My knees are really painful, does it get any better, just about to start W3
Aching knees: My knees are really painful, does... - Couch to 5K
Aching knees
Well... some pains are just your body grumbling about this new activity, some aches and pains are it recovering and the muscles changing. Others can be an issue. Have a look through this runnersworld.com/advanced/a... but please see a doctor or physio if it’s sharp stabbing pains or if it doesn’t improve. I had to run some of this in knee braces, but since then I’m running further and a little faster with no pains at all.
If you're having pain, take extra rest days, week 3 will be there when you're ready for it. Don't push on through pain, your body is trying to communicate a problem to you.
I use these exercises:
Completely neutral question: how's your weight/BMI? Your weight has (literally) a big impact on your joints. *If* you're overweight (you may not be of course!), the consider losing some before continuing - consult your GP maybe.
Secondly... have you considered your biomechanics, e.g. the alignment of your legs? It could be that you're naturally 'wonky' and without correction of some sort, your knee joints aren't tracking properly. Your first step is to see a sports physio and/or podiatrist.
Thirdly - what shoes are you wearing? You should be wearing comfortable training shoes.
Lastly - are you going fast? You pace should be a 'conversational pace' - one at which you can comfortable hold a conversation at.
Good luck!
John