Running Advice Needed

Look into the couch to 5k program. It is a program geared to start you running slowly and build you up until you are running 20 to 30 minutes at a time.

I would start with the couch to 5k... it helps you build up to a solid run. Though you are running now.. it isn't consistent. That will help you build up.. and allow you to focus on other things than just your legs (breathing, mental state, etc)

Also, i agree with running on softer grounds is better for your body BUT you also risk tripping, slipping or hurting yourself by stepping on branches and/or holes. If you choose to do that.. make sure you know where you are running and the type of surface. I've always ran on sidewalks (safer) and my knees may hurt but I associate that more with the distance than the ground.

Yes, try couch to 5k! www.coolrunnings.com

I just graduated the program this month and can't say enough about it. I have weaker knees too but to me it feels like they're feeling stronger than they have in a long time.

Hi, the knees going inwards in one of the signs of over-pronation, which many runners have. You need to get yourself some running shoes properly fitted at a specialist shop and they'll make a world of difference to how your legs and feet feel.

It's also a symptom of weak bottom muscles (sorry!) so get squatting, lunging, stepping-up and do the "oyster" where you lie on your side with your knees bent and rotate your upper leg outwards, keeping your feet together.

Here are by beginner's running tips, some of these might help:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH?month=201105

check out http://www.fromcouchto5k.com/

Yes, I second the thought to get properly fitted for shoes. A running specialty store will not charge you for the fitting, and it is worth every penny to buy the right shoes for you. I have always had knee issues, I started with the C25K program, got frustrated because I was in pain all the time, and got fitted for shoes. It made all the difference. I just completed my first half marathon in April and am contemplating a full marathon next spring. Also, do try to avoid the sidewalks when you can. If you are running in a neighborhood with little traffic you can run in the street, the asphalt is easier on your knees. I do most of my running on sidewalks and paved roads, with a little bit on gravel roads. I sometimes have achy knees, but ice and advil afterwards helps. Good luck!

It might also be because you aren't getting enough iron. An iron deficiency can make your legs feel really heavy, and if that's the case, then you should get more of that.

They put me on a treadmill and videoed the run then gave me different shoes to try which were also videoed and analysed to find the correct type

One thing I can add which was handed down to me by my personal trainer (she has been in the business for 27 years, is in her mid 40's, and looks GREAT).. is to never ever run on sidewalks and any type of cement. You'll be doing much more damage in the long run, especially to your knees due to the shock with every step. Run in the park, on the grass, etc.

Sorry to say but it doesn't matter where you run, but how you are running and if you have the proper shoes to run in. I have bad knees and I do road running all the time, but my shoes are made for my running style and provide great comfort which does not bother my knees

How did you make sure you got the correct shoes for your running style? If i go into any good running store and explain my knees etc will they be able to instantly know which shoes i should get?

They will watch you run for a little bit and ask you a couple questions. lol your knees though will have to be taken care of by your doctor if they are that bad, but it will dull the pain and let you run longer

Their doctor may not necessarily do anything about their knees though - I went to mine because I keep re-spraining both my ankles and get bad knee pain/instability and it was driving me up the wall. I got a quick examination of the joints and such and she said that they were fine and that it was just from being on my feet so much and that they were "tired" as it were because of it, no mention whatsoever that it could possibly be due to the way I walk or what my feet are like.

DItto what everyone else said go to a running store and get properly fitted for a good pair of shoes. They should ask what kind of surface your running on and choose accordingly.

So I have been trying to get into running. I want to be able to do a Warrior Dash, they look like a lot of fun, so it is one of my long term goals. The only problem is that when I run my throat starts to hurt. It will hurt for a day or two after.
I usually time my running and walking by songs. I run for a song, then walk for one and then run as long as I can for the next song. I can only do the running part for 3-4 songs before my throat hurts too badly and I feel like I can't breathe. I know I am probably doing something wrong.
Any help or suggestions would be very helpful.

I'm not familiar with the couch to 5K program, but I was in the same position as you are a few years ago. I was convinced that I'd never be able to run long distances because I got exhausted too quickly. I was 80 lbs overweight, but I could do other things without getting as tired as when running. Here's what worked for me. I just started running, then when I got tired I'd walk until I felt like I could run again, then I'd run until I felt like I needed to stop, then I'd walk again until I felt like I could run again...over and over until I had gone the distance or "run" for the amount of time I intended to do. Seriously, in the beginning I would run for two minutes and walk for ten or run one block and walk three. However, I stuck with it and the running periods got longer while the walking periods got shorter. Eventually, I was running more than I was walking. Then, one day on a treadmill in the gym, I told myself I was going to run three miles without stopping. I did it and felt okay, so I committed to go another mile. After four miles, I felt like I might be able to go another, so I ran a total of five miles. I was beat, but I'd finally gotten over the hump and realized that I could run. That day, I agreed to do a half marathon a couple months later that my brother had been hounding me to join him on and followed a training program I found online. I was slow, but I finished the half marathon without walking less than six months after I'd been able to run no more than half a mile without stopping. Now, I've run multiple half marathons, 5Ks and 10Ks and I just keep getting faster. I can share other similar stories from my siblings and other people I know, but they are all similar, you just have to start where you are and do what you can, but never stop. Good luck. You'll find you get healthier and happier along the way. By the way, I completely agree with all of the above recommendations that you go to a running store and get fitted with a good pair of shoes that work with your stride, step, build and training goals. Run Safe!