Taking up running?

[Catrin]

I have to be nuts for even considering this, I have to be. I am trying to decide just how crazy an idea it is...

This metabolic/functional training I've taken up includes running. Jogging, sprinting, running...and my bad knee seems to be ok with that. I can sprint pretty fast and indeed I find it difficult to run slowly. I am starting to think that perhaps this would be a good thing for me to take up for the winter months.

Has anyone here started running in their 50's when they already had knees with a bit of arthritis? I've not made up my mind either way, and perhaps it would be best just to stick with the laps we run in class, I am just wondering what others experience has been. I don't want to blow my knees out, but it would also be good to have a cardio alternative for the winter and I strongly dislike machines... I do put my bike on the trainer but that just isn't the same as riding outside.

[Crankin]

My last foray into running was the most successful. I started the C25K program in March and I kept running until June. While I don't have knee issues, I have had other things that come up when I've run in the past.
That said, I find that running is just hard. My speed improved this time, but once I got into the part of the program where there were no walking breaks, I started losing my enthusiasm; my speed started slowing and I was always praying for the run to be over. It took me 1- 2 days to recover from running and this affected my cycling. My legs just felt dead. I wish this didn't happen, but since I am not going to let anything interfere with riding, I stopped. I just didn't have time to run, ride, and 2 boot camp classes a week, and be able to get the number of cycling miles i want. I still get some running/sprint in at boot camp and I can keep up with the real runners/tri-athletes here.
I know I made the right choice, because when I am on my bike and see runners, I'm not jealous. But, when I used to see riders when I was running, I always thought "I'd rather be on my bike."

[Catrin]

Good points Crankin...I think the best thing for me to do right now is to not try to add anything new. I certainly don't feel like I am exercising too little! This winter, when my outside riding starts ramping down, then I will consider doing more running at the gym and see what happens. I don't see my choosing running over riding outside, ever, so this is probably the best approach.

It really helps me to articulate this and get a bit of feedback, thank you!

[Blueberry]

Given the number of overuse issues/orthopedic issues you've run into (no pun intended) with cycling and your other activities, I think I'd check with your doc on this one. If you decide to try, definitely make sure you're strengthening all the muscles/tendons that support the knee - I bet your PT could put together a program for you if you're not already hitting all the key areas.

[indysteel]

I think this is a topic to discuss with your osteopath or whichever doctor you have that's most familiar with the state of your knees. Remember, too, that you have had other overuse issues--your hamstring and ITBs that might be irritated by running. I hadn't been running very long or all that much when I developed hamstring issues--issues that continue to plague me roughly 8 months later.

I do like the Couch to 5k approach and I don't see anything wrong with stopping short of the final goal of the program if your body (or mind) responds better to shorter intervals. Like Crankin, I find that I have to give my legs a bit of extra rest when I run regularly. If you experience the same thing, I have to wonder whether it will cut into the other workouts you seem to be enjoying at your gym (Bosu and your group ex) and likely getting a lot out of. In terms of addressing your muscle imbalances, I'm not sure running offers much--but that's something I would encourage you to talk to your trainer about.

[Catrin]

Good comments both Blueberry and Indysteel. Part of the focus of my new group training exercise is to take care of those muscle imbalances I have - and I've enough trouble with my hamstring and IT band on the bike, let alone the issue with my knee... It is kind of cool that I can keep up with the "real runners" at the gym for short runs and sprints, but I think it should probably just stay as part of my group exercise.

I will reevaluate this winter and discuss it further with my osteopath and trainer at that time if I still want to pursue this.

[OakLeaf]

+1 on getting professional advice. Knee health is so closely tied to foot and ankle strength and flexibility, and with your history of ankle surgery, you just may not be able to come up with a foot strike that protects your knees.

Still, finding the right professional isn't always easy. So many doctors will categorically advise people not to run - against all the evidence of its general benefits for orthopedic health. If you can find a PT or osteopath who's also a Chi Running instructor or at least practitioner, that would be my first choice. While I'm a devout follower of Chi Running, I'm also well aware that they tend to overlook structural issues and preach that imbalances can be adequately addressed with running form only.