To think I'm not built for running?

[PrincessHoneysuckle]

Did a thread on Exercise yesterday but no response.
I'm 40 and 5ft 10.Ive done couch to 5k before and got to around week 4 but my knees hurt a lot and my stamina was shit.Is it my height that is affecting my ability or just that I need patience? I wondered if my height caused the knee pain.I'm starting ct5k again this morning so needed some encouragement

You have decent trainers but are they the right ones for you? Did you get a gait analysis done?

I'm 5'9 and starting to like running, well it's more plodding along as I'm not quick at all. Started around 2 months ago and although I still feel like I'm dying after around 2 minutes the people I run past dont know I've only been running for 2 minutes, I could have just done 10k for all they know!

My knees sometimes hurt, more so when I've done 3 or 4 runs in a week. I'm going to try and run on grass as mentioned above and do some leg strength exercises.

I would say a lot is to do with trainers. Even if they are 'good' sports trainers they might not be running trainers.

You might also have an underlying knee problem that has only come to light by running. I find running on the roads better as running on an angle really hurts one of my knees.

Make sure you have a rest in between

Running is bloody hard (I think). It is however great for fitness and it is worth persevering.

I find that my max is about 35/ 40 minutes I just get so bored otherwise. The fitter I am the faster/further I go in that time.

I've given up on running as I'm too impatient. My cardio system improves a lot quicker than my musco-skeletal system and I end up overdoing it and injuring myself. Maybe you just need to take more time to build it up.

Typical scenario for me whenever I tried to get back into running:

Heart and lungs: wow, I feel great let's go further/faster/longer!
Brain: yes, I can feel like I've achieved something
Muscles and joints: no way am I doing that again, may have to tweak the calf or Achilles to stop her in her tracks
Me: not again, argh!

Running IS hard! I'm short & fat with bad knees. I can swim, cycle and row and do weights, but have always struggled to get going with running - I've done one half marathon pre DC and since then the occasional 5k has been my max.
I take a long time to warm up - doing other sports I can get through that wall relatively quickly, but it never seems to go with running. I can't get over the hump to get to a point where I can carry on for a while to build stamina.
Plus my knees and ankles are fucked.
So now I concentrate on jog/walks with the dog, and cycling!

I did it! I'm sweating like a pig but I did it!

@Inaquandary19 no didnt get gait analysis

I've got Karrimor running trainers

I feel the same, I'm very impatient and just went for several fast runs straight out the door after a year of mat leave doing nothing but sitting on the couch and light housework. Did my knee in to the point I was having trouble walking downstairs for a long while! I tried again maybe 18 months-2years later when I thought my knee had settled down but then I knackered my foot!
Don't ever run on concrete paving slabs. If you need to do road running go on the tarmac as its softer and more even. If you can, find a proper even dirt track or grass but the important thing is an even surface. Google running surfaces, concrete is 10x harder than tarmac
Also go for gait analysis and buy the correct running shoes following advice. You can do this on the high street in select sports shops and as a PP said it's really better to get a physio's advice, but my physio wasn't really forthcoming and just told me to get it done at the shops. It was better than nothing anyway I feel I'm in good running shoes now.
I second strength and core stability training, I started pilates classes and the knee problems have reduced along with all other little niggles in my shoulders etc. My physio had said I was completely out of alignment due to muscle wastage/ overstretched hamstrings etc from all the sofa sitting, and this was causing patella misalignment when running.

@Greyarabsdrinkthewind

Im interested in peoples comments. Im about to start week 4 but have terrible right knee pain. Im taking regular ibuprofen because its waking me in the night, is very painful when I run and or go up/down the stairs. I'm very disappointed and my DH thinks I should stop C25K and do cycling instead, I've got excellent trainers with good support and gel soles etc I'm not bouncing to much but I am running on pavements. Im rural and grass round here is mainly very long. Before e staying C25K I could easily walk 6-7 miles (and further if necessary) but now my knee hurts so badly and Im struggling to walk that far. I was doing it to improve my cardiovascular fitness.

Same here. It turned out I'd torn my MCL. I now wear a knee brace for yoga and walking and after three weeks its slowly improving.

@PrincessHoneysuckle
I had karrimor, thats what the physio told me to get rid of
Asics and new balance are quite good and do the gait analysis.

I run regularly and can't help but think that I'm entirely the wrong build for it, being very top heavy with size 1/2 feet.
I'm not actually sure what the ideal build for running is but I'm pretty sure it's not that.
@PrincessHoneysuckle Well done!

I find running really boring so do other things instead. My DH struggles with his knees so uses a rowing machine instead. However it sounds like you like it so there’s some really good advice on here about posture and perseverance.

