Having to stop C25k :(

andyj1984 · May 2011

I'm really gutted, I have got to the end of week 4 of c25k, but I'm going to now have to stop, for probably a couple of weeks or maybe longer. I have developed extremely painful knees, so much so that even walking is actually very painful. I felt it coming on during week 3, but I pushed through after reading that many new runners develop some knee pains to begin with. Not like this though, it feels like I have done some really nasty injury to both the knees, I'm struggling to even walk at the moment, running is out of the question.

I'm so fed up, I had been really enjoying doing the c25k, and I was doing well! Looking forward to continuing, but trying to run would be impossible at the moment.

How long does it take for these sorts of injuries to go away? Is it likely to come back if I start running again after its healed? Perhaps I'm just not built to be a runner. Its very frustrating.

I'm not giving up on the exercise, I'll just have to cut back to walking (when my knees have recovered enough), cycling. I think I will take up swimming as well, no chance of injuring yourself with that!

Anyone else had these sorts of problems? I could do with some support on this, it feels like a big failure, very fed up.

catcher_in_the_pie · May 2011

If I were you, I would go see an orthopedist and have the knees checked out.

Behavioral · May 2011

Where on the knee does it hurt? Front, inside, outside, above, below?

NAMsMommy · May 2011

If I were you, I would go see an orthopedist and have the knees checked out.

I'm going to have to agree. That kind of pain isn't "normal" and you really need to have it checked to insure it isn't something severe that won't "go away"

heathermrls · May 2011

hi. sorry you have to stop the c25k. hope you get well soon. i think the swimming is a good idea. less stressful on the legs and a very good workout still. btw today will be my first day doing c25k.

moxette · May 2011

Have you been doing regular stretching? I would strongly suggest meeting with a knowledgable trainer or pt if you know one, even a friend who is a runner to make sure your stride isn't totally jacked up. The orthopedist is a great idea too, but even if there isn't anything "wrong" in the doctor sense you may still have pain from tight muscles or improper stride or shoes. Starting new sports is scary, especially when you feel pain but no matter who you are your body SHOULD be able to run. Learning to manage the aches and pains of exercise is as important as the exercise itself. You may just need to learn a little more about your running body in order to do it succesfully and pain free.

andyj1984 · May 2011

Where on the knee does it hurt? Front, inside, outside, above, below?

Below, it feels like when you sprain your ankle, just on the knees. The left is worse than the right. From prodding it, it feels like the muscles, and there has been a bit of swelling.

I might go and consult my doctor, I'm just hoping it all goes away to be honest! I hate having to see the doctor...

razorr42 · May 2011

Hows it going. I weight about the same as you 247 and am training for a 1/2 marathon in november as well. Now about knee pain with running. You need to look at a few things. If your shoes are the wrong type for your arches then that will change the way you land and cause knee pain. Your quads might either be too weak to support the impact or might even be too tight which means you have to stretch more. I had suprapatellar pain when i hit 4 miles but after stretching and concentrating on my strength my pain subsided. the pain lasted 2 wekks once i started focusing on it. I have been able to reach 7 miles realtively pain free since. Hope this helps.

Ramon vazquez

srp2011 · May 2011

Yes, definitely go to a sports physician - you may have done some serious damage - that svere of knee pain is not normal. As for how long it takes to go away, it depends on what the injury is - could be a short or long recuperation. As for whether it will come back, it depends on what caused it and whether you eliminate the cause before you start running again - a sports doctor will be able to tell you what that cause might be. One question that comes to mind right away is whether or not you were fitted with running shoes at a store that specializes in running? Bad shoes is a major, major cause of running injuries (and sometimes even when you're fitted for them you wind up with a pair that gives you problems...).

Anyway, get to the doctor and find out what's wrong. Good luck!

SueInAz · May 2011

Step one, see your doctor and possibly get a referral to a good orthopedist. Make sure whatever is wrong isn't serious.

Step two, GET BETTER!

Step three, when you're ready to start running again, go to a running store and get fitted for the right shoes with the help of the employees there. (I'm betting it's a shoe problem.)

Step four, continue to run intervals instead of running constantly. I'm doing Couch to 5K myself, but I plan on only working up to running 3 minutes and walking 1 minute. Intervals are easier on your joints and really better for fat burning.

I hope you feel better soon!

Fliegenschwein · May 2011

I damaged a calf muscle just after I finished c25k and had to stop running for 8 weeks before I could run again which was very frustrating. I was told by my physio that I was probably not warming up enough, especially stretching the muscles before running and also afterwards.This is now something I take extra care with and it seems to have made a big difference for me and I've been injury free ever since.

