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Just did week 2 r 3 and find my knees are just a little painful. I have been visiting the gym on off days including leg presses etc on the weight machines. Is this a bad idea? Should I confine my workouts to upper body?
Btw never feel like going on the run, but reading the posts is inspirational.

I'm glad you're enjoying the forum.

I'd stick with your gym activity too, but make sure you get a really good rest one day a week. Are you stretching well after running, and doing a full warm up and cool down?

You could also look at going to a running shop and getting a gait analysis done. They should then give you a number of options on suitable shoes (at various prices). Many good running shops will provide a money back if you are not satisfied deal (even if you've been running in them for two weeks, and pounding about in muddy fields).

Hope this helps

My gym shoes are years old. I am going to buy new ones today and take an extra day's rest. Thanks for the advice!

Just finished w3r1. Took three days rest beforehand and bought new runners. Knee pain is just as bad. Just finished a long stretch. I really hope this improves with the new shoes or I will have to give it away.
On a positive note, I was able to run for three mins without abpoblem, aside from knee pain.

Sorry about the pain, but glad you're getting your stamina up!

If you've got access to a gym (and a lot of my reason for running is so I can get outdoors, but…), you could see how you fare on a treadmill. Another alternative is a cross train machine, which I think works similar muscles and is also great cardio, but is much lower impact.

I've had a week off running. Going to step tonight. No knee pain during my walks, so if the knees feel ok tonight I will star wk3 again tomorrow. Fingers crossed. I really don't want to give this away!

Wel, after a break of nearly 2 weeks, I did week 3 run 2 this morning. It was fine! Sooo pleased to be getting back into it. Fingers crossed

Hmmm. I did a run this morning with no problems, but this evening one knee hurts. Is it too late to RICE? does that need to be done immediately after the injury?

Think it is best to do it soon, but later is okay too. Got a message from a runner recently who is currently icing after every run just to be sure their shin splints don't come back.

I finally graduated to w4 today. Found the 5 min runs ok. No pain in knees anymore. I spend about 5 to 10 minutes stretching now. It seems to be working.