@NotPayingAttention really? That's worth looking in to.I didnt get knee pain today I think if I remember rightly is when I get onto week 2 onwards.If I stick to it I'll invest in some different trainers.Thanks for the tip.

I did have gait analysis years ago, that indicated shoes for pronation. I had to bin them, the pain just got worse and worse. I can only use neutral shoes.

Strength not shoes there is no quick fix

I'm sure some people just aren't meant to run!
I tried to run for a couple of years, even did a half marathon. But i never really enjoyed it, and it always hurt my knees, ankles, hips, back etc.
I've also been told by physios that tall people aren't made to run (I'm 5 7.5) and that running is terrible for your joints. I have bad knees anyway (and I'm only 29), apparently very likely to develop osteoarthritis.
While I miss the convenience of running, I've finally realised that walking and swimming are the best exercises for me.

I'm crap at/hate running and I'm 5ft 11, I never realised it could be a height thing! Careful with your knees OP, I always bugger mine when I start running and end up needing physio.

Running, especially on hard surfaces, is quite high intensity and can be pretty harsh on your joints.

I have the beginnings of arthritis in my lower back and hips and I can't run, as the impact on my joints is far too much. While I can cope at the time, later that day/the following morning, I won't be able to walk without being in excruciating pain. I can walk for hours and hours though!

My dad is a fell runner and is very, very good at what he does. But he's very slightly built, has practically zero body fat and is extremely, extremely fit. However he avoids road/pavement running as much as possible and sticks to grass and trail as it's much better on your joints. He'll run on roads to get to the fells (we live in the Lakes so he doesn't have to go far!) but not for longer than a mile or so. He's 65 tomorrow and runs about 10 miles a day, if not more!

I will happily walk all day - I have a dog and can fell-walk with him for hours but running has killed me after about five minutes

I'm short and 'stocky', find running really hard and always assumed I was the wrong build for running and long leggy types were the right build! But like others here forced myself to go running during lockdown as my gym is closed, as a means of getting some cardio in. I did the whole of C25K (first time I have ever completed it!) so got to the point where I could run 5k continuously, but it did not feel easy, but it was fine, no pain. Then started a C210K but thought hey, I can start this part way through....first longer run and pow, knee pain ever since (but it is the knee I snapped my ACL a few years ago). Have rested it for a week and a half now so might try a very gentle slow run soon (all my runs are slow. I am a plodder....). Clearly a case I think of me trying to do too much too soon.

OP it’s not your height - if you look at people doing park runs, you get every weight, height, etc. I’m also 5’10” and while probably more suited to anaerobic exercise like sprints, I run longer distances at a fair clip.

Things to consider:

• get your gait analysed. Not later, now. Sports shops are open again - you don’t have to buy anything, just go and see. They will give you advice on your form and stride as well as what shoes could work.
• Warm up: check out The Running Channel on Youtube for ideas on dynamic stretching. I tend to walk around 2,000 steps and end with some dynamic stretches before running.
• Cool down: walk to cool down, rehydrate and then stretch. Again, The Running Channel has good, simple tips on this.
• Invest in a foam roller - they look crazy but they work! I do mine in front of the TV.
• Strength work: core, hips, quads and glutes. 3 times p/week. Running is hard on the body and your muscles need to be strong to support it. Hip exercises are good as that’s your main movement point when running.

Phew, sounds like a lot! But that’s what works for me. I run approx. 40k p/week and haven’t had an injury yet - niggles, yes, but always go away within 48 hours with stretches, foam rolling and strength sessions. Would also recommend magnesium salt baths after longer runs or if you feel your legs are swollen after a run.

Addition: I’m a road runner too - no real option in central London. So doubly careful with injury prevention.

YANBU - I'm taller than you and I hate running. I don't blame my height I blame my boobs! I'm top heavy and find any bra that contains the bounce also feels uncomfortably tight, and anything that is not too tight doesn't contain the bounce. Plus add in sore boobs once a month and I hate it. After years of trying I've just concluded its not for me. I swim (not now obs) or cycle and do yoga instead.

Thanks @LaLaLanded

I'm 6 foot and had to give up running due to knee pain. I've always had dodgy, clicky joints I think it's from growing so fast when I Was a teenager

I could probably do short jogs, but cycling and swimming are very good alternative exercises which do no harm to the knees

I felt the same when I started, I actually stopped running until I was in better shape overall- did a lot of swimming, cycling, strength training and walking. When I was a healthy weight and generally fitter running became so much easier. I do think some people are naturally more suited to it though.