Running Problem, please help

sisswright

So I've decided that I want to start running.

I think it's a great indicator of fitness achievements when you can say you ran a 5k (or more)... those things look like so much fun to me. It's one of the goals that I have for myself.

Well I'm not a runner by any measure and yesterday was my first time running in quite a while, and I was slightly pleased that it wasn't a horrible time (14 minutes) considering my mile in high school (was around 12: something)

Well about 3/4 through my ankle (previously broken twice) started hurting, so i'd walk alittle and I thought for sure it'd be killing me today, BUT it's NOT!!!

Problem today is coming from my knee... it's kind of achy, sore, feels maybe over worked... this might sound dumb but what's wrong with it and what do I do? Is this normal for people new to running? Is it because I'm still so over weight?

It was only a mile

My gym day yesterday was Elliptical for 35 minutes, core, and then the mile.

jacksonpt

2 things jump out at me...

1) first time running in a long while - you're going to have some aches.
2) how are your shoes? Supportive enough for your foot/stride?

bpotts44

Look at the type of shoes you have and if you are starting from nothing you may want to consider minimalist running to fix the injuries.

bmhatcher

Couple of thoughts:
1. Awesome job to start running!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2. Ensure you are doing a really good stretch post run...(numerous debates over stretching pre-run, I do ballistics stretching before and static stretches after).
3. Check your shoes - many stores will evalute your running - I use a minimalist Nike Free - it's awesome! I was a pronater (spelling?) wher my ankle rolled to the outside (lots of pain) - new shoes - no pronation!!
4. Check the surface you are running on. If possible stay away from the very edge of the road where it sloaps down, this will cause uneven wear on your joints!!! Try to stay on even sidewalks (if possible).
5. Check your stride, you may be taking too long of a stride for starting out....

Keep up the good work!!

ejwme

Couple of thoughts:
1. Awesome job to start running!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. Check your shoes - many stores will evalute your running - I use a minimalist Nike Free - it's awesome! I was a pronater (spelling?) wher my ankle rolled to the outside (lots of pain) - new shoes - no pronation!!
4. Check the surface you are running on. If possible stay away from the very edge of the road where it sloaps down, this will cause uneven wear on your joints!!! Try to stay on even sidewalks (if possible).
Keep up the good work!!

^^This. Welcome to running, check your shoes, and stay off cambered asphalt (and concrete, if you can help it). Sometimes something gets tweaked, but as you run and move it loosens up. You'll learn how to tell the difference between "ouch, I should stop" pains and "ouch, that will work out" pains. Anything severely sharp or throbbing, anything causing a limp, anything causing weakening or loss of control over a muscle or joint - stop immediately and get to the doctor. If it doesn't make you limp, and isn't getting worse, you can likely sort it out with little difficulty by swapping sides of the road, trying new shoes, taking an extra rest day, or just paying extra attention to where you hold your tension when you run (you do not need your ears and shoulders to touch to run fast!).

missyjg99

I second the shoes comments. I had horrible hip pain. I was fitted for proper shoes and have arch supports and I have no issues any longer. Great job on starting running. The C25K program is really good if you have an iphone/droid/smartphone. It helps increase endurance for running.