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

I had massive knee pain when I started running. I'm 5'2''. I saw a private physio and she came up with a posture issue, knee going inwards and more crap, suggesting 6 sessions to start. She said to absolutely not run on painful knees. Something about her made me feel she was after my money so ignored her. I took some ibuprofen to the level I could tolerate and continued running. After 2 months, the pain was completely gone. This was 10 years ago, I have done quite some distances at times but not once suffered from knee pain again.

An NHS physio I met a couple of years ago told me it was all about building the i band muscles (on your rights). Once they are strong, they hold your knees properly and the pain goes.

So glad so didn't throw my money at the other one and believe all her rubbish about posture and structural issues.

Also recommend proper running trainers. I went into a shop to get my gait measured etc and then ordered a cheaper pair online; but you can also just wet your feet and pop them onto a piece of paper and compare the shape to the visual guides to determine what you need. As long as the shape and support is correct, don't need to be spending big bucks on a pair.

This thread surprises me. I’m 5’10 and being honest am good at running. (My 10k Pb is 45 mins) However I always thought my height was an advantage, long legs etc. Isn’t Paula Radcliffe quite tall?! You definitely need good quality and well fitted running trainers, they will make a massive difference.

Interesting to see that so many people have issued with knee pain and running! I really really want to be able to run, I think I have started couch to 5k 4 or 5 times now but always give up due to knee pain. I've seen a physio and a chiropractor, had gait analysis, bought expensive cushioned trainers, bought expensive barefoot trainers, I do yoga and strength train, I'm not overweight, my knees are fine doing any other movements (I can squat and lunge with heavy weights no problem) but I just can't run!

Running requires proper glute activation and muscle use to avoid pain/injury.

It's easy to run with bad form.

Bridges, clamshells and squats with good form are all good examples of strength exercises that will prevent running pain

There are so many posts on MN about people doing C25K or starting out running who very quickly end up with:

• knee pain;
• shin splints; and/or
• plantar fasciitis.

It really does make me wonder if there is some truth to the saying - "get in shape to run, don't run to get in shape" (or similar). It sounds a bit discouraging on first read but I think it is actually well-intentioned. Certainly I agree with PPs about the importance of strength exercises - they will be a big help.

I'm 5'7" and have a BMI of >35. I look like a couch potato but I'm not.

I'm back running again - I used to run a lot (5-10k 2-3x/ week) having started with couch 2 5k. I was still fat but it helped keep my weight down to a BMI of around 30-31. Life got in the way so I stopped running and have put weight on. I also missed it so during lock down I restarted couch 2 5k. I've taken it slowly only running 1-2x/ week but am nearing the end now and enjoying it still.

I get occasional knee pain when I load my left knee but this is not exclusive to running - I get this during pilates, hillwalking and other loading exercises. I develop it after a skiing injury and I don't really want a knee arthroscopy so I've not been to see anyone about it. It doesn't affect my day to day life usually.

However, if knee pain is really limiting you you should look into non load bearing exercise eg. swimming/ cycling.