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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to give up on running?

73 replies

getlostdailyfail · 08/05/2016 21:39

So I started running last week, I did a bit of walking and then run, I probably did it for around 10 minutes.

For the next 4 days I've had horrible pain in my legs and around my waist.

AIBU to give up on running? :(

OP posts:
Fraggled · 09/05/2016 07:01

There are several great free c25k apps on the iPhone. My favourite is GetRunning. You can have your own music and it's an English voice encouraging you!

curren · 09/05/2016 07:04

I do kick boxing and circuits style training five times a week. I stretch and do some cardio everyday. I also took up running, last week.

Despite being fit, I ached everywhere. I do about 40 minutes of walking/running. A time.

Well done for starting. But don't be discouraged by aches and pains. When I first took up kick boxing, my arse checks would ache for days after. Now they don't unless I have worked on one kick for a prolonged period or done something completely new.

2ndSopranosRule · 09/05/2016 07:05

Get Couch to 5k. I used the NHS one. I'm now able to run continously for over an hour and I'm doing a 10k in two weeks. Started in mid January.

Don't give up; you've barely started!

Runningupthathill82 · 09/05/2016 07:07

The absolute hardest bit, IMO, is going from zero to running for 10 minutes for the first time.
Once you can run for 10 minutes it's not much harder to keep it going for 30 and get round a parkrun.
And once you can run 5k, training for a 10k or half marathon isn't difficult.
Stepping it up to full marathon is hard, not just because of the long runs, but also because it's at that stage that you really have to put effort into planning energy gels, when you should take on water, and so on.
But none of it - at all - is as hard as going from someone who sits on the sofa to someone who can run a mile.

BikeRunSki · 09/05/2016 07:08

YY to Couch to 5 K. Also invest time and money into professionally fitted sports bra and trainers. Many of your aches and pains are likely to be due to shoes that don't support you or absorb impact properly.

00100001 · 09/05/2016 07:09

Don't give up OP!!

I started Couch to 5k a few months ago - and the first few sessions I was properly aching. but now I've completed the program and am now bridging to 10k :)

Stick with it!!

BikeRunSki · 09/05/2016 07:32

Oh 001 I'm coming to the end of Week 6 - are you using an app/podcasts to bridge to 10K?

ThisIsPlanetEarth · 09/05/2016 07:37

Well done on getting started! 10 minutes is probably too much to start with if you haven't run before, no wonder you want to stop, ignore those who putting you down. To start you should be running for about 30 seconds, then walk for 30 seconds etc. The first thing you need to do is get decent trainers from a specialist shop if you haven't done already. Agree with others who recommend the couch to 5k programme. I always preferred running with other people. Don't know where you live but in Scotland there are Jog Scotland groups that have levels from absolute beginners to advanced. Always stretch when you are finished! I haven't been able to run since last year and really miss it, it an be addictive and for me it's the best way to keep the weight off. Good luck!

poocatcherchampion · 09/05/2016 07:39

Can anyone on here give advice on knee pain?

My knees have been in agony since my last run on Thursday - week 1 c25k Hmm
I'm going to buy some trainers today. Do you think they will help my knees get better if I just wear them around the house?

I really really want to run again.

PurpleWithRed · 09/05/2016 07:43

Go to a proper sports shop to get your trainers fitted - they will do gait analysis so make sure you get shoes that fit the way you run and compensate if your feet tilt. Ask their advice on your knees or go and see a sports physiotherapist, or you could also get some running coaching which sounds OTT but is great to make sure you're running really efficiently.

littledrummergirl · 09/05/2016 07:44

Couch to 5k hurts! I did run one yesterday (and amazed myself by actually managing it! )
Run2 today and rest day tomorrow-i I am so looking forward to it.

I haven't run in 10yrs and have never been a fan, I am doing a "fun" run for charity in a couple of months as part of a team and am the weakest team member. I need to get fitter so I don't totally humiliate myself hold them up too much.

ChameleonCircuit · 09/05/2016 07:46

Another vote for C25K here. I use the Zenlabs app on an iPhone.

Get a gait analysis and a good bra, and remember to warm up then stretch when you're done. It makes a big difference. You may still know you've done some exercise, but it won't be like "OMG my legs are about to fall off!"

