C25K Cautionary Tale

JoanB5

Topic: Knee Pain

Scenario:
Worked up to a 5K using interval training, walk/run since Christmas. Took the prescribed pace. No pain at all.

Trouble: When I got to the week of running 3 5Ks in a week, that week kills my knee every time. You'd think I'd connect the dots by the third time I've gone through Couch to 5K (or C25K for short).

I'm so proud I can do it under 45 minutes that I do there times that week, trying to prove, or improve my time.

ADVICE: If doing C25K, don't run 3 5Ks in one week the first time you can run a full 5K. Do it, than do a 2 mile run or a tempo mile or here and there. Build up to that over time. Your knees will thank you. It's hard to do anything with a bum knee. I'm trying, but it takes a lot of patience, pain, and modifying exercises.

Me: I'm going to replace my insoles, get a knee brace, continue taking anti-inflammatories (week two of that), keep wearing a gel ice pack to bed, and HOPE it gets better soon. I really hate injuries slowing down a good thing. Plus, the first Spring 5K is next weekend I'd signed up for, and another three weeks after that. : )