Injury or excuse?

[IceFae]

I am a couch to 5k graduate, still attempting to consolidate. Last week I did 3 miles on Monday and Wednesday. I felt ok (I’m fairly slow - just over 35 minutes to do 5k usually).

Anyway Thursday my right knee hurt a bit, and it was cold/damp, and I felt tired from busy working from home week, so I decided to skip running on Friday. Saturday my knee still niggled, then Sunday the ball of my right foot started hurting. So I decided not to run today either.

I “think” the ball of my foot might hurt because yesterday I tried out a heated footpad in my slippers and it was really painful on my right foot so I literally only had it in for a minute or two. Left foot felt fine! I do get plantar fasciitis.

What I’m not sure is, are my injuries a genuine reason to not run - I don’t want to aggravate things further. Or am I using a small niggle as an excuse not to get up early when it’s dark and cold to run ......... when I’m tired it’s very easy to find an excuse not to set the alarm to get up early!

Both knee and ball of foot still playing me up today

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

If you are in persistent discomfort or pain and/or have limited movement, then it is wise to rest up.

Do you have proper running shoes fitted after a gait analysis?

[IceFae Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

My running shoes are proper (Asics) and I did have a gait analysis, but they are very old and it was a long time ago.

I intend to get another pair after a new gait analysis, but was waiting until after the current situation calms down. I assume running shops are currently closed.

I don’t feel the pain when I’m sedentary but when I first stand up I notice it. I’ve tried the “tennis ball under the foot to stretch the tendons” which usually works for plantar fasciitis but it doesn’t seem to have helped yet. Once I’ve been moving a round for a while the knee in particular gets easier.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to IceFae]

I think it is highly likely that your shoes may be contributing to your issues.......if they have lost cushioning they won't help.