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Ahmee2034
Ahmee2034 Posts: 1,330 Member
in Motivation and Support
Okay, so, I'm really scared. I have this friend who is a die hard runner. I mean she runs marathons every few months, always training, healthy and active. She offered to start training me and another friend from our workplace. I use to run years ago and have always wanted to get back on track. I've just not been motivated since my son's accident 4 years ago. Anyway, today I committed to the twice a week starting Monday. I'm excited but so scared I will let myself down again. I feel like I can already hear, "I knew she wouldn't last". I'm 46 years old and am the largest I've ever been. I have bad knees. I'm just so scared of failure.

Replies

  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    If you have bad knees, you should probably consult with a specialist before taking up running.

    If you are going to disregard that advice, at least do the following:

    -look up exercises for strengthening your knees
    -make sure you have good running shoes

    Do everything you can to avoid injury, and the rest is up to "Just do it!"
  • LB30
    LB30 Posts: 109 Member
    Good for you. I have never been able to jog, let alone run. In Jr. high, a group of us decided we'd go for a jog. We all lasted about 5 minutes and then walked to a local burger joint to play PacMan. (I'm 44 :-) To keep a long story short, I decided to try a little jog on the treadmill for the New Year. First time, I lasted 4 minutes. 2 weeks later, I made it 7 minutes, walked for 4 min., then jogged for another 11 min. It may not be great, but that is the most progress I've ever made beyond brisk walk. (I can cook it on the elliptical, tho!) I have a bad knee as well (torn ligaments and cartilage requiring surgery when I was 17). I say go for it! You can't succeed if you don't try, and most successes begin with failure. You can do it. :smile:
  • rickyll
    rickyll Posts: 188 Member
    Other than the bad knees, I don't know your medical history/issues but it sounds to me like the physical is the LEAST of your worries.
    You're getting into your own head. It's a prime example of you being your biggest obstacle. You're worrying about something in the future that hasn't happened (starting your training), and about something that may not even happen (you giving up).

    My advice is to focus on the present. On Monday, you want to give it your all, so what should you be doing NOW so that you can!? Take it day by day and don't kill yourself with futile worries about the future. The way I see it is that if anything lets you down, it'll be your mind, not your body. The mind needs training too, just as much as the body.

    Hope this helps!
  • Ahmee2034
    Ahmee2034 Posts: 1,330 Member
    Good for you. I have never been able to jog, let alone run. In Jr. high, a group of us decided we'd go for a jog. We all lasted about 5 minutes and then walked to a local burger joint to play PacMan. (I'm 44 :-) To keep a long story short, I decided to try a little jog on the treadmill for the New Year. First time, I lasted 4 minutes. 2 weeks later, I made it 7 minutes, walked for 4 min., then jogged for another 11 min. It may not be great, but that is the most progress I've ever made beyond brisk walk. (I can cook it on the elliptical, tho!) I have a bad knee as well (torn ligaments and cartilage requiring surgery when I was 17). I say go for it! You can't succeed if you don't try, and most successes begin with failure. You can do it. :smile:

    Thanks so much for the encouragement.
  • cathipa
    cathipa Posts: 2,991 Member
    Start with walking. Don't go all out the first day then hurt so bad the next you don go back. Add in a minute or two of jogging during your walk and eventually you will find you are jogging more than walking. Good luck to you!
  • ckish
    ckish Posts: 341 Member
    I have a bad back and shoulders so I "run" on a mini-trampoline in my bedroom so there is minimal stress on my body. C25K is a free great app that walks you from being a couch potato to running a 5K. I was surprised how easy it was because I heard the same voices predicting failure. But you rally can do it. If you already have bad knees I'd be cautious and check with the Dr 1st as recommended above. Then if you get the OK you will need a great pair of running shoes and be mindful of the running surface. Personally I'd think twice before risking my knees even if the Dr said yes since there are safer ways to accomplish the same thing. :flowerforyou:
  • FitnFeistyLyness
    FitnFeistyLyness Posts: 757 Member
    i second making sure you are safe to run with your knees

    running is more mental than physical.. your mind will give out before your body does.. believe in yourself. stop worrying .. tell that voice that says you cant to shut up.. you can do anything you set your mind to.

    i definitely agree be fitted at a local running store for good running shoes and socks that don't sweat easily or slide.

    you can do this. start slow and build up.. c25k is a good intro into running a group of us started doing it. feel free to join our group. all are welcome.. good luck!

