Newbie Runner and Achey Knees!

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  • brent44622
    brent44622 Posts: 19
    Don't get too set in a rigid program and ignore your body. While I wouldn't advise stopping running absent a more pronounced injury, mixing in an extra day off or a bike/swim/elliptical day may be in your best interest. Look up some IT band stretches (this may or may not be it). Stretching, strengthening, and some occasional days off are far better than following some sheet of paper that tells you that you MUST do a certain thing on a certain day. Over the years I've injured feet, ankles, knees, hips, etc. I've had to sit on the sideline for a while healing an IT band, Achilles issues, plantar fascitis, stress fractures, etc. I think if I would have thrown a few extra rest days during the initial onset of the pain, that I wouldn't have had to end up taking so much time off to fully heal 6 or 8 weeks later when it became a legitimate injury. Good luck.

    Also, the poster that mentioned the shoe issue is dead on. You likely need to spend about $80 minimum on a decent pair of running shoes. Take function over fashion and go to a reputable shoe store for advice. Find a salesman who is experienced in running.
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    I am 38 and have not run since high school. I started at 263 pounds, so I experience knee issues as well. I found that having 1-2 rest days in between each workout helped tremendously. Put some ice on your knee and give yourself plenty of rest between workouts. If you are continuing to experience pain after 72 hours of rest, visit your doctor.
  • vancoolie
    vancoolie Posts: 25
    Don't get too set in a rigid program and ignore your body. While I wouldn't advise stopping running absent a more pronounced injury, mixing in an extra day off or a bike/swim/elliptical day may be in your best interest. Look up some IT band stretches (this may or may not be it). Stretching, strengthening, and some occasional days off are far better than following some sheet of paper that tells you that you MUST do a certain thing on a certain day. Over the years I've injured feet, ankles, knees, hips, etc. I've had to sit on the sideline for a while healing an IT band, Achilles issues, plantar fascitis, stress fractures, etc. I think if I would have thrown a few extra rest days during the initial onset of the pain, that I wouldn't have had to end up taking so much time off to fully heal 6 or 8 weeks later when it became a legitimate injury. Good luck.

    Also, the poster that mentioned the shoe issue is dead on. You likely need to spend about $80 minimum on a decent pair of running shoes. Take function over fashion and go to a reputable shoe store for advice. Find a salesman who is experienced in running.

    Great advice, I think I would genuinely feel disappointed if I didn't get the 3 runs in per week, but having read your injury list, I think if my body is saying no, I'll go for a gentle swim instead as was amazed by the calories burned from 30 lengths breaststroke.
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    Also, if you learn about your gait (have someone watch you), and what type of arches you have, then you can do your own research on shoes. Running shoes need not be expensive if you know what you are looking for and do your homework. I spent $35 on mine.
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