PanGalaticGargleBlaster · 09/05/2016 07:50

OP, well done for having a craic at running, the bad news for you is that if is your first attempt at exercise in sometime you will have to accept that you are going to suffer from next day aches for a few more weeks yet. The first month of a new exercise regime is always the toughest as that is when your body is adjusting to the new demands placed upon it and your motivation to continue is at its lowest ebb, it's totally normal, if a bit sore. Stay strong and keep plugging away, believe me it gets easier!

ghostyslovesheep · 09/05/2016 07:51

Knee pain is often due to tight muscles around the knee - especially quads - worth getting a sports therapist to have a look and see what the issue is - my sports massage therapist only charges £25 for 45 mins and she's worked wonders on my back

Runningupthathill82 · 09/05/2016 07:52

Poocatcher - Shoes! If you're running in "fashion" trainers or the ones that have been in the cupboard since school, there's your answer.

Best advice is to get proper running shoes that suit your gait. Until you get on a treadmill in a running shop, you might not know if you overpronate, need extra cushioning, need a support shoe, or whatever.

You don't have to spend mega money. I now know I need a support shoe, so I tend to try a load of expensive shoes on in Sweatshop or Up and running, and then go home and buy the previous year's colours online at Sportshoes for a third of the price Blush

Also, if you're carrying any extra weight, that will put extra stress on your knees too. I had far more running-related aches and pains when I was a stone heavier. So if you do have weight to lose, running more will actually help the knee pain. Good luck!

ArgyMargy · 09/05/2016 08:00

Absolutely proper trainers are essential. I found this out the hard way. Stick with it, OP. I started running late in life and I bloody love it!

McPie · 09/05/2016 08:07

Ohhh DOMS are the pits!!! As long as it's just aches not pain (owowow as you sit down on the loo as opposed to crap that hurts) then keep on going as it will never ache as bad as the first time.

AwakeCantSleep · 09/05/2016 08:08

I've just started Couch25K! Yay! I'm very unfit, and cannot quite see how I will run 5k in a few weeks time. I also have a very dodgy knee from and old skiing injury. So far it's going well. (I'm only in week 2...)

The NHS app didn't work for me (as soon as I was out of wifi range, the voice disappeared never to come back). I'm now using the 5k runner app which I paid £2.50 for IIRC after week 1. I really like it. As well as giving instructions it tracks my run via GPS and tells me the distance etc. It's easy to play music too.

Keep going OP, you can do it Smile

TheoriginalLEM · 09/05/2016 08:14

you NEED decent trainers, preferably go to an independent specialist shop for gait analysis - this was me, new trainers made all the difference

Trooperslane · 09/05/2016 08:17

I'm in week 2 as well.

I walk quite a bit and can easily sort of walk 10k but I've never been able to run the length of myself.

Up and out at 7am and I'm tired now but I feel brilliant.

Another one that votes for good trainers.

Didiusfalco · 09/05/2016 08:21

It depends how much you actually want to run OP? Is it just general fitness?

I would suggest swimming instead, I found it a much gentler way to build up fitness, and better for my body all round in terms of not exacerbating aches and pains.

Some people really love running though, so maybe I'm missing something?

iloveeverykindofcat · 09/05/2016 08:23

I'm having the same feelings about HIIT (high intensity interval training) which involves a lot of jumping. I have hypermobility syndrome and doctors are always very vague about 'finding what exercise works for you....every case is different etc etc' but the thing about HIIT is it's so time-effective and convenient to do at home, and I do enjoy it, but I think it's making my knees and hips more unstable.

AwakeCantSleep · 09/05/2016 08:28

Didius I used to hate running. Never really understood why people are so keen. However now I'm really enjoying it (bar the dodgy knee). I think it appeals to me because it's cheap and easy. No gym bag, no driving to gym (which has a swimming pool), hunting for a parking space, I simply set off from my front door and return half an hour later.

I like swimming but don't like the fuss that comes with it (chlorine hair, bleurgh). Having said that, I'm off to the gym now to give aqua zumba a try.

BikeRunSki · 09/05/2016 08:33

I'm using the NHS podcasts. Absolute genius. Whoever invented the C25K deserves a medal. I've used it a few times to get back to fitness after pregnancy or injury or laziness! Sometimes I need to repeat weeks, but I get there in the end. I find the incremental changes just right, but I have to sometimes force myself.

ghostyslovesheep · 09/05/2016 09:35

Yes - it's the lack of fuss involved coupled with being outside - I love just putting on my trainers and going - all I take is my front door key (down my bra!)

I run through an estate (lots of kids playing and things to see!) a nature reserve and along a canal - it's beautiful even in the rain

Trainers don't have to cost the earth either - mine where £19 from Sports Direct but they are lovely and grippy as I run on road and grass and very comfy