Buggered knees - what can I replace running with - help?!

[pipkin35]

Have received some great advice on this thread. The experienced runners really know their stuff. So, please help me!

I was doing 2-3 run a week 4-5 miles at a time. Knees on and off very niggly/painful etc...

Thinking I should only run maybe once a week and replace it with something else? People mention swimming, but I'm not a fan or a believer that it'll have the same effect...?!
HATE areobics/dance classes as I have 2 left feet :)

pilates? Yoga?

Love the idea of them in theory. And love those ladies who have that long, lean look from that sorta exercise. But I am not flexible AT ALL or supple -like that.
They also seem slow to me - or am I just being judgypants?! Would they give the same 'running buzz'?!

I've no idea about the 'running buzz,' they are very useful though and are low impact on your knees.

Rowing?

Slightly modified circuits (Matt Roberts has some good ones in 'Fit for your Shape' that are pretty tough and not all 'knee reliant', so you could just remove the walking lunges.

I have a pilates DVD that is pretty tough - I know what you mean about it not being the same as running, however Krsitin MacGees MTV PIlates (naff name...I know...) will make you suffer in parts and is not that slow.

Pipikin - did you get advice on what the cause of the knee pain was? If it is something simple like getting some decent trainers you might find you can return to running regularly again. I tend to think if there is a pain you should look to the cause rather than divert your energies elsewhere or you may find it resurfaces later on. I do a combination of pilates/bootcamp/ballet with my running and find it very complementary!

Knee pain can be referred from higher up, can you see a physio? I am a self confessed addict of the runner's high and couldn't imagine giving it up. But I would imagine anything that involves a reasonable exertion will give you a high. You could try aqua jogging or swimming to keep you ticking over?

Swimming will get you the same high, but only if it is done hard enough, 20 lengths "hair dry breastroke" won't cut it!

I would second the posters above on several points. First get your gait analysed at a running shop and make sure you are wearing the correct trainers.

Rowing is a great all body workout, but imo dull dull dull on a rowing machine, I can usually only take the boredom for 15mins max! You could mix it up with other machines at the gym though, like the cross trainer and stairmaster, or walking on treadmill on a high incline, things that don't impact on your knees?

Are you doing any strength training? You may find that regular sessions of squats and especially lunges, holding weights if you can maintain good form, will help. Also take chondoitrin, glucosamine and msm supplements and avoid running on consecutive days. If all this doesn't seem to have made a difference after a month or two then see a physio.