I want to learn to be a runner!

Shani262

So I've always dreamed of being runner and love the results they get for weight loss. My problem is that when I try, my knees burn within 45 sec of starting. I've tried shortening my strides so I have less impact and also have tried intervals to work my way up. Does anyone think I should keep trying because my knees are just week? Or am I not destine to be the runner I wish I can be? Thoughts please........

supertracylynn

Start walking.
Walk faster.
Walk a little faster.
And faster....
Now you're jogging.

Take an aleve before to reduce inflammation and eat tomatoes afterward for the same reason, stretch all your leg muscles.

Repeat.

Now you're a runner/jogger!!

Pucker508

I share your dream! I've always felt like I can't be a runner, but at the beginning of this summer, I started the c25k plan as suggested by some other members on MFP. I'm only on week 3 (because I keep redoing the weeks) and have been taking it very slow.

As far as your knees go, the only thing I can think to suggest is to try jogging on relatively level surfaces, stretching well before and after, and only running for 30 second intervals until your body adjusts and can handle more. If all else fails, I would consider maybe seeing a doctor to check and see if there aren't any other issues with your knees.

Good luck!

mhig011975

walking is the best exercise. Compared to running, you will burn the same amount of calories when you walk.

carmenstop1

I would say keep trying, try the c25k program. It starts you out slowly with a combination of running and walking and gradually you start to run more than you walk. I have a love/hate relationship with running, I hate it while I am doing it and when I am not, I can't wait to do it again! Just make sure you have good shoes, I would say that is the most important thing, besides music to listen to to keep your mind off of everything else!

emilykitchell

Running is hard on my knees too. I just try to run at a slower and on softer sufaces like dirt, grass, or the sand on the beach (looks like you live near the the beach..so do I :-)). I also try to take vitamins for my joints. I have also heard that you can try to stregthen the back of your legs. I did this by walking backwarks uphill on the dreadmill. It also helps if you take breaks between running days, like run and then do yoga the next day and then run the next.

Let me know how if goes!

Fairysoul

You could always get a little flexible knee brace, it might help, doctors reccomend it too especially if your knee bugs you, but definatley strech too. They don't cost much I saw them at the store not long ago.

toxicat

So I've always dreamed of being runner and love the results they get for weight loss. My problem is that when I try, my knees burn within 45 sec of starting. I've tried shortening my strides so I have less impact and also have tried intervals to work my way up. Does anyone think I should keep trying because my knees are just week? Or am I not destine to be the runner I wish I can be? Thoughts please........

Make sure you definitely have the appropriate running shoe. Specialty shoe stores can offer you great advice. Check out this video I saw on Yahoo! News today- pretty interesting:

http://financiallyfit.yahoo.com/finance/video-should-you-save-or-splurge-on-running-shoes-26288198

killagb

Try to run on the front of your foot when you land, it will lessen the impact on your knees. It's ok to have your heel come down using this method, just don't put all your impact on the heel of the foot, by putting it on the ball of your foot, it will help act like a shock absorber but I will warn you that this method will work out your calves quite a bit, but it really saves your knees a ton.

melizerd

Only run because you want to and because you love it. If you THINK you should run because you should for any other reason don't do it ;D

That said I decided I wanted to try it. So I downloaded the C25K app for my phone (couch to 5k). I started in June (date is in my siggie) and yesterday I finished Week 8 Day 2 and I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE running. I want to do it more, I want to do it faster, I want to do it longer.

GO GET FITTED FOR SHOES! Don't go to some random place, go to a running store where they evaluate your gait. This prevents injury.

Start slooowly, even with the C25k app, run slow, don't sprint, because you'll find later that you may not be able to maintain that speed. It's okay to be a slow runner. Speed WILL come, it just takes awhile, the endurance is first.

It's okay to repeat weeks on the C25k program, so don't feel bad if you need to.

road2peachtree

What's your warm up like? What is your stretching like? Do you have too much bounce? Are you leaning too far forward while running? The best question....what kind of shoes do you have? I've found that if I (a) warm up and stretch sufficiently my run is a lot smoother; (b) take out some of that bounce there's not as much impact on my legs; (c) straighten up and don't lean too far forward I feel soooooooo much better; and (d) wear the proper shoes with the proper support everything is glittery and small cartoon animals sing as I go by. LOL

Also, try running on a softer surface. Sometimes concrete just isn't for every body. Tracks, grass, etc are great for lessening the impact on the legs. And ditto about the Aleve.

jkd1214

Have you looked at the shoes you are wearing? I have had 2 knee surgeries and it wasn't until I put inserts in my shoes that I saw a HUGE difference with my knees. Find a running store that will put you in different types of sneakers and have you run in front of them so they can look at your stride and determine the best shoe for you. I'm now in sneaker I would have never guessed Id be wearing and I put Super Feet (green) in them.

ocrunner11

Go to a running store and have your feet checked. A good pair of running shoes makes a world of difference. Do you experience the pain when you walk or any other exercise? Wishing you good luck on your journey :flowerforyou:

killagb

Only run because you want to and because you love it. If you THINK you should run because you should for any other reason don't do it ;D

That said I decided I wanted to try it. So I downloaded the C25K app for my phone (couch to 5k). I started in June (date is in my siggie) and yesterday I finished Week 8 Day 2 and I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE running. I want to do it more, I want to do it faster, I want to do it longer.

GO GET FITTED FOR SHOES! Don't go to some random place, go to a running store where they evaluate your gait. This prevents injury.

Start slooowly, even with the C25k app, run slow, don't sprint, because you'll find later that you may not be able to maintain that speed. It's okay to be a slow runner. Speed WILL come, it just takes awhile, the endurance is first.

