New To Running, Now I'm In Pain

With the gyms closed and many people finding more time on their hands, “I’m going for a jog” is a lot more common than it used to be. It’s smart! Increasing your cardio capacity, specifically your VO2Max is the number one indicator of longevity. Simplified, run more, live longer.

The trouble is, if you’ve gone from a desk job to a morning jog, you might be feeling some unwanted aches and pains that go beyond the good muscle soreness we want, that tells us we’re doing good. If you’re knees are hurting you, you’re not alone.

Many physio offices are open for virtual consults, so for individualized guidance that’s the best place to turn.

As a personal trainer with over 6years experience, I’ve seen enough runners with injuries to know where to start to get you on the road to being pain-free while still being able to keep up with your new running regime.

Most knee pain does not come from knee problems. Pain travels up or down stream. Knee problems are usually foot/ankle or hip problems.

How to reduce knee pain:

1) Stretch and activate your hips. Most people I see (particularly those who sit for most of their day) have tight and weak hip rotators.

2) Practice single leg balance. With every step you are standing on one foot for that moment. If you can’t balance on one foot, then during your run your body will have to find other ways to cope. Those compensations often cause pain.

You don’t have to stop running to work on running pain free. You might need to decrease your intensity or you might choose to vary your workout plan, but don’t quit!