Jogging

Pain is your body’s way of telling you it is suffering damage. It’s not a competition between you and your body.

If you go ahead be prepared for the damage to get worse. Walking 5k would be much healthier overall.

It isn’t a defeat to have a problem, get it checked out and then decide if you can do the 5k. You could make a sortable problem so much worse.

If it is arthritis I would definitely not recommend jogging but walking as Peasblossom suggested or some gentle stretching exercises.

Jogging will give your joints a bashing (not much approved of by my retired orthopaedic surgeon friend). If you do decide to take it up, make sure you have the appropriate footwear. Walking will be less harmful and you can always start by walking swiftly and build up to jogging. To take the strain off your joints completely you might consider swimming if and when possible.

All I know about jogging, is, Jim Fixx who ‘invented’ it, died at 52 from a heart attack.

I tried it when younger but I’ve never had much stamina, I did try in my 40’s and managed to burst a blood vessel just below my knee.

Cycling is easier.

I agree peasblossom 100%.

Definitely try walking rather than jogging. I have so many friends who were once runners and now have knee problems. I don't think running is good for the knees at all, especially if you are planning on doing it on the streets haerd surface.

Yes, I agree with what mentioned above. Go get it checked out. Walking is a great idea. Ever thought of doing yoga, tai chi, Pilates? They are all great for strengthening your muscles plus good for your well being.

Keep going.

Do be careful, on January 6 two months ago I had a fall and hurt my hip only a niggle. I kept walking every day as I'm of the opinion you can walk it off...... Big mistake. It got worse, now I'm going to a Sports injury clinic once a week to get exercises to strengthen my hip and taking painkillers. I'm a silly old fool. Get it checked out, running it off won't work but it could make it a lot worse. Maybe it just needs a rest, see your doctor. Good luck.

I tried the Couch to 5k app last September. I loved it but only lasted 2 weeks as I ended up with a bad knee. I thought I’d have another try when fully recovered but I’m still waiting, it’s ok but definitely not quite right. My chiropractor says it’s normal to get painful knees if you haven’t jogged before but it should wear off once you get into it ?! I’d love to try again but I’m too scared but I’m 74 so quite a lot older than you. Just see how you go.

Running or jogging with a dodgy knee is not a good idea. Walking with two Nordic poles is supposed to be good as it keeps the strain off the knees but you get the exercise and fresh air.

The pain is telling you there’s a problem and jogging is an impact exercise, which means it will have a direct impact on your joints. Ask any orthopaedic surgeon and they’ll tell you they’re not a fan of it ! I would see your GP and explain what’s happening - get some advice rather than make a possible existing condition worse.

Good advice 25AVALON. Good workout for the arms too!

I started the couch to 5k in the second lockdown. I’ve always had a niggly knee pain but find with a tubigrip support it’s not got any worse since I’ve started running, maybe even has improved it. If you want to be certain then maybe a physio appt beforehand to check it over? I saw one and she said I’d be fine to run, as what I thought was an arthritic pain was a tender ligament. She said the more active you are, the better for your body as you get older and don’t look at age as a limitation - sometimes easier said than done I know!! But especially any weight bearing exercise is excellent for the prevention of osteoporosis. Good luck!

EvieJ I started couch to 5k last summer and am still doing it. I jog on grass/field not pavement/concrete to reduce impact on knees and ankles. I have not had any issues, I am 74 going on 75. However I also do Pilates and Fitsteps, so am reasonably fit. Get the knee pain sorted out and give it a go. The programme is excellent as it starts really gently and you can pace yourself as you feel Good luck

If I was you then I would get checked out at your drs first before doing anymore running. I walk as quickly as I can and still get the odd ache and pain. Take care.

Jogging is jarring to the body, unless you are young or very fit, whereas walking is wonderful at any age.
Before my knee replacement I still tried to walk every day by taking my pain killers, waiting a while for them to work, and then go out for the walk.

Hi eve
I have osteoarthritis and my right knee is very affected , even walking is difficult as I have pain , stiffness and instability due to bone on bone . I am advised to either swim as it isn’t as bad a walking as the water supports the joints and it’s very important to try and improve the leg muscles to stabilise the joints . I am 62 , I do floor exercises, and walk most days to stay as fit as possible. If you have the start of arthritis it’s important to get checked out as jogging will accelerate the condition as it’s high impact . Gentle regular exercises i think are better overall for over 60,s and being kind to our bodies . I used to run , cycle , horse ride , and go to high impact aerobics which I feel has accelerated the damage . I don’t let the condition define me , I look forward to what I can do rather than what I can’t , and stay mindful ? about it all ! ?

I would say walk rather than jog, but speak to GP. I have arthrititis in both shoulders and struggle to keep my arms and joints strong and mobile. Don't forget to lift weights to help bone density.

Jogging does nothing for the joints etc. except to detach them.
Walking is by far the best option.

I agree far better to start off with a short walk and see how you feel. Pounding the pavements won’t help if you do have a condition with your knee

It's great that you have started Couch to 5k, its a very safe programme for beginners. I have jogged for years, but gave up outside jogging some years ago due to an ankle injury. I started again last summer because I was desperate for some decent exercise! I had some knee pain, but I bought some knee supports which I can highly recommend. They are ones with 3 velcro straps which wrap around and completely support the knee joint. (not the elasticated ones, they just fall down). I also recommend silicone gel inserts for the shoes to protect the heels and ankles. I have had no joint pain at all since getting these 2 things. Just take it slow, and repeat weeks if you have to. I'm 64 and have no intention of giving up jogging in the near future! Good luck with it.