Help! I tried running and now I am limping...

Melclear

Melclear

Cathlete
Hi Cathe (and other educated folks) -

I finally bit the bullet and tried running yesterday for the first time. I have been doing all-Cathe rotations for over a year, along with long brisk walks, and feel like I am in good shape (probably the best shape of my life, at 33 years old). So I tried a short jog/run, about 20 minutes, after a 5-minute brisk walk warm-up. About an hour after my run, my knee started aching, and now it's been 24 hours with very little relief. I have iced it (which helps) and taken Advil (which doesn't help).

So here is my question: is it just too late for my old joints to start taking up running?

I can do the IMAX's with little to no modification, so I know it's not just the fact of high impact. But is running just higher impact, such that it's a bad idea for me to try running again?

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Mel
 
Hi Mel,

I only started running with last month's rotation. I am 41 years old. I have only done 3 runs. I can do IMAX 3 with little or no modifications (maybe just a little more rest in between blasts.) The first time I think I ran 6 minutes and had to stop. My heart rate just went up way too fast and I couldn't keep going. The second time I alternated between brief sprints and walking fast for 45 minutes. The third time I did a 20-minute light run without stopping. I think running is definitely higher impact IMO. I would definitely keep at it. Just work up to it slowly. I also have asthma which doesn't make running any easier but it is getting easier for me. Work up to it slowly like I did between walking and running and each time do a little more running and a little less walking.

I still dread running but it's now become a little less dreadful.

HTH.

Marcy
 
Mel...are you running in running shoes? Running is high impact and a good new pair of running shoes could help tremendously. As Marcy said you do need to start out slow and do some walking and running...HTH..:)
 
No! I don't think you're too old at all. I just completed a marathon 2 weeks ago after starting a running program in July and I'm a mom of 5 and 48 years old. Like you, I've been doing Cathe and gym class cardio workouts for over a year. One of the instructors told me I should run with the running group at the gym for cross training. I *used* to be a runner 20 years ago, so I thought I would try. I found doing a run/walk in the beginning helped me build up my leg endurance. (There's a program called something like from the couch to a 5k that Jeff Galloway endorses.) Also finding others who are around your age to run with, can be alot of fun and very supportive. (There are alot of running groups in my area who are very supportive of runners of all speeds.) Unfortunately, knee problems seem to be very common among runners. Some wear a knee brace, sometimes an orthotic insert in the shoe can change the angle of your foot, which helps. If you can, go to a specialty running store and they might be able to help you figure out what might work for you. I was very surprised to find I could still run and go the distances I did, with no injuries. So don't give up! (Have I told you waaaaaaaaaaaaay too much?)

HTH
Jackie
 
Even if you're otherwise in great shape, running tends to demand you start out gradually. Once your knee gets better, I don't see any harm in starting over, just make sure you incorporate plenty of walk breaks at first.

Oh, and ditto the shoes. Get to a reputable running shop, where they will ask you questions and have you try on several pairs of shoes. Nothing is more critical than the best shoes for running that you can afford.

Good luck to you!
 
Mel,

Do you run outside on the pavement? In my opinion , a treadmill may be more knee friendly. Also be sure to get a good pair of running shoes, and get new ones every 3-400 miles. I dont jog often, but when I do, I go to the local YMCA as I am not an outdoors and nature person. :)
 
Sorry to hear about that knee. Be kind to it until it heals.

I hate running. Did I say that out loud?? Yes! I did!! }(
I can do all sorts of high impact, including Imax 2 and Kick, Punch and Crunch and more. But running really kills my knees. I've learned it's something I just can't do. It's the pounding.

Step is much more knee friendly than running. You place your foot down. When I run, I can't help but feel that jarring slapping of the foot coming down. It's next to impossible for me to take the impact of running in my muscles and not my joints.

If you're looking for a knee-friendly alternative to running, I second that treadmill idea. You might also look into an eliptical machine. And for all that, it's still nice to know that a brisk walk burns as many calories as running, so if you find it just doesn't agree with you, go back to walking.
 
I'm 53 and I just started running again after 10 years off. I have a 9 1/2 year old son.

I check in/lurk at the Cheetah check in and get great advice on how to combine my Cathe workouts with running.

The impact of running ( dirt paths or ashfault(sp??) :) but never sidewalks) takes time to adjust to.

I recommend the walk/run program at Cool Running or any other beginner program. Even though you are an advanced excerciser you need to be gentle with your body and let it adjust to the new demands of running.

IMO

Colleen
 
I too am a runner and am dealing with a problem with my sciatica nerve due to running too much. I am on the fence about running. I so enjoy it and the way my body looks doing it, but I have never had an injury until this and I read about all of the injuries due to running and it has kind of made me rethink it. I am trying to run now about 2 times per week instead of 5 or 6, but I am nervous now about it. I guess it is all about balance and not doing one thing too much. I do think it is better to do it on the treadmill to protect the joints. Your body probably just needs to go slowly and build up to it. And, make sure you have properly fitted shoes. Good luck and I hope your knees feel better.:)

susan
 
Hi Mel,
One suggestion for you knee, try stretching your you quads really well. Especially if it's your first time running, your quads are probably pretty tight, especially in the lower part.

If your quads are tight (even if they don't feel like it), they can pull on your knee and create pain. I've had this problem myself, and found a good stretch to be extremely helpful. Just a thought!

And I was a "runner" for about 2 months, until my body just couldn't take it. I do TaeBo and Cathe, so I consider myself in great shape. But the jarring from running just killed my joints, so it's off my list of possibilities. But I don't think you're too old! I know many runners that are in their 60's! If they can do it, you can!
 
Running is harder on the body than most high impact sports. As Carole (and others) pointed out - a good pair of running shoes is important. The other thing to think about is what you are running on. Avoid concrete if at all possible. The tarmac of the road is much better, or a school track is better yet (or a soft dirt trail).

And as others have said, start slower. It's great that you can do 20 minutes right out of the gate, but as with everything, if you overdo what your body is not used to you may get hurt.
 
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