It's okay to repeat weeks on the C25k program, so don't feel bad if you need to.

Nice! I just started week 3 last night, those 3 minute intervals were definitely taxing, but I'm sure it will be easier on # 2 and 3 for the week. Congrats on week 8, those weeks are pretty intense!

ibbray04

Start walking.
Walk faster.
Walk a little faster.
And faster....
Now you're jogging.

Take an aleve before to reduce inflammation and eat tomatoes afterward for the same reason, stretch all your leg muscles.

Repeat.

Now you're a runner/jogger!!

Do not eat tomatoes to ease inflammation!! They can actually make it worse, as they are one of the nightshade family of plants, which includes potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant.

To the OP: I suffer from rheumatoid arthrits and started slow, with walking a few times a week. You want to strengthen your knees before you start running a lot. Good luck!

JenGilronan

I used RunnersWorld.com. You can read forums, ask questions, find info...
I am a Phsyical Therapy Assistant and I have a "bad" knee and "bad" hip ---Yup, I was weak, but have improved. Make sure you are performing ankle, knee, and hip strengthening AND stability exercises. Do a good warm-up, cool-down, and ice. And, make sure you have the proper shoes for your foot anatomy and your gait pattern.

killagb

I would add that it's more important to stretch after you run than it is before you run, but doing both is optimal. For relief afterwards I suggest some lean protein to help your muscles recover.

Shani262

Great advice everyone! Im going to look into finding a specialty shoe store and download the C25k app.

melizerd

Only run because you want to and because you love it. If you THINK you should run because you should for any other reason don't do it ;D

That said I decided I wanted to try it. So I downloaded the C25K app for my phone (couch to 5k). I started in June (date is in my siggie) and yesterday I finished Week 8 Day 2 and I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE running. I want to do it more, I want to do it faster, I want to do it longer.

GO GET FITTED FOR SHOES! Don't go to some random place, go to a running store where they evaluate your gait. This prevents injury.

Start slooowly, even with the C25k app, run slow, don't sprint, because you'll find later that you may not be able to maintain that speed. It's okay to be a slow runner. Speed WILL come, it just takes awhile, the endurance is first.

It's okay to repeat weeks on the C25k program, so don't feel bad if you need to.

Nice! I just started week 3 last night, those 3 minute intervals were definitely taxing, but I'm sure it will be easier on # 2 and 3 for the week. Congrats on week 8, those weeks are pretty intense!

Thanks! That first 25 min run day was KILLER. I actually never completed it before moving on, I always walked for at least 2 min in the middle somewhere. I just decided to move on and see how it went. Turns out it's the change I needed, by the time I got to the next "long" run I did it ALL!

I also couldn't run when I first started here, the weight was just too much on my knees, so I revisited the idea after I'd walked (and ellpiticaled) off many pounds.

JenGilronan

Agreed!!

Shani262

So by specialty shoe store were not talking about foot locker or anything right? I live in WI near Milwaukee, what type of store should I be looking for?

killagb

So by specialty shoe store were not talking about foot locker or anything right? I live in WI near Milwaukee, what type of store should I be looking for?

Not sure if this is convenient(it's near Milwaukee), but a store like this:
http://www.rodiezsrunningstore.com/

melizerd

So by specialty shoe store were not talking about foot locker or anything right? I live in WI near Milwaukee, what type of store should I be looking for?

hey neighbor! I'm just north of Milwaukee!

http://www.performancerunning.com/
There's one on Oakland and one out in Brookfield on Callhoun Rd (it's really right off North Ave, way out there).

Edit: I've only been to the one on Callhoun.

supertracylynn

^^ gotta love misinformation on tomatoes. Read the studies. :grumble:

Also, you should Proooobabyly find a job where you spend less time on your knees and more time in the upright position. Just saying.

killagb

Also, you should Proooobabyly find a job where you spend less time on your knees and more time in the upright position. Just saying.

Oooh....no you didn't! lol :bigsmile:

delherts

I never thought I would be a runner: when i first started i couldnt run 10 minutes! it helped me shift 60lb of weight and now after a few years I have run over 40 half marathons, marathons and 10ks.....

supertracylynn

I never thought I would be a runner: when i first started i couldnt run 10 minutes! it helped me shift 60lb of weight and now after a few years I have run over 40 half marathons, marathons and 10ks.....

I want to marry you!!
Please say yes!!

Shani262

Also, you should Proooobabyly find a job where you spend less time on your knees and more time in the upright position. Just saying.

Oooh....no you didn't! lol :bigsmile:
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Wow! I dont know if I should be offended or laugh.

Shani262

Thanks for the great advice everyone! I did my first c25k this morning and loved it. Thanks again.

killagb

Thanks for the great advice everyone! I did my first c25k this morning and loved it. Thanks again.

Great, congrats! :bigsmile:

runningathena

Congrats on your first day of C25K! Everyone else gave good advice, I'll just throw in a few things:

1. Chocolate milk is a great recovery drink (not even joking, read about it)! I like Trumoo fat-free choco milk. A little goes a long way. Drink it within 30 minutes of your workout for the best results.
2. Be kind to yourself - not every day will be a great running day. Bad runs happen to all of us.
3. Rest days are just as important as hard running days.
4. Cross-training (Pilates, swimming, yoga, 30DS, cycling, skating, whatever) will help your running. Especially core strengthening exercises.
5. Protein is your friend. Carbs are too.
6. Don't try to run too fast too soon - work on building your endurance for now. Speed will come later.
7. Sign up for a 5K down the road and use that goal to motivate you throughout the program. I have found that without a race to look forward to, I'm not that interested in running just to run.
8. Most importantly - HAVE FUN and enjoy the journey... it's just as important, if not more so, than the destination