Taking a break from running -- thoughts?

trybabytry
trybabytry Posts: 181
in Fitness and Exercise
I usually run 5-7 days a week, 3-5 miles at a time. I went on a 5-mile run the other day and when I walked back my knee was really feeling weird -- not even painful per se, just stiff and weak and kind of... I don't even know how to describe it, just weird around the kneecap and sort of buckling. I really value my knees, haha, and don't want to do anything to compromise them, so I decided to take a few days off running -- today is day 3 and my knee is still feeling a little shaky, but better.

I was thinking I'd take 5 days off, but I'm feeling intense no-running guilt and can't stop mentally obsessing over it! Is 5 days too much? Is it reasonable? Has anyone ever taken a precautionary break like this before?

ETA: I am still exercising... taking moderate walks, and doing 30DS (but being very knee-conscious!!!)

Replies

  • AliciaNorris81
    AliciaNorris81 Posts: 185 Member
    I took a two week break from walking/jogging due to being lazy as hell.

    I picked it back up yesterday like I never stopped. If I had gone any longer, I was afraid I was not going to get back to it.

    I think taking a break can't hurt, as long as it is a break. I would also talk to your doctor. :)
  • jgic2009
    jgic2009 Posts: 531 Member
    Running is wonderful exercise, but it can be rough on the body--taking a week off every once in a while is a great idea, especially if you are feeling some wear and tear.

    However, a rest week doesn't mean you have to sit on your bum and not exercise. You can still swim, cycle, walk, lift weights -- I just wouldn't do any high-impact workouts.
  • jesusHchris
    jesusHchris Posts: 1,405 Member
    Obsess much?

    I notice that my cardio slips when I stop for about 2-4 weeks. It generally only takes me about 2 days of training until I feel back to normal.

    Not very scientific, but that has been my experience.
  • mbcasey2009
    mbcasey2009 Posts: 52 Member
    Don't stress too much about it! I usually run around 35+ miles a week-5/6 days a week. This week I've ran twice. My legs just seem so tired! I've been supplementing with biking, and I walk my dog everyday. Listen to your body! If your knees need a break, for sure don't push it. If you need a running buddy feel free to add me! I run more than I do any other kind of workout, and I think the break I took this week actually helped break up the everyday stuff. DON'T feel guilty! I am trying to come to terms with the fact that if I want to keep running for years and years to come, I need to listen to my body NOW. :) Happy running and happy rest days!
  • medwards89
    medwards89 Posts: 97 Member
    I took a two week break from walking/jogging due to being lazy as hell.

    I picked it back up yesterday like I never stopped. If I had gone any longer, I was afraid I was not going to get back to it.

    I think taking a break can't hurt, as long as it is a break. I would also talk to your doctor. :)


    ^ "due to being lazy as hell" - LOVE :)

    I've been running for almost 2 years. Along the way I've had aches and pains in various places. Listen to your body and rest as needed. Do you do any cross-training or strength training to help the muscles around those joints? I'd recommend doing so if not.

    I
  • iluvprettyshoes
    iluvprettyshoes Posts: 605 Member
    I've had to take a few breaks due to injuries. Usually I'll do the elliptical trainer, swim laps and do some fitness classes. I think that switching it up can be good sometimes!
  • JeSuisPrest
    JeSuisPrest Posts: 2,005 Member
    I think it's important to listen to your body. If that is what you feel you should do, then do it.
  • OLFATUG
    OLFATUG Posts: 393 Member
    Sometimes your body lets you know you need to take a break. It may be nothing serious, but it can't hurt to bring it to your doctor's attention. Take a break for a day, a couple of days, even a week, until you feel your knee is ready to start being worked on again. You know your body better than anyone else! :)
  • Beezil
    Beezil Posts: 1,677 Member
    I have heard that it's good and even beneficial to take a week off from exercise every 6 weeks or so... so, I wouldn't stress it if I were you. I'm taking this week off myself because of how tired I've been. My workouts were suffering and I could tell I was run down. Feel better soon! :heart:
  • Teresa712
    Teresa712 Posts: 32
    Just a couple things...
    How many miles are on your current shoes? Seems like you have been doing a lot of running, maybe it is time for a new pair?
    I went to a store called Roadrunner and bought new insoles and a new pair of shoes due to knee pain. My knee pain started after my running got longer......The insoles were expensive ($72!!!) but are suppose to last thru 3 pairs of shoes.

    I also purchased this tape for runners. I forget what the exact name of it is, but it can be used all over the body for trouble spots. I think mine was my IT band. Since I started using it, my knee pain is gone, while running. It is pre-cut and easy to apply!!
    Good luck!!
  • Marll
    Marll Posts: 904 Member
    Running sucks and to that end sounds like you are overtraining to me. As someone that ran as much as 35 miles a week in the military I can tell you that over time running really beats the crap out of you knees and shins. I don't run any more and am better off for it IMO. I'd rather focus on sprinting at top speed for short distances a couple times a week and then exercising my legs with weights or body weight exercises for strength.

