Would like to start jogging again.

Here is a little background.  I started jogging last summer.  I wasn't able to go very far for very long.  Maybe a mile or so without a break, then I would walk, jog, etc.

Well, this summer (well, the start of Spring) I started jogging again, gradually making my way up to being able to jog (about a 10 minute mile pace) about 3-3.5 miles.  I started to get knee pain in my right knee (my mother has horrible knees and knee pain, had screws in both her knees) and shortly after that began to happen, I stopped.  It was within 2 weeks or so, it became more of a steady pain rather than sporadic like it started out. So, anyway, I decided to stop because in my mind, I would rather spare myself the knee pain and find some other route to exercise.

Here is the problem:  I miss jogging.  I used to be a heavy smoker, I used to have asthma (still have it, just not affected like I used to be when I was young and when I used to smoke) and now I am so much healthier and so much more energetic than I used to be.  I really enjoyed jogging, it was just fun.  I loved being greeted by friendly faces when I would jog at the park.  Us joggers just had a connection that we never had with walkers.  You know what I mean.  Anyway, I want to jog again.  But, I don't want the knee pain.

Is there any way that I can avoid this knee pain altogether?  I thought about maybe trying to lose the 18 lbs left that I have to lose and then try it thinking maybe the extra weight taken off would cause it to not be as bad.  I don't know.  I am sure some of you could shed some light on this. 

By the way, I am 24 years old, 5'1", currently 143 lbs (want to get down to 125) and have a desk job (blah) and only have time to jog 3-4 days out of the week.

 What you were experiencing was probably the beginning of an overuse injury due to a variety of factors - you don't write anything about your running schedule, but I susepct that you didn't follow an established training program to get into shape enough to be able to run, you just took off. For some people that works, but they're the exception - most runners do a lot better following a schedule to improving your cardio capacity without increasing your injury risk at this particular training stage

 You should start a sports-specific strength training routine to keep you injury-free. Maybe join the rest of the gang doing the no business running workout - or alternately the Army's version Fit to Run. Oh, and do check out the SmartCoach on runner's world to get a personalised running schedule, and read up on http://www.halhigdon.com or www.jeffgalloway.com if your ambitions stretch further than weight loss ;)

Dear lovingmylife

Did you ever have the knee pain check out? You should, especially if it is still there, or comes back if you start running again. It might be something as simple as an overuse injury, or it could be something worse.... If you do get it checked out go to a sports doctor, or a doctor that runs.  They will be more sympathetic to your desire to run.

Also, have you ever tried interval running - you run for a set amount of time (1 min, 2 min - you decide) and then you walk for 1 minute.  Jeff Galloway - an Olympian marathoner developed this method of running, and he suggests that it is a good way to run and stay injury free.  Check out his website at www.jeffgalloway.com it has lots of information there for you. I have used his method to complete 4 marathons... and I was smiling at the end of each one!

 

 

Hi there! 

Another good resource you may want to check out is coolrunning.com.  I did their "Couch to 5K" program a couple of years ago, and it helped to slowly acclimate my body to running again after years of absence. 

Another thing is to MAKE SURE you're running with good form.  Running on your toes, for example, is just asking for a blown knee.  You should always strike the ground first with your heel, then roll off your mid foot and toes. 

I suggest going to a real running store with real running experts, and asking them to evaluate your form.  It was emabarrassing for me, but totally worth it in the long run.  They will usually do this for free, but while you're there, make sure your shoes are in good shape.  Running shoes need to be replaced at an alarming pace, so you may not even be aware that your feet are unsupported. 

I hope you can reclaim your jogging hobby!

Danica

 

Thanks for all the suggestions!  I don't have the patience nor the money right now to be going to see a specialist so in the meantime, I will keep my walk going on, lose a few pounds then see if I can gradually go back into it. 

And for the poster who asked if it hurts now, no, it does not hurt since I stopped.

Stick with it. Jogging is such an efficient way to lose weight. I would definately recommend consulting someone about your knee condition but I have found that with correct running shoes this can alieviate a lot of the problems (I learnt the hard way).

Also whilst you are getting back into it try a bit of walk run activity. Include a 1-2 fast past 100 yd walks in each mile. You are still getting all of the activity of the exercise but reducing the impact side. You will also find you can go for longer.

Good Luck.