I did it - I took the first step

[BluebellW]

Attempted Week 1, run 1 yesterday!! I wasn’t sure I’d manage to run for a minute. I am 3 stone overweight and have a slightly dodgy knee. Anyway, I managed to run for a whole minute 4 times. I probably could have pushed myself to do more but didn’t want to overdo it. I felt great afterwards but am aching a bit this morning and my knee is hurting. I really want to be able to do this but am worried about my knee.

[Hidden]

For your knee, it might be better to take two or three rest days inbetween each run, instead of trying to force 3 runs into a week. Don't overdo it.

Remember you can repeat runs as many times as you like... You may be slower (at completing the course), but you're still lapping everyone on the couch!

You can do this!

[BluebellW in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for this. I had planned to take things at my own pace but wasn’t sure if it was ok to leave bigger breaks between runs or not. I work 3 long hard 13 hour days in a row and really wasn’t sure I’d be able to fit runs in on these days. You are right, the main thing is getting out there 😀

[Jazzyrunner Graduate]

Well done! It’s exciting isn’t it?! I think aching a bit is perfectly normal and as long as you follow the programme and have your rest days, you’ll be fine. That’s different to your knee though. I’ve been really encouraged by the number of people on here who have had knee problems and still managed to do it! I’m following @Oldfloss advice and treading lightly, “kissing the ground with my feet” and it’s been ok, though a constant niggly worry. Have you checked with a GP?

[BluebellW in reply to Jazzyrunner]

Yes, I’ve noticed a few people on here talking of knee issues and felt encouraged too. I haven’t been to my GP but think I will make an appointment. My knee is fine until I spend all day on it at work and I hate bothering the doctor but I need some proper advice if I’m going to persevere with this running. I’ll check out @Oldfloss- Thank you 😀

[Jazzyrunner Graduate in reply to BluebellW]

I think it’s best to be on the safe side if it’s a long standing issue. I’m also reading that it’s good to get gait analysis done at a running shop and get proper running trainers - I’m saving up!

Good luck, I’ll keep an eye out for how you get on 👍🏻

[Jazzyrunner Graduate in reply to Jazzyrunner]

PS if you look at my first post you’ll see what Oldfloss said 😊

[BluebellW in reply to Jazzyrunner]

Aw, thanks for your help and support

[Jazzyrunner Graduate in reply to BluebellW]

You’re welcome - this is such a lovely supportive group, I’ve had such encouragement in here!

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

I started this at nearly 53, about 3 or 4 stone over weight, with a bit of a twinge in my knee. First breakthrough was learning that my brisk walk could be faster than my run. And then about w6 discovered the Japanese slow jogging technique - it’s a low impact style of running designed to avoid injury. I run this way all the time now and absolutely love it. The knee twinge has completely gone, I’ve lost 5 inches from my waist and feel great! Strong, trimmer and fitter. Still have more weight & inches to shift, but it’s coming off slowly (like my running speed!), but I’m loving the running, so it’s easy to stick at it because the running itself is pleasurable! And no pain or injuries getting here! Hope it helps you as much as it did me. But do watch it a few times (people say ‘I already run slowly’), but there are several aspects of this to get right - foot placement and landing, stride length and how to hold your arms, back & head.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2...(Not working as expected?)

[BluebellW in reply to DiscoRunner]

Wow, well done you. I would love to achieve this. I have felt unfit and unhealthy for much of my adult life. I am very nervous about doing more harm than good. Will definitely seek medical advice and do a bit more research . 😘

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to BluebellW]

You can! I really am one if this ‘if I can anyone can!’ Honestly!! And this is such a gentle way of running. Have a couple of days rest, learn all the bits of this and gently try w1r1 again, and again only do what you can do. But you just might find, this way works for you too. You could go and see a sports physio, but I can’t recommend this enough - the mental & physical changes are amazing!