Hi all,

After several delays, I have finally started to do something about this dream of becoming a runner. I recently started the C25K program and am up to the final day of Week 4. I am so close to goal plus I am getting excited about my progress ....now being able to run (or at least my version of running) for 5 minutes straight.

I blew out my knee a couple of years ago in a step aerobics class (could not walk for 3 days) and since then I have been very conscious of my knee. Do you think running on consecutive days could hurt? Or should I do alternate days?

If you've had knee problems you want to make sure you're listening to your body. Have you experienced any twinges of pain? If not then I think you're fine. You do need eventual rest days, though. Running is tough on the joints and if you don't take a day here or there you will get injured.

I usually do some type of running every day in my warm-up, but as far as running as a workout, like sprint repeats, or a run that is long for me and/or challenging, I will usually give myself a day or two between those kinds of workouts for recovery. Not totally off, just not another running focused workout the very next day. Hope that helps.

I definitely think that running on consecutive days could be harmful to your knee, to start.... It took me a couple of years before running only two days in a row didn't bother me... Take your time, because if you hurt your knee again you will be out of commission for much longer... be patient...

Thanks for the advice guys!

I'm pretty active when it comes to anything cardio. I run early in the morning or late at night, and I mainly focus on it when I'm at the gym.

I've noticed that if your body is used to a little stress, a constant pace for 15-20mins is good. You can work your way up from there, be it time or speed. I try to rest my body at least 1-2 days per week with moderate or light exercise. At this point I think you should go for either go for a brisk 15min or a slow 20-30min walk.

Good Luck! ;D

THIS^^

I'm living the "knee pain" from running everyday as I type

Every other day is good 3-4 days a week. Then alternate with a non-weight bearing cardio and strenght training.

I think with the amount you're running, you could do consecutive days. Maybe not 6-7 days per week yet, but if your knee isn't bothering you, I wouldn't be afraid to try two days in a row followed by a rest day. Be sure to stretch (I just posted some links about dynamic and static stretching on another thread).

I consider myself to be in really good shape and can do spin class on consecutive days and further activity within the very same day. Sometimes I'll spin in the morning and run in the evening. I had always spaced out my running days though.

I just got back from vacation where my only exercise option was running so I ran four miles Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. My knee has been talking to me. It's almost like it's swollen over the knee cap as it hurts to squat. Also the back of my knee hurts.

So yeah, I'd recommend resting in between. I think I thought I was invincible.

^haha, about the invincible thing. If only, we were kids again, where they think they really are invincible.

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I don't like to run every day either. I do it every second day, because I find it really hard on the joints, and it takes a lot out of me just because I'm starting out. I think you should listen to your body, because I know many people don't run because it is so hard on the joints, and you could cause a more serious injury and then be out of running for good.