To ask if you think I can run?

[Boozena]

Based on the following info, do you think running is feasible for me, and if not can you please recommend some exercise I can do?!
I'm 5'6" and currently weigh around 10st9lb. I feel quite unfit but know I can get better- I was quite fit around 4 years ago but let it slide.
I injured my knee 7 years ago and sometimes it throbs/aches but usually only if I've been doing lots of stairs.
I am flexible on time but not money. I don't have a regular monthly income so can't commit to gym/class but want to do something regularly. I have a little cash and I thought I could buy some running trainers and try couch to 5k.
Any thoughts? Will I break my knee forever? Will I have a heart attack? I just want to achieve something exercise wise, get fitter and thinner and tone up a bit. Thanks!

[modelthroughit]

Do many people walk it?! I don't want to look an idiot lol.

You won't! And I promise at least one other person will walk it - a lovely volunteer :)

Don't forget your barcode!
www.parkrun.org.uk/register/

[daisychain01]

Yy you can walk the Park runs, walk run mix of both, they are really low key!

[daisychain01]

That's good news Bolshier! Trouble is it can go the other way, if there is too much room in the toe compartment, the foot has too much room to shift about! My shoes are the same size every time, I'm a std size 6.6, 6 in normal shoes. I can't go up or down a half size.

[Boozena]

I've found my local park run! It's closer than I thought. I'm working this Saturday but I could go next Saturday to walk it. Do many people walk it?! I don't want to look an idiot lol.
Look what I got!!

[modelthroughit]

I love the sound of park run! There's a few people that I know do it and is certainly something I aim to complete at some point.

Don't wait :) Honestly, it's worth going right away. I still - a year in to going regularly - walk some bits often. But I've made friends, we support each other, and I'm able to see real progress. And you'll never be last. Unless you volunteer to be!

[BolshierAryaStark]

Daisy I was repeatedly losing toe nails until I went to a running shop & got shoes that fit correctly, turns out mine were nearly a size too small, that was 5 months ago & no more bruised or missing nails.

[Boozena]

I love the sound of park run! There's a few people that I know do it and is certainly something I aim to complete at some point.
Thanks for the reminder about the zombie podcast thing I'd forgotten about those.
Good point daisy- hadn't thought about wearing them in. I don't have a pair of trainers any more but ill make a point of going for some walks in new shoes when I get them.
I lost my toenail on an 80 mile walk- I could feel it going but other than compeed couldn't do anything refused to give up
I lost another when I kicked the back of someone's shoe when I had peep toes on. But would rather not lose any more if I can help it!
I will keep you posted! If I don't go shopping tomo I won't get chance til next week so will update with my finds..

[modelthroughit]

I'm 5'8" and cough16 stonecough and I run. Not fast, but I go out at least three times a week. I would recommend gait analysis, definitely. You don't have to buy shoes from them! just take advice.
Podcasts are awesome - I listened to Serial while running last year and was desperate to get my trainers on for the next episode! Or I'd recommend zombies run 5k trainer for a nice mix of story and music.

And lastly - get yourself to your nearest parkrun! It's an awesome community of runners of all shapes, sizes and speeds.

Come back and let us know how you get on :)

[daisychain01]

Boozena if I were you I wouldnt try to run in brand new shoes. Wear them around the house, walking round the shops, walking to work or whatever. For at least 3 to 4 weeks. It will break them in and soften the uppers. Meanwhile keep going with your existing trainers. You'll find you don't get blisters or rubbing on your heal because they will shape to your feet better.

Tbh I have lost a toenail with my running shoes, it grows back, but it's worth putting a couple of plasters over the vulnerable toe to cushion it especially for longer runs.

Its a rite of passage you know, losing a toenail from time to time - makes you a paid-up member of the running sisterhood!

[queenMab99]

I started running in my late forties, same height but 12 and a half stone. When I first started, I used to run the space between 2 lamp posts, walk to the next and so on, for 2miles, gradually increasing the amount of running, until I could run the full distance, then walk briskly back to cool down. I did this about 3 times per week, I loved it, and lost 3 stone, which for my frame was quite slim. I found running really helped my bad back which was due to bad posture and tension.

[Boozena]

Ah I have heard of Asics! Hoping to get out tomorrow and try some on and compare. There's lots of karrimor out there but I didn't get on with their walking trainers lost my bloody toenail thanks karrimor
I know the wet foot trick doesn't sound terribly scientific but in theory it sounds like a good way to get an idea of gait?!
I'm scared ill fork out a fortune, resent having spent so much and start out with bad feeling/pressure to get money worth. I respond better to 'well I haven't had much outlay so no worries if it doesn't work out' iyswim?

[daisychain01]

I can recommend Asics as a high quality brand for running shoes. They cater for all gaits and running styles plus high impact protection. Good offers are out there on tinternet!

[pinkiponk]

Lots of great advice here, I love running and it really helps: keep me slim and keep me content :) if I don't run for a few days I feel anxious and sluggish now.
For longer runs I download a podcast (usually radio 4- comedies or women's hour, actually quite interesting these days!) and I forget I'm running. Best of luck OP.

