Hip pain

[Vadron]

I am 62 and have been running for over 2 years after doing c25k. A few months ago I started with pain in my left calf, which my GP says could be arthritis. For the last 2 weeks I have developed hip pain in my right hip which is stopping me running my regular 5k 3 times a week. I am terrified of losing my running fitness. How long can I go without having to start all over again? At the moment I'm still trying to run/walk but am suffering afterwards .

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

It really is not a good idea to run if in pain or if it directly causes pain.

Do your shoes need replacing?

Do you do any strengthening exercises?

There is growing evidence that running can actually be beneficial for some forms of arthritis, but it is up to you to research that and find out if it is true in your case. This may require further visits to a GP or physio, although they are unlikely to give a clear diagnosis without a scan.

If you don't run for a period of time, can you then run without pain?

As stated in the guide to the plan, you lose no significant condition in the first two weeks of non running. After that loss of condition is gradual.

All any of us can do after a lay off is to go out for a gentle run and see what we can comfortably manage, then use C25k or something similar to rebuild stamina and resistance to injury.

Don't be terrified of losing fitness, as that will serve no purpose. There are other ways of maintaining fitness that may be better suited to your body.

Relax and take care.

[Dendev75 Graduate]

It sounds like you need to stop the running until this pain has gone, which I know will be so frustrating for you. Are you able to walk without pain? Is that something you could do until you know what’s going on? In between walk days do some strengthening exercises to support your hips and knees (but again only if it doesn’t cause pain). Good luck 🤞🏻

[Cmoi Graduate]

Hi Vadron , please read the excellent advice from IannodaTruffe .

I simply wanted to add that I can confirm from personal experience that if you take a couple of weeks' break from running you absolutely do not have to go back to the start of C25K to restart. So don't worry about that; please take some time off rather than running in pain. This will also give you chance to see how this affects your symptoms, which can help with getting a proper diganosis and finding solutions.