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40+ and proud of it.

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New runner; Old body

posted almost 2 years ago | Report

I'm new to this running thing. I'm turning 44 this week. I did my first 5k on Thanksgiving '09. I'm registered and have been training for the half-marathon in April using the Galloway method, but now have "runners knee" for the past week. I'm doing everything I know to do (RICE, gentle cycling, gentle strength training for upper thigh, lots of rest). Does anyone have other suggestions? Any experience with this? Should I stop running? Plan to walk the half-marathon? I really want to do this, but don't want to cause any permanent damage to my knee.

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9 posts

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  • Kimberly Ann J.
    Kimberly Ann J. Sendmail

    Hi Tammy! I'm 43 and just getting started as well...did my first two mile run today (thought I was dying but did it!). A friend of mine swears by icing his knees after his runs. Also, have you been fittted for a proper running shoe? I went to a running store at Christmas when I elected to start getting serious about running and was fitted and they have helped me so much.

    Only suggestions I have but maybe more seasoned people will chime in with more. Good luck!

    Kim

    posted almost 2 years ago | Report

  • User_avatar Deleted User
    in reply to what Kimberly Ann J. said:Hi Tammy! I'm 43 and just getting started as well...did my first two mile run today (thought I was dying but did it!). A friend of mine swears by icing his knees after his runs. Also, have you been fittted for a proper running shoe? I went to ... read more

    Thanks Kim. I did buy running shoes from a running store, but that was about a year ago, so I think I may get a new pair. Thanks for the advice. I'm going to a different store this time where they fit me with shoes.

    Good job for doing two miles!!!! Keep it up! I know we will reap the rewards if we don't give up.

    Tammy

    posted almost 2 years ago | Report

  • Mike D.
    Mike D. Sendmail

    Yeah, new shoes would be a good idea, especially motion control ones. Even when the soles seem fine the cushioning tends to break down after a while. Ice after runs and Advil after runs.

    posted almost 2 years ago | Report

  • Cathy K.
    Cathy K. Sendmail

    I have been running off and on for 30 years now and also get runners knee. have you tried a small brace that wraps just below the kneecap called a jumpers knee brace? Also if you can find a trainer who knows proper form for strength training and running that would be a good place to start(worked for me this year).
    Good luck and stay healthy.

    posted almost 2 years ago | Report

  • Colleen G.
    Colleen G. Sendmail

    I am 45 ( In 5 months I will be 46 eek!) I started running a little over a year ago, I did a half marathon last October and have been trying for the full. My knees became sore this season, I have been putting a ice pack on them in the evenings and or after my runs, it seems to help.
    It is actulally making me wonder if I can really do the full marathon, LOL

    posted over 1 year ago | Report

  • Trecia H.
    Trecia H. Sendmail

    I'm 45 and have had bad knees since I was a child. Two years ago I started losing a bunch of weight and working out. I was never able to run before but I found that as I did exercises to strengthen my legs I was also able to start running short distances. That started about a year ago. I'm up to running 6.5 miles on my treadmill. Because the knees can really take a pounding I'm careful not to run every day and I make sure I have good running shoes. I'm changing my shoes every 500 - 600 miles. It's also been important to keep up with the strength training for my legs as that helps to stabilize the knees and I have less pain when I do it. Take good care of those knees. :)

    posted over 1 year ago | Report

  • Cathy K.
    Cathy K. Sendmail
    in reply to what Trecia H. said:I'm 45 and have had bad knees since I was a child. Two years ago I started losing a bunch of weight and working out. I was never able to run before but I found that as I did exercises to strengthen my legs I was also able to start running short di... read more

    Trecia you are so right about taking care of your knees. I forgot that last year and had knee surgery done a month ago.Not fun when you can not the things you enjoy. Now instead of doing the 15 milers I have to start with 2 miles and work my way back to the long runs.Weight/core/bike = happy knees.This I will remember from now on. Happy running.

    posted over 1 year ago | Report

  • Frank B.
    Frank B. Sendmail

    Collen, I am 46 and I too suffer from runners knee (usually after my long runs) and ice works wonders. BTW I did my first marathon last year at 45 and working toward two full marathons this year, if I can do it, you can do it.

    posted 6 months ago | Report

  • Frank B.
    Frank B. Sendmail

    Tammy, I am not an expert but new shoes would be my first guess, good luck.

    posted 6 months ago | Report

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