[LittlePoot]

Please don't do the wet foot trick or buy cheap shoes from the outset - the wrong pair of shoes could cause you all sorts of problems. I know it's pricey with the gait analysis but you probably only have to do it once in a while (then buy subsequent pairs online) and it could be the difference between running a few weeks or running for years.

[Boozena]

Thanks for the brand advice holly- ill definitely look out for them & for not flaming me for being cheap
I don't mind paying more when I know if it suits me or not and have time to save up.
Hijack away pop. You're quite a bit less than me though- I think I'm about 68kg!
Difficult re your knee- how does it feel with the power walking?

[popmimiboo]

Can I hi-jack as there seem to be lots of experts? I am pretty similar to OP, same height, 60kg (so think about same weight) but my knee problem is cartilege. Basically I have virtually no cartilege in my left knee following a serious infection. I have had no sense from any of the doctors I've seen. (One told me to do abdolutely no exercise, not even climb the stairs! Others don't seem to know and just say to stop if it hurts.)
I've started power walks but feel a bit silly and I'd rather run. The ground mostly is bumpy but not hard, kind of dirt tracks, country lanes.
What do you think?

[shovetheholly]

Totally understand not wanting to shell out a fortune while you experiment. Decathlon do v cheap (and good) trainers too - some pairs are £6-7 at the moment! Sports Direct can be a bit hit-and-miss in my experience, but perhaps this is just the store near me.

Once you know you like it, you can buy a proper pair. I went to a running shop at first and paid £££ (but they analyse your gait and they have a proper look at what you need), then bought subsequent pairs in the same line on the web at half the price. Different brands use different lasts, and what suits you really depends on your foot- for me, Saucony are brill, but Asics are hopeless. My friend is the exact opposite!

[Boozena]

Cheers all! I feel very encouraged and optimistic :-)
I've been procrastinating reading up today on running technique, stretches and shoes. I had a quick look on Sports Direct as there's a huge one near me and they categorise their running shoes by your foot type (?) which apparently you can determine fairly easily by standing on a piece of paper with a wet foot. Anyone tried this, or their running shoes for that matter? Their reductions are huge e.g £74.99 to £13- I don't care that they are yellow lol.
The running shop turns out to be out of my price range
And I'm a bit worried about spending a shed load investing in shoes if I find its not for me. Thank you for the clothing recommendation- Lycra
Will definitely take it steady so as not to put myself off.
It's been a nice day here in between showers and I think a run would have helped clear my mind if I could do it.
I used to play squash with DH but he's recently started full time work after being self employed so can't play with me any more, I'd really like another outlet.

[HolditFinger]

Reading this thread with interest. My DH and best friend are both runners and I want to do it too!
I'm 5'4 and 14.5 stone due to putting on a shed load of weight after breaking my foot last year. I'm thinking about starting off with a bit of a power walk and seeing how I go!

[shovetheholly]

Oh, and I definitely second the recommendation of running on grass - or trails if you can get out to them easily. It's so much better for your joints. (You may need an additional pair of trail shoes to give you a bit more grip).

The only thing is, this time of year they can be really muddy which is just unpleasant. You may be better off in a park, where you can skip onto the grass if it's dry enough to do so.

[shovetheholly]

Yes, yes, YES! GO for it!

I have just started over new year - have been increasingly unwell for the last 5 years, but finally better after surgery. I used to run a lot, but I've lost all my fitness and gained a tonne of weight . I was shocked when I decided to start again by just how difficult it is to get going. I don't think many people who run regularly understand how awful the first few weeks of training feel to someone who is out of practice!

I am finding the couch to 5k programme amazing. As long as you take it really, really easy at the start (do NOT go flying in and try to do it everyday, and don't push yourself crazily hard) you will soon build up your strength and stamina. I've gone from running/walking on January 1 to doing 2.5 miles straight now - and I'm hoping that I'll be able to do a 10k before long!! The best thing is, after a few weeks of just feeling sick, I am now getting the runner's high when I go out - a real feeling of achievement and euphoria, and a sense of 'I can do this!' which feels just AMAZING

Do get yourself a decent pair of running shoes, and some lycra gear (not cotton) - Decathlon are brilliant.

[Bambalina]

yep. Same height, probably over 12 stone when I started running last year. Used to run before Miss 3, and be quite fit, but it was hard getting back into it. I started with run a minute, walk a minute for 10 mins (20), but now upping it, I definitely think its about little and often, rather than long runs. Not sure about the knee, but running on the flat, on grass, I reckon would be best (and decent trainers too)
You can do it

[shinynewusername]

Agree with not doing too much too soon and avoid extreme regimes like Insanity. I know it's a cliche, but you need to find something you enjoy. If exercise feels like a punishment, you won't do it. Having said that, don't expect to enjoy it immediately - give yourself a few goes at a new activity because you can't really assess whether you like it till you're past the "Oh my god, I'm about to die" phase

[DizzyNorthernBird]

Don't do too much too soon. Build up gradually. If you try to push yourself too quickly you will risk injury or you'll tire out and put yourself off. Running is tough when you're starting out but with a good training plan and a bit of perseverance you'll notice results quickly.

[Namehanger]

Yoga fab, everyone can do it. Where ever you start is the right place and there is no end goal.