How much pain is too much pain??

[Busylizzy2021]

Hello everyone. This is my first time posting. I decided to challenge myself the beginning of the year to couch to 5k by march. I did 2 months of walking first (one hour a day) to try and improve my fitness to a point where I could attempt this and was feeling very nervous but also very excited to try. My problem is this, week 2 run 2 and I'm really struggling with knee pains. I bought knee supports and watched videos on correct posture and gave myself 5 days rest between the last run and this one but they're still painful. I dont want to quit the challenge before I've really begun, but I also dont want to do myself any injury. As I'm a real novice any advice would be really appreciated. Thanks in advance

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

If you classify it as pain, as opposed to discomfort, then your body is telling you to stop. Maybe have extra rest days and do strengthening exercises.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[Ianastarter]

Hello Busylizzy, I am genuinely sorry to hear about what has happened. And particularly because I know what it means to be motivated and find painful obstacles in the way. My only advice here (as someone who isn't a health/running expert) is that your body is clearly telling you that you had better get expert advice before you do anything. As you say, the last one thing you want is a permanent injury which not only reduces the chance to run, but gets in the way of basic routines in your life e.g. walking, getting up the stairs. I do hope your advice helps to get you back running, and completing the progamme. Best wishes. Ian