Definately have it checked out and give it the time it needs to heal properly before you start again and also make sure you have good running shoes. Most specialist shops will study your gait to see what type you need and they will make a lot of difference as they will have support in the right places and help to prevent further injury.

peanut929 · May 2011

I feel your pain! I was training for a 5K and a 10K (5K was supposed to be this past Saturday and a 10K on June 4th) and I injured my hip 1 1/2 weeks before my 5K was scheduled. I would definitely suggest going to a sports medicine doctor to see what's going on. Especially since you have some swelling going on! It could defintiely be the shoes you're wearing (I suggest getting good running shoes, like Brooks.) Anyhow- I hope it's nothing serious and you can get back on your feet again soon. I am 1 week in, of 8 weeks off... and I am already chomping at the bit to get running again! But I have to complete my PT first and give my hip time to heal! This is REALLY tough... so I just wanted to let you know that I feel you're pain! If you can do any aerobics or pilates in the mean time I would do that! (I'm not even allowed to do that!)

Now I have the joy of being extra cautious about my diet until I can start working out again!

Hang in there!
Karen

pixietoes · May 2011

Step one, see your doctor and possibly get a referral to a good orthopedist. Make sure whatever is wrong isn't serious.

Step two, GET BETTER!

Step three, when you're ready to start running again, go to a running store and get fitted for the right shoes with the help of the employees there. (I'm betting it's a shoe problem.)

Step four, continue to run intervals instead of running constantly. I'm doing Couch to 5K myself, but I plan on only working up to running 3 minutes and walking 1 minute. Intervals are easier on your joints and really better for fat burning.

I hope you feel better soon!

This.

Injury sucks, there's no nice way to put it, but you don't have to let it ruin you. Do go to a doc, make sure there isn't serious damage, and find out how to heal. If you see a chiropractor, mention it to him or her, too. Find out what exercises you can do without exacerbating the problem, can you do elliptical? Bicycle? Swimming? Depending on the injury a doc might rather you be in the controlled motion of a bike than the very lose action you might be vulnerable to in a swimming lane. Ask about natural remedies if you're interested in alternatives, don't let them put you off with anti-inflammatories and no further solutions.

When I got injured it took seeing 5 professionals before I found the solutions that worked for me, that included the bully who insisted I needed cortisone shots and if I wouldn't let him administer them I was selfishly wasting his time. (He was wrong, btw.)

Good luck, and be good to yourself!

tabbydog · May 2011

Get your knees checked out. Continue to do what you can do that doesn't hurt and will maintain as much fitness as possible. Try again when your knee pain is gone. Another thing to consider: When I first started C25K, I had to stop for knee pain. After I had lost a little more weight, I tried again and was fine. So waiting until you have lost a few more pounds might be beneficial, as well. You definitely shouldn't continue to push through it because you could do some real damage. Good luck!

NoExcuseTina · May 2011

I have had pain in my left knee over the past few years when I tried to run (took several attempts before this last more successful attempt)...mine was most painful when going down an incline or down steps (still go down steps very slowly)

1st - I did see a doctor to make sure I was not doing permanent damage
2nd - dr recommended physical therapy
3rd - I trained for a while on an elliptical machine during the recovery phase
4th - started taking glucosamine, chondroitin and msm (I swear by the stuff)
5th - I wear a knee brace on my left knee (one that used to hurt) to prevent pain now

abbie017 · May 2011

You definitely need to see a doctor. I've messed up my knees pretty badly (two reconstructive surgeries in four years), and you don't want to end up doing more damage than good. See a doctor, get a solid diagnosis, and go from there. It could likely be that your knees aren't strong enough to handle the increasining runs, but an ortho will be able to give you some advice on how to strengthen the muscles around your knee so you can get back to running.

Let me know if you have any further questions, or feel like commiserating with someone who also knows the pain of knee injuries!

andyj1984 · May 2011

Thanks for all the advice! I think I'll just keep off my feet as much as possible for a few days, and limit myself to a bit of light walking (I have to get to work after all). Obviously if the pain is still bad in a few days I will get it checked out.

Even if I don't do running again, it won't be a total disaster since I do a lot of cycling and walking, which is great fun as well. And I can get back into swimming as well. I should have known better than to push through the initial pain, I just thought it was a natural part of running... My sister had problems with her knees (needed surgery) with running as well...

I'll keep you guys updated, and if I do see a doctor I will let you know what they think

andyj1984 · May 2011

Just a little update on this, incase anyone was interested. The pain stayed with me for several more days, but over the last couple of days it has got significantly better. I was able to do a 15 mile bike ride yesterday, without problems, as well as walk several miles yesterday without pain. There is still a bit of residual pain in the knee joint, but its very minor, and almost feels like normal.

I think the injury was caused by running in very cheap and unsupportive footwear. I will be giving running a break for a couple more weeks, and before I start again I will go and get fitted for some proper running shoes, from a specialist store.

I did actually try and get an appointment with my doctor a few days ago, but was told there was a waiting list, and unless it was an emergency it would take a few days to get seen. So I didn't bother. LOL

Kellie0710 · May 2011

I am almost in the same boat. I am training for a half marathon in September and just a few weeks into my training I got stress fractures in both legs =/ I was so upset because I have finally found something I like and forward to doing and now I have to rest for weeks until its fully healed, which is very hard for me because I just want to get up and run! I soak in epsom salt baths and that seems to make it less painful.

Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

Having to stop C25k :(

Replies

Categories