learned I need to.

I don’t want to give up on my quest to run 5k so once my recovery is complete I intend to start the process again, this time being more astute with the warming up and listening to my body rather than pushing through pain.

Any tips or advice would be gratefully received. I had hoped to be able to run 5k by the end of the summer; it looks as if my goal may be delayed. 😔

[owmeknees]

I had similar issues, I ran through knee pain and had to take four weeks out. I am carrying more weight than I would like as well and I do think this was a factor, along with it just being a complete shock to my knees to find they were being expected to do something!! Have you tried the NHS knee strengthening exercises? I found they made a real difference, you need to try and do them every day and build the strength up, maybe try and do a few long walks too before you pick up the runs again. Don’t worry if it takes you longer than expected to complete, the main thing is that you achieve your goal, not how quickly you do it. Good luck 👍

[Amanda-Jane68 in reply to owmeknees]

Thank you ever so much. I had felt really despondent, knowing that other people have experienced the same makes it feel less bad.

I will check out the knee strengthening exercises, thank you.

[Thecko Graduate]

I had a knee issue early on through the plan as well although with me I hadn't noticed any pain at all until the morning after a run I went to a physio for treatment and she gave me a number of different exercises to do to stretch the troublesome tendon and also strengthen the muscles which keep the knee aligned while running.

If you have access to one through a healthcare plan I'd definitely recommend doing that rather than simply sitting on the sofa waiting for the pain to stop. If you don't then maybe have a look at the NHS strength & flex plan nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/s...

[Amanda-Jane68 in reply to Thecko]

Thank you so much for the advice

[Victoria1james Graduate]

I’ve found the whole thing a huge challenge and have also hurt my knee. I’m currently putting ibuprofen gel on it and I think it’s helping a bit. I’m on week 5 now and even though the knee continues to be an issue, the thrill of completing each session, as hard as I’m finding it, is somehow spurring me on. I’m not doing this for any particular end goal, it’s just for me. I love music and the quiet streets in the morning and most importantly I’m enjoying the fresh air (I work in a hot workshop).

Listen to your body, take an extra day to recover if needed and go at your own pace. You can do it!

[Helenpa Graduate]

I hurt my knee early on in the programme too, w2 I think, had to stop for 3 weeks to recover but managed to pick up where I left off.... and graduated last weekend. Don’t put pressure on yourself or a tight time scale, go at your own pace. Also trust the programme, it’s fantastic. Good luck you can do it!