Not sure I can do this now

[Boo20]

Three days ago I posted on here saying I thought following all advice was helping with sore knees, but sadly I have not been able to run since! I really think I may have pushed too hard and now even walking is not enjoyable. I should have done W2 R3 yesterday but decided to rest another day, but when we went for a gentle walk the pain in my inner knees did not let up. I've had to take pain killers to get to sleep at night, and this morning as soon as I put my feet on the ground the soreness is still there and I'm hobbling!

I've kept up doing the knee strengthening exercises and trying to do a daily walk for gentle exercise but this doesn't seem to be helping now. Should I just stop everything when it says to rest? I've used ice too when sitting resting.

If by doing this programme, I can't even enjoy a walk, I'm beginning to think I'll have to find another form of exercise to maintain the level of fitness I achieved through going to the gym. The constant soreness is really getting me down now, and I'm so disappointed because I found I could actually run, admittedly only for 90 seconds at a time so far, but this did not feel difficult and I did feel I could have run for longer if the soreness wasn't there.

I'm resting from running again today but am determined to get out for a walk shortly. Maybe I'll take my walking poles today.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Give it a break for now and continue the strengthening exercises.

The majority of knee pain felt by new runners is down to the impact and the poor supporting musculature around their knees.

So if you try again, when your knees are feeling stronger, minimise the impact by following the advice in the guide to the plan, keep up the strengthening and in time your knees will become stronger than ever.

I take a daily dose of glucosamine with chondroitin and have done for many years since my knees gave me such pain that I could not walk comfortably. It is not a quick fix and doesn't work for everybody, but I swear by it and would be loathe to give it up now.

Do not underestimate the importance of good hydration to proper functioning of joints. A minimum of 2.5-3 litres per day is crucial for all, but in particular runners. Not only do our joints have fluids in them but cartilage has a large proportion of water in its make up.

[T2runner Graduate]

When you do get back to running, would it be worth trying a treadmill,? The running deck is usually sprung so act as a bit of a shock absorber, I run on a treadmill and was surprised how much impact I got from running outside. It might help strengthen the muscles etc before getting back outside.

[Boo20 in reply to T2runner]

I will when we're allowed back to the gym. I never really tried running at the gym before, believing that I couldn't, but I've discovered I can run😀 However if I'd been allowed to carry on going to the gym I wouldn't have got in this mess in the first place 😂

[SandraY1 Graduate]

I’m sorry that the isn’t working for you at the moment. Rest. Have you tried foam rolling. YouTube has a few running channels, my favourites are: “The Run Experience” & “Running Channel” give a lot of good advice to new runners. “The Run Experience” has previous Episodes on fixing running injuries which maybe helpful. Good luck.

[Boo20]

Hi Sandra, thank you for replying to me. I haven't tried foam rolling, so may look that up, and the You Tube videos youve recommended. I think I will be resting for a while though now having struggled just to walk with walking poles this morning. My partner certainly thinks I should just stop ☹ He said I was walking like a 90 year old 😂 although I'm sure there are plenty of 90 year olds out there who can walk much better than me at the moment 🤔

[SandraY1 Graduate in reply to Boo20]

Hi Boo20, Don’t feel that this has defeated you, it is just that your body is not ready yet. This is just the start of your journey, not the end. You may just need to strengthen the muscles that are used for running. When you get back you will be super strong and prepared. Please let the forum know how your doing. Rest and gentle exercise.