OFF THE COUCH: running bad for your knees? Run a marathon to improve them!

[John_W]

Interesting study showing that condition of bone marrow and articular cartilage improved in first-time marathon runners.

read.qxmd.com/read/32065245...

This post is relevant to everyone here, especially nervous or anxious beginners.

But let's be clear, running puts stresses and strains on your body that can quickly find out weaknesses that you didn't know existed. You can get injured easily and quickly and then you're left scratching your head. What this study shows is that IF you move beyond C25K to longer distances and consistent and reasonably injury-free running, then your knees can actually get healthier than they were before you started running.

[SJ60]

Interesting 👍

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Thanks for that. I've forwarded it to a friend who's recently graduated and whose husband keeps telling her she'll damage her knees.

[Swanseajen Graduate]

Tasty info, thanks.

[Jezpa]

I have been one of those left ‘scratching my head’ I started this programme and was enjoying the challenge and the mental health benefits, but I didn’t get far when a knee injury occurred, GP believed I damaged my bursa? (Housemaids knee) this was so painful and took 5/6 weeks to feel better and return to work! GP said not to continue:(( so now I have gone back to walking occasionally and feel envious towards the runners..passing by. I miss the challenge! Any tips would be appreciated.

[roseabi in reply to Jezpa]

So sorry to read about this experience, you poor thing!!

Now the pain has gone, I'd suggest you get yourself reassessed.

In the meantime here's some reading for you: healthunlocked.com/strength...

xxx

[Jell6 Graduate in reply to Jezpa]

Some GPs are a bit anti running.

Have thought about seeing a sports physio?

[Ida58]

This is a strange one. I've had various problems with my knees and had keyhole surgery 10 years ago. Dr said I had arthritis in both knees. For years I avoided most exercise as I was worried about my knees. On my 49th birthday I signed up with a personal trainer doing weights etc, told him about my problem knees. He said to build up strength in my knees and I need to say after 18 months I was feeling great and able to do squats and lunges no problem. Unfortunately I became ill and was unable to train or do anything for about a year. I've been doing some exercise for the last couple of years and walking the dog and decided to try couch to 5k. I read various posts on here with different opinions regarding problem knee's but decided to give it a go wearing knee supports. The first week I could barely run for 30 seconds but stuck with it and I am now to do week6 run 2 tomorrow. I still wear the knee supports every run and religiously stretch for 5 minutes at the end of every run and can honestly say I feel great. I suppose everyone is different but I'm so glad I decided to give it a go but I don't think I'd still be doing it without the supports. As it is I think I've started to build that strength 8n my legs as I feel I've got better mobility than I had for a long time.

Keep telling anyone who will listen what a fantastic supportive community this is.

[Jezpa in reply to Ida58]

Thank you. Hearing your experience has made a big difference to me. I feel happy to know that this is not the end of the road..I will think about how to start again taking all the comments on board. Glad to hear you are doing so well!

[Ida58 in reply to Jezpa]

Also Jezpa I should mention my first couple of runs I was thud thud thud lol. Someone on here directed me to the Japanese slow jogging on you tube so that seems to work for me 👍

[Dreambird Graduate]

Thanks for this - interesting reading 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃‍♂️👍

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

sparky66 and this!

[sparky66 Graduate in reply to John_W]

Thanks John 😊