Unfit

I've been trying to run for 3 years. I am a couple of stone overweight and haven't lost any of it through running. Whenever I try the most I can manage is about 20 minutes and most of the time my lower back really hurts. I cannot keep the pace. What am I supposed to do? Doctors are no help as they know nothing about exercise or fitness.

[andystev Graduate]

Exercise helps, but weight management is mostly about diet.

If you can run for 20 minutes, then you can run! Back pain could be posture, or poor quality shoes, or... I'd suggest a visit to a running shop, have a gait analysis done and ask specific questions about how you might improve a lower back problem.

To get passed 20 minutes, don't progress until you're comfortable, repeat whichever week feels ok a few times before moving on, then repeat that one until you're happy.

persevere, it'll come.

[Hidden in reply to andystev]

'running shop'?

The only place i know that sells trainers sells all kinds of trainers all mixed in so you have casual deck shoes alongside expensive trainers. I have no idea what would constitute a decent pair of running shoes and I don't have the money to spend more than about a tenner on them. This stuff isn't cheap whenyou're out of work (and the NHS is no help whatsoever).

[RhonaL]

You can run if you keep going for twenty minutes. I had lower back pain when running and sore knees but shoes for overpronating feet felt immensely. Time to hit the running shop. Good luck.

[OldNed Graduate]

If your lower back is hurting you might want to see a chiropractor to make sure your spine is properly aligned. My chiropractor corrected a 25 year history of serious lower back pain which had me walking with a stick at several points. Spine was mis-aligned (scoliosis) and hamstrings excessively tight through compensating for it. I'm now running 5K regularly and have done two 10Ks. Nuff said?

[Hidden in reply to OldNed]

Thanks but that's not going to be practical on the nhs. Even if it were possible (and i've neve rbeen told i have a wonky back, i'm carrying extra weight), the waiting list would be ridiculous.

[OldNed Graduate]

I go privately. £30 a session once every 4 mths = money well spent. Not for everyone I know but... And perhaps you've never been told you have a wonky back because you've never been to a chiropractor? I didn't know mine was twisted until I went, becasue of the persistent lower back pain (which I now don't have).