    I really think your body is trying to tell you to stop for a bit and recover fully at the very least.
  • nehushtan
    nehushtan Posts: 566 Member
    I was running about two days a week when my knee started giving me hints... I decided to do biking exclusively for a month or so. When I went back to running, my knee was OK and it didn't take me long to get back in the groove.
  • Sox90716
    Sox90716 Posts: 976 Member
    I usually run 5-7 days a week, 3-5 miles at a time. I went on a 5-mile run the other day and when I walked back my knee was really feeling weird -- not even painful per se, just stiff and weak and kind of... I don't even know how to describe it, just weird around the kneecap and sort of buckling. I really value my knees, haha, and don't want to do anything to compromise them, so I decided to take a few days off running -- today is day 3 and my knee is still feeling a little shaky, but better.

    I was thinking I'd take 5 days off, but I'm feeling intense no-running guilt and can't stop mentally obsessing over it! Is 5 days too much? Is it reasonable? Has anyone ever taken a precautionary break like this before?

    ETA: I am still exercising... taking moderate walks, and doing 30DS (but being very knee-conscious!!!)

    5 day respite is a great idea! I hope this helps. Hope it's not something that needs a doctor visit. Good luck!
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    I also purchased this tape for runners. I forget what the exact name of it is, but it can be used all over the body for trouble spots. I think mine was my IT band. Since I started using it, my knee pain is gone, while running. It is pre-cut and easy to apply!!
    Good luck!!

    Kinesio tape?
  • emperatrix
    emperatrix Posts: 10 Member
    Take a few days off and do some exercises to strengthen your thighs and protect your knees. I have lots of knee issues and can only run in short bursts, but manage to do lots of speed walking and lower body strength training to ease the problem. Might also be a good idea to consult an orthopedic specialist if you can. It's better to catch knee issues early before they get worse.
  • MtnKat
    MtnKat Posts: 714
    Dr. made me quit running for a few months....I got lazy and didn't do anything else.

    I had to start over after I got the ok from the doc but I'm picking it back up pretty quickly now that I'm running 4 days a week.

    Next time, if I ever get injured again, I'm going to pick up something else like swimming rather than doing nothing.

    I think a hiatus from running is a good idea if you need to heal a little....just make sure you pick it back up again :)
  • grendel322
    grendel322 Posts: 105 Member
    I went through and am going through something similar. I didn't listen when my knees were a little sore, and tried to run through it. I haven't run in a month now and am in PT working through it. Did anything change in your routine? Route? Shoes? Length? Approach? In my case I added miles and changed shoes, either or both could be the culprit. My PT says I need to strengthen my quads to make sure it doesn't happen again. It's a slow process, and it's been torture! Like most have said, listen to your body. If it persists, consider trying to find out what is causing it and work to address it. PT has been a blessing for me, they confirmed it was nothing chronic or structural, and hopefully if I work on the quads, I will be able to run healthy for a while to come. I've got a series of exercises to strengthen my weak areas, and yesterday ran on a treadmill for the first time as a test. I know exactly how you feel and feel for you! Good luck!!
  • chrystee
    chrystee Posts: 295 Member
    I've found that yoga really helps me stretch everything out. Without it, I have some knee pains.
  • iluvprettyshoes
    iluvprettyshoes Posts: 605 Member
    Forgot to tell you, my hubs has problem with his knees that sound a lot like what you are experiencing.

    He takes glucosamine and he's found it helps quite a bit.
  • Pedal_Pusher
    Pedal_Pusher Posts: 1,166 Member
    Do it.
  • alli_baba
    alli_baba Posts: 232 Member
    I've been running over 20 years and I would not still be running if I did not take "breaks" from running along the way. Sometimes injury put me out of commission or just burn out or boredom. I've taken breaks that have spanned anywhere from 3 days, to 3 months, to even a year. But when I was ready to start back up again, it was never difficult to get back into it.

    I often see beginner runners really stress about missing a run or taking time off. I have one friend who started running and became really gung ho after losing a few pounds. When her hip started bothering her, she still ran through the pain. A week later, she wound up with a really complex hip fracture where her doctor ordered her to stop running for six months (the injury actually was so bad that she never took up running again :-(

    So, take some time off -- your running shoes will be waiting for you when you're ready to start back up again :-)
  • DonniesGirl69
    DonniesGirl69 Posts: 644 Member
    I recently ran a half-marathon in Boston and sustained a really bad ankle sprain right at the finish line. If you have an injury, do NOT push it. It nearly killed me and I thought I was going to lose my mind from not running, but the 3 weeks I was forced to take off helped ensure that my ankle healed properly.

    Let the knee rest and when you start back, start back slow.
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    ETA: I am still exercising... taking moderate walks, and doing 30DS (but being very knee-conscious!!!)

    Honestly, the 30DS killed my knees. For me, it was actually the jumping jacks since they put an odd angle of pressure on the knee joint.

    But as for the running break, take it and don't feel guilty. We all need breaks at one time or another!
  • trybabytry
    trybabytry Posts: 181
    Thanks everyone so much for your thoughtful answers.

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