Running/ jogging

I'm a beginning runner, and I'm doing the couch to 5k program. My 'run' is most definitely very slow, but I'm up and moving! Running/jogging are high impact definitely have an effect on your knees!

People who get really technical about it say that running is faster than jogging, but most runners I know call both running.

Get fitted for proper shoes and a good sports bra, then start out slow. So slow that you think people will laugh -- the goal is to get out there several days a week and build up your stamina and strength, without injuring yourself. Alternate running with walking if you can't run steadily -- my coach run/walks marathons and there's nothing wrong with it. Speed will come with time.

Your local running store may have free clinics on form, stretching, and using a foam roller. Check their website, or ask when you get fitted for shoes. (Seriously, don't get shoes at the big sporting goods store. You won't get put into the right shoe for you. Your local running store will take the time to get you the right thing.)

If you have bad form, bad shoes, or your muscles are imbalanced, you can get some knee pain. My husband and I both had knee pain when we started running. Mine was solved by strength training (squatting heavy with free weights) and using a foam roller, his was solved by correcting his form and the foam roller. Since then we've both run a half marathon with no knee pain at all -- it's definitely solvable.

3dogsrunning wrote: »

There is no difference. Jogging is running.

There is a doctor who comes to talk to the learn to run group I help coach every years. He says being overweight is way worse on your knees.

Check out a coach to 5k program.

Awwwww, you beat me to it!

OP, ask any orthopedic surgeon (I know several); nothing is harder on your knees than extra weight.

What is your current fitness level & strength? I suggest that you be able to walk 3-5 miles quickly without rest before trying c25k or another running program, given your current weight. Injury is real and you want to be able to walk the rest of your life. Too many people push too hard too fast & end up with permanent injuries.

I was about 235 when I started "running" (more like a slow shuffle at first).

I'll second the advice to invest in decent pair of shoes fitted by someone who knows what they're doing (if you can, go to a running specialty shop during the week when it's more likely you'll be dealing with full time, experienced staff)

I'll also second the advice about walking too......depending on your current level of fitness you may just want to walk at first. Once you can comfortably walk 3 to 5 miles start adding short, slow running intervals of a minute or so interspersed with walking breaks. Gradually increase the length of your running intervals and before you know it you'll be an injury free runner.

When I started I could barely get around the block without gasping for air, now I run half marathons & Olympic distance duathlons (I like biking too) - you'll amaze yourself with what you can accomplish.

I found that running actually helped my knees feel better (I had intermittent pain from surgery years ago) the key is a slow build up to allow your joints to adapt.

The only difference that I know of between running and jogging is that joggers jog in place at red lights and runners stop and use the opportunity to rest.