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/18785-motivation-support-and-accountability
  • knra_grl
    knra_grl Posts: 1,566 Member
    I agree with the other posters that you should start out slower and gradually increase when you feel that you can safely do so.

    Also talk to your friend so that she understands your concerns and limitations. She should understand what the challenges are. She is a good friend to help you out and be sure to thank her but also make sure that your own concerns are addressed so that you can work out a plan that works for you and your other friend that is joining you.

    Maybe the place to start is that the three of you get together and lay it all on the table before starting so that everyone is comfortable with the situation.
  • luzye
    luzye Posts: 4
    And this is where I need to work on the most: my thoughts. Thank you for your post!
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,984 Member
    Okay, so, I'm really scared. I have this friend who is a die hard runner. I mean she runs marathons every few months, always training, healthy and active. She offered to start training me and another friend from our workplace. I use to run years ago and have always wanted to get back on track. I've just not been motivated since my son's accident 4 years ago. Anyway, today I committed to the twice a week starting Monday. I'm excited but so scared I will let myself down again. I feel like I can already hear, "I knew she wouldn't last". I'm 46 years old and am the largest I've ever been. I have bad knees. I'm just so scared of failure.
    While it's great your friend offered to train you, unless they are trained at assessing you and any physical issues you may currently have, they may end up doing more harm than good. Don't just assume that your body is ready to adapt to running just because you did it years ago. The first few steps (especially with the wrong shoes and added weight now) could cause a multitude of problems from foot to knee to hip to back later.
    As mentioned, it's okay to start with walking and slowly work it up as your body adapts.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • HappyStack
    HappyStack Posts: 802 Member
    Definitely go about strengthening your knees, definitely find good, well-fitting, supportive running shoes and definitely go about reading up on correct posture and running technique. These things will help minimise any impact on your joints.

    Running on a softer surface will help, too, and will also reduce the likelihood of developing things like shin splints.
  • stumblinthrulife
    stumblinthrulife Posts: 2,558 Member
    It's great that you want to take this step. My advice -

    First and foremost, make sure you actually do want to run. Many people run for enjoyment (I'm one of them), but many, many more run out of some misplaced sense of obligation, thinking it's essential to be fit and/or lose weight. There are many other forms of cardio exercise if you don't like running.

    Assuming you decide this is something you want to do, and you are doing it for you, get a full check up on your knees first. As Niner says, unless your friend is a qualified coach with a medical background, you can't trust her to not train you right into an injury. Take your full training plan to your doctor and make sure (s)he approves it and is happy you aren't progressing too quickly.

    If you are extremely obese, consider walking regularly before starting a running program. I was only 220lb and I walked daily for a good 4 months before I even considered taking on running. Every excess pound you carry is more stress on those knees.

    Ask your friend exactly what her idea of a training plan is. If it's just to try to make you run, and run further each time, then reconsider. Many people on MFP have had lots of success with couch to 5k programs which use run/walk intervals to ease you gradually into running.

    Get fitted for a good running shoe. Spend a little money. Trust me, it's more than worth it. I had knee problems also (my whole life) and a good running shoe made them disappear.

    Finally, don't let fear of failure push you to work through injuries that you really should be resting. It's a fine line to tread, but you have to learn to recognize the difference between making excuses (which you should work through) and overuse injuries (which you must rest).
  • tashamoulds
    tashamoulds Posts: 13
    How much time do you have until actual training? If you have a decent amount of time I think you can start walking at a good pace for a little bit, then get into a jog, then run/train. On days where you're knees are acting up you can do something different like cycling or swimming (those are a lot more gentle than running and they're just as effective). If you can't go to a doctor (if you're like me and can't afford one all of the time), then listen to you're body if you knees, say stop it, then give them a little break. You can also try knee supports, they worked for me when I was in track and I still use them sometimes if my knees start acting up (I'm 19 but my joints are like in their mid 50's.). Good running shoes are key, go to a athletic store and they usually have someone there that can help you find the right shoe, not all of the shoes or ridiculously expensive, sometimes they're so cheap (but still good) that a poor college student can afford them.
  • pds06
    pds06 Posts: 299 Member
    Go for it. Let her train you. Life's too short. Don't make excuses, do it!
  • Ahmee2034
    Ahmee2034 Posts: 1,330 Member
    Go for it. Let her train you. Life's too short. Don't make excuses, do it!

    I DID! My friend that's "training" me was very patient and mindful of my limitations/concerns. I'm VERY blessed to have her doing this with me. She has SO MUCH experience and she is awesome. Thank everyone for their time and consideration.

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