Back to the beginning with the old knees

[LordOberon]

Been a long while since my last confession. I started C25K again 2 weeks ago &, even though it was hard restarting, I was enjoying the routine & having Laura in my ear. Knee pains put me off after the 1st week so I was about to abandon but I've had a week's rest and the pain has gone. Contemplating picking up where I left off but knee pain and my age - late 50s - being in question. Listening for advice before deciding next step.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome back to the forum and well done on restarting.

The main issue for most people is lack of muscle support to the knee joint, meaning that impact is not absorbed. I doubt if your age is in itself an issue........we have many much older runners on this forum.

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.

Getting some good running shoes may make all the difference.

Enjoy your journey.

[nowster Graduate]

As IannodaTruffe says it's a bit of a catch-22 situation. Your knees aren't supported by muscles but the only way to develop those muscles is to exercise the knees.

The only way round this is to also do other exercises which will strengthen those muscles without having the same impact forces on the knees.