jogging and knee pain?

omgkittens1

I started jogging recently, for the first time in my life. I do short distances because I also recently quit smoking and my lungs still hate me. I kicked it up a bit on Friday, and pushed a little more than I had been, and today the muscles surrounding my knees hurt so bad and my knees keep buckling. I walked the dog earlier and almost fell a few times because of the buckling.

I assume that I need to take it easy for a day or so, but are there any stretches that I can do to help? And what kind of exercises can I do that will maybe help prevent this in the future?

Thanks, MFP friends!

kfesta52

I don't know about trying to rely on stretches or exercises to deal with this issue. What it tells me is just that you've probably been pushing a little too hard a little too fast (good for you for being motivated!!!). Let your body adjust for a week or two (or even more if you haven't been running much before) before changing your workout and adding more distance or pushing harder. Make sure you have a good pair of running shoes; go to a running shop and get some recommendations regarding your gait and what type of shoes you should be wearing. It could be partly your shoes plus how your body is made up, which is not something that will clear up with careful exercising.

omgkittens1

Thanks for the advice! I guess I pushed too much too soon! I'll probably stick with walking mostly for a while.