2011 has thrown it’s first challenge my way. Last week I successfully completed week 1 of the Couch to 10k training. Before you go throwing confetti in the air to rain down on me, let me tell you what I completed:
- warm up- walk for 5 minutes
- Run for 30 seconds
- Walk for 4 minutes and 30 seconds
- Repeat 8 times
The exercise itself was a breeze, after all, it was essentially walking (I did speed walk though ;)). The one thing that did take getting used to was the extra time commitment. Yes, it was only 15 more minutes that I was used to, but it seemed a lot longer. It think it will be a good thing to get used to a longer workout… especially if it can make hour long yoga classes not feel sooooo long.
…I don’t know how people go to classes that last 1.5 hours… kudos to you, but I’m staring at the clock after only 30 minutes.
I digress…
The challenge I speak of is not the extra 15 minutes, but rather the fact that I have somehow tweaked my knee. I can’t figure out what I did or why it’s hurting, but here’s the deal:
The pain is located in my left knee, just below the knee cap. It begins to hurt(throb) when I keep my knee bent and the pain is relieved when I straighten my leg.
It mostly hurts near the Patellar tendon.
It actually feel eerily similar to the pain I had growing up when I had Osgood-Schlatter Disease in my knee. When I was younger, I did strengthening exercises for my knee and it helped, so I’m considering beginning those exercises again to see if they help.
In the meantime, I’m going to stick to walking for a week or so. Yesterday I did a 4 mile walk in just under 1 hour, and plan to do that 3-4 days this week.
Have you ever experienced a pain like this one? Any suggestions?
Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good says
I’m sorry you’re having knee pain! Your plans sound reasonable to me, though I’m no expert. I hope you get feedback from someone who IS an expert!
When my knee was bothering me a couple years ago, I took two weeks completely off. I started back slowly, and I wore a knee-sleeve for the rest of the summer/fall. I also did some strength training. I took some time off over the winter (not because of the knee), and it was fine when I started back to running. It actually felt fine much sooner than that, but I kept using the knee sleeve as a precaution for the rest of the season.
Good luck!
Tina says
Oh no! I hope your knee feels better soon and you figure out the best way to help it. Wish I had more advice or something to offer.
Jessie says
I have such a hard time making it through an 1.5 hour class too, and can barely make it through an hour in a hot studio.
Carly says
Hope your knee starts feeling better soon! I just downloaded the Couch to 5K app. I’m only wrapping up week one, but it’s nice to have someone yelling in my ear telling me what to do. Ha!
Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans says
Sorry to read about your knee. I might suggest some rest and icing it but honestly a doctor might be the best idea just in case.
Caree @ Fit-Mama says
Good job on the new fitness routine!!
I wish I could do yoga for that long too!! Def kudos for those who do! I need to get into yoga more though…haven’t gotten there yet. 🙁
I hope you figure out what is wrong with your knee! I hit my knee the other day trying to clean up..and I fell to the ground thinking that my training had come to an end…but so far just a nasty bruise..
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
Why I don’t run? Knee pains.
Although, interestingly enough I’ve been able to run a little bit longer recently when I’ve tried out the treadmill…but I’m still scared of my family inheritance of knee problems.
Feel better! Walk hard. 🙂
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin says
Ugh sorry about your knee! Walking can be awesome exercise – especially if you’re going fast enough to cover 4 miles in under an hour!
Shannon says
Definitely see a doctor to fully determine the cause, but ice, stretching and light strength training should help. Add some extra hamstring stretches (this helped me as I increased milage during C25K) and ice even if the pain isn’t unbearable. A good hamstring stretch is to lay on your back, and cross one leg over the other. Pull the non-crossed leg toward you with your hands and you should feel the stretch on the back and outside of the crossed leg.
Roz says
Oh Brittany!!!! OWCH!!! Sorry to hear about the knee pain. I hope it heals quickly and you are back to your training soon!!!! Take care!!!!
TheHealthyapron says
yikes! I hope you are able to recover quickly! Just take it easy!! Rest is best!!
Pat says
I didn’t know you inherited John’s Osgood-Schlatter condition. Sounds like you need to get back to those strengthening exercises.
Christina @ Food.Fun.Fabulous. says
My knees get a bit painful sometimes but not like what you are describing. Hope it gets better soon!
ashley says
Brittany, I’m so sorry you got hit with that challenge so early in the year! I switched running shoes about a year ago because I wanted to try out these new Nikes and I ended up getting a severe pain in my right knee after about 2 weeks of running in them. I couldn’t shake the pain so I finally decided to switch back to my old Mizuno style of shoe, which I still run in today, and I have never had a problem since. Within 1 week my knee was back to normal. So, it may be your shoes?
Hope you recover quickly!
Jess says
I just started the couch to 10k and I totally agree that the extra 15 min (I did couch to 5k last year before running my first 5k) seems like alot!! Unlike C25K, I’m actually looking forward to the longer runs 😉 Looks like I’ll have to revamp my running playlist to keep things interesting!
Corey @ the Runner's Cookie says
The only running injuries I’ve ever experienced have been knee-related, but I’m not sure it’s the same type of pain you’re experiencing. What’s been helpful for me in preventing further knee pain is foam rolling my IT band (they are connected so tight IT band = strain on the knee) and making sure I don’t go too long without buying new sneakers.
Hope it feels better soon! I know nothing about that condition – did you ever try wearing a brace?
Alycia [Fit n Fresh] says
Uh oh! I’ve never experienced a pain like that. I think I would try those strengthening moves and if they don’t help, definitely see a doctor. You never want to make injuries worse than they need to be!