End of week 2 - achy knees. New trainers?

I’m a 49 year old newbie runner who has reached the end of week 2 this morning. I’m proud to have got this far and I’m finding it really rewarding, however....

.....my knees are just starting to ache and I would really appreciate some advice from anyone on the forum who could help.

Should I ice my knees, and if so, for how long? Is pain relief gel any use?

I’m running on woodland/heath tracks in comfy trainers. I haven’t bought new ones yet, as I read the advice to hold on until week 4/5. I also wanted to make sure I was going to stick at this too before doing gait analysis and investing in new footwear, but perhaps I need to do this sooner rather than later?

Any suggestions to keep me running happy would be much appreciated. 🏃‍♀️ 😃

[Candyfloss103]

I’d say try glucosamine and omega-3 supplements and ibuprofen gel after running.

Perhaps now would be as good time as any to invest in new shoes. Must admit I’m also at the end of week 2 and haven’t upgraded my foot wear yet. I did however have a little look on the website for my local running shop. They offer gait analysis and shoes for less than £50. So not as expensive as I’d anticipated it to be.

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

I always bang on about this so apologies if you’ve heard it before (😳🙃), but I love the Japanese slow jogging technique as a low impact way of running m.youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2...(Not working as expected?) It’s designed to avoid injury so very good for newbies. I came across this in W6 and wish I’d found it earlier. It’s really helped me to keep running and pain free. I still run this way, but you can always address pace and distance when you have more miles under your belt. Hope it helps.

[Hidden in reply to DiscoRunner]

Hi DiscoRunner.

You sent me the Japanese SJT YouTube link in reply to my first post a couple of weeks ago & I love it! Thank you! I go slow & steady and manage to do all my run sections 🏃‍♀️😊.

I’m beginning to think my problem might be my old, comfy trainers (must be 3 years old at least); time to make an investment I think.

Thanks 😊

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Oh yes, sorry!! It could well be your shoes. The gait analysis is so interesting, so go to a proper running shop, where someone really knows what they’re doing. I, along with 70% of people, overpronate and that can cause pain in the knees and ankles. So my shoes help stop that excessive ankle roll (which is sort of what that means), so highly recommend a good investment on that front.

[Peggy254 Graduate]

I found after the first 2 weeks my left ankle hurt which then seem to impact on my left knee.

I decided to have my gait tested and invested in some new trainers. I’m so glad I did! It made such a difference. I still get the odd ache, especially my right knee but once I get going it eases up. (I’m a bit older than you😳)

I’m hoping to do my final run tomorrow so it has paid off.

[Hidden in reply to Peggy254]

Thank you! I’m beginning to think my old & comfy trainers might be my issue, as my aching knees have eased up since this morning.

Enjoy your run tomorrow! 🏃‍♀️ 😃

[Peggy254 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

It’s worth trying!

Thanks - watch this space. Graduation tomorrow 🤞

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

The guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... has advice on minimising impact.