Bum knees...do I give up running?

birrd5
birrd5 Posts: 3
in Fitness and Exercise
I've worked out 5-6 days a week for over 10 years now. I'll be 48 next month. My cardio is mostly spinning classes but I've also enjoyed jogging, especially in the summer. In the winter I would go on the treadmill maybe once a week and in nice weather jog outside 2-3 time a week. I'm pretty slow and I usually would do 3.5 to 4 miles. I also strength train a couple times a week and do yoga once a week. Usually spin 3 times a week.

The past couple of years I seem to go from injury to injury and have not fully got back into running regularly. One spring it was plantar fasciitis, the next hip pain, then ham string pain and for the past year it was pain under my right knee cap. I self diagnosed "runners knee". Now sometimes I get "twinges" in both knees.

Do I just realize I'm getting too old to run? I really like just putting on some sneakers and heading out the door....no drive to the gym...being outside. I'm also gaining weight and as I age it get's tougher to take off so I'd like to change up my routine.

Has anyone got to the point where they just have to give it up and what have you done instead???

Replies

  • jackaroo21
    jackaroo21 Posts: 127 Member
    I would give up the running, stick with the lower impact activities. I seem to always be injured when running these days as well. There is nothing worse than being injured and not being able to enjoy the activities you like. Your doing spinning, yoga and lifting, thats awesome. Replace the running with walking and hiking and you wont miss a beat.

    If you just cant give up running look into changing the way you run. There are safer and more effective ways to run that can help keep you from injury. Minimilist running comes to mind. Read the book Born To Run. Its a great read and cool story but also discusses a different way of running. The people in the book run 50 to 100 mile races.
  • richardheath
    richardheath Posts: 1,276 Member
    First, maybe go see a physiotherapist. There may be things you can do to take the stress off your knees. Back when I ran a lot (when I was MUCH younger) I had a bad knee and was advised to strengthen the upper part of my legs (glutes and hams) to aid in supporting the knee.

    Second, how about riding a bike if running is too tough on your knees? You'll still be outside.

Categories