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.