Extremely sore/weak knees

[womanhasbaby]

Its so disheartening as I go out each night pumped up and wanting to run.
I'm 3 weeks into couch to 5k and my knees are now unbearable to run on. How do I get past this?

I'm doing the 5 min brisk walk warm up and stretching before and after.
I am 4 stone overweight so that can't help but I've lost a stone already by running and swimming; so I really wanna keep this up! Any tips?

Do you have good trainers? Sometimes that can make a difference. Some knee pain can come from tightness in other parts of the leg, such as the olio tibial band, which runs down the outside of your thigh. Foam rollers can be helpful with this, they're a bit like a diy sports massage. I use mine very evening when I've run or exercised. There are plenty of videos and advice on how to use them online.
Also may be worth seeing a physio, who could tell you if you have particularly tight muscles anywhere or any imbalance in your gait. Good luck!

That should be ilio tibial band, blooming autocorrect!

I had this problem for years, would happen every time I started a new fitness regime. Eventually I went to my doctor who referred me to physio, the physio found that I have shortened ligaments in my knees, and the exercises they gave really helped. Might be worth a trip to the doctors?

Fallen arches in your feet can sometimes cause knee pain.
Specialist running shops can analyse your gait & recommend trainers with the right amount of arch support. Or I've seen in a sports direct shop they had a pad you stood on (without shoes) which basically showed if you had fallen or high arches & their selection of trainers were labelled according to which arch type they were most suitable for.
If it is fallen arches & is sore at other times too,you can buy orthotic insoles you put into your normal shoes.
I suffered really bad knee pain in the weeks before I knew I was pg 1st time round, just make sure!

Sorbothane insoles are fantastic shock absorbers. However if you have more foot issues you need fully fitted orthotics.

DH used to have knee pain when he ran, he swapped to vivo barefoot runners and he's never had knee pain since. I used to get shin splints and also got a pair of vivos and i've not had any pain since.

First run in 4 days and knees feel SO much better so thanks for all the advice!
Just made sure I spent extra time stretching with recommendations from my physio friend. And an ice pack that first night! Also bought compression wraps for both knees.

Hopefully the shock of exercise to my body was the only cause.
Onwards to 5k!