can I be a runner?
 

Hello everyone,

I've been working out with a trainer 2-3 times a week for about 8 months. I was off for a couple of months due to surgery, but I'm just not seeing the results for which I had hoped. I'm a little more toned, but honestly, not that much. Also, for a variety of reasons, I also don't feel I've learned very much.

Anyway. Here's the thing. Last year I tried to C25K program and really enjoyed it and really had great results. I'd like to try it again.

However, I have been having pretty constant knee pain recently (for the first time in my life) and I have had plantar fasciitis off and on for several years.

I guess the question is given these two issues, is running a bad idea? Or, do I just start, see if the pain gets worse and stop if it does?

I'd appreciate any input you ladies can give.

Honestly, running's really taxing on the body, so if you know you have pain I would see your doctor. They might refer you to someone in sports medicine that can give you shoe inserts or something that'll help. I know lots of people, big, small, athletes, not athletes, sometimes need a little extra support.

But yeah, don't force it. You might really hurt yourself. After the doctor gives you the okay then I say go for it and just take it slow :).

Maybe try a DVD like Leslie Sansone and see how you feel.

And you can buy shoes that target plantar fasciitis. Read this for some recommendations.

Seeing a doctor is definitely good advice. However, it's important to remember that a doctor will probably be over cautious, because if he tells you it's ok to run and you develop a serious injury, you could sue him. (Sorry, I'm not a big fan of doctors.)

Maybe ask your doctor for a referral to a physical therapist? They're pretty used to working with people who want to get back to being as physically able as possible, so they could probably help you with some exercises that'll make it so that you can run comfortably.

I had great physical therapist who helped give me the green light to go running - I have some torn cartilage in my knee as the result of a chronic injury and I can't believe I'm running 5k races now!

If you've been working out with a trainer 2-3x a week for 8 months and not getting the results you had hoped for, I suspect your issue lies with diet and possibly not lifting enough weight. A lot of trainers tend to not push their clients... *especially female clients who are overweight*... because even a lot of trainers believe in some myths (ie light weight, high reps rather than heavy weight, low reps).

As for your original question, my DH has ongoing issues with plantar fasciitis and ditched running for rowing - it gives him a great cardio workout but has helped with the foot issue. There are a lot of alternative forms of cardio that you can do, maybe explore another kind that you enjoy???

Yeah I'm not a big fan of doctors either and sometimes they're definitely overly cautious, but you might be able to see a specialist - like in sports medicine - who sees these types of problems all the time. Some inserts for your shoes made to target your problem could be all you need.

You don't have to take their advice, of course, but it might be a good idea to just hear them out and see what options you might have. Go in having researched the problems your having and don't be afraid to push and ask questions. If you're informed and insistent you can get a lot more done.

And definitely looking into some beginner programs that take it really slow might a good idea. Shoes too. :)