Getting back to it..what do you reckon?

[MrsGrindah]

The only exercise I love is running. Had a rest of about four years for various reasons. Want to get back into it and fully prepared that I’ll be starting from scratch. However, few obstacles to overcome and I’d appreciate your advice on whether my plans are wise.

First of all my knees are a bit dodgy . I’m 49 and overweight though and I think it’s just age rather than anything serious.
I will have to run predominately on road/ concrete as live in city centre. It’s not practical to go anywhere else for a run eg the nearest park as I’d have to get a bus etc
Due to other commitments can probably only run on a weekend which I know will impede my progress.
So my plan is to just start small. There’s a canal I can run alongside and I figure I’ll just try to run for ten minutes ( or whatever I can manage) run back, then try to slowly build it up till I’m running an hour in total?
I, not looking for miracles here ..it’s more for my sense of well being

Sorry forgot to say I don’t want to join the local gym either

Try couch 2 5k (c25k), it's a great way to get back into running. You can download it from the NHS website. And by the end of 9 weeks you can run for half an hour.

What do you reckon about running on concrete paths though?

If you will be running on paths/roads make sure you have suitable trainers that are well cushioned.

Yes, good trainers will help and doing run/walk will reduce the impact a little. Also for your knees a good idea is some strength training, you can do this at home. Building up quad and glute strength is good in preventing injury. So simple things like some squats, lunges, glute bridges and clamshells a couple of times a week take very little time but help a lot. Good luck and have fun!

Good idea re doing some strength exercises too. I’ve got some trainers on order that are specifically for road running. I think I’ve just got to give it a go and make sure I manage my own expectations!