Jogging Advice

[Meg888]

Hi. I'm pleased to say after many attempts, I am now a non-smoker after a 30 yr habit. I've decided on a complete lifestyle change, going from being a sofa sloth to someone who actually enjoys exercise! Anyhow, I've taken up jogging and really enjoy it. But I need a bit advice. I'm 44, female, I've always suffered quite bad knees (docs yrs ago said it was bursitis, though I've not been checked in recent years) they're not unbearably sore, but are permanently quite swollen, and ache from time to time. If I keep my weight down (I'm currently dieting - lost 2 stone this year, need to drop another 2) they are usually reasonably ok - will jogging aggravate them further? I've only done it 3 times this week for 15mins a time, walking a lamppost/jogging a lamppost - but the last couple of mornings the pain in my lower right calf is like a burning which is preventing me from jogging - it's not so bad walking, so can I assume that as I get fitter/more used to jogging that this pain will ease? also, it's more of a shuffle than a jog! I can't seem to lift my legs/feet up very high - again is this this something that will improve in time? I'd appreciate any advice, as I say I'm surprised how much I enjoy it, even in the cold, dark, wet wintery morns - I don't even think about the weather, so it will be great doing it in spring/summer!

[ChillDoubt]

Well done for packing in the Melvyn's.
I'm not really qualified to give such advice but IMHO if your knees are a problem why not try something that is low-impact i.e. cycling or swimming?
Also, do you 'stretch off' your muscles prior to and post jog, particularly your calfs and hamstrings?

[janbee]

Hard impact jogging can do damage to joints. Why not try zumba if there is a class near you. It's great fun and you'll lose weight and inches and feel grrrrreat !!
p.s. Well done you on giving up smoking and turning your life around. Well done indeed xx

[Meg888]

Hi thanks for your support & advice. I'm not an unsociable person, but I really don't like the idea of joining gyms/classes even swimming - I have a severe hearing problem, which makes it quite difficult understanding people I don't know, so I'd struggle with instruction and I certainly can't hear in a 'class environment' with music in background. It really quite embarrasses me, so I'd rather do it alone. I really can't believe the difference in myself since I quit, I wouldn't have been able to walk for 15mins without getting puffed out never mind jog half of it! I've heard loads say it over the years, and glad to join them when I say my only regret is not doing it years ago!

[janbee]

Power walks are also excellent.
I'm really very impressed by your will power and determination to succeed.

[Sipowicz]

I agree with Chill, cycling seems to be the answer.

[jennyjoan]

Well done Meg - great to give up the cigs and keep the weight off at the same time - anybody I know when they gave the cigs up they instantly put on weight.

I am not the expert but don't think jogging is good as the first exercise - why not just walk quickly - that's is just as good.

[dannyk13]

My GP advised me to do any jogging on a grass surface, and not on the road

[jennyjoan]

Danny - I find walking on grass more strenuous - that's me personally.

[ummmm]

Go on fast walks. You will burn up as many calories walking 1 mile as you would jogging 1 mile. You will also tone up nicely.

I used to walk 8 miles a day and looked quite athletic.

[jennyjoan]

Have you given up walking Ummmm.

[Meg888]

I also think it's easier to jog on the path - a flat surface, as opposed to uneven grass (and the risk of standing in poo!!) maybe I am pushing it a bit soon, I'd be happy to power walk, but would love to build this up into jogging/running - or am I just a bit over the hill now?

[ummmm]

Yeah. I used to walk the kids to school and now I don't have to.

[Sipowicz]

Well at least it's downhill! ;-)

[jennyjoan]

are you fat now LOL

[ummmm]

You'll get the same health benefits from walking if you do it fast and less problems on your joints.

If you take up jogging you'll have to wear good quality trainers at about £100 a pop. They don't last long either.

[jennyjoan]

At 44 not over the hill no way.

[ummmm]

JJ...lol...No. I did put on weight to start with but it's slowly dropped off again. I think my body just needed to adjust.

I don't actually know how much I weigh :-)

[jennyjoan]

Well Ummmm - how did it just drop off - why does mine not drop off.

Sorry Meg for digressing.

[ummmm]

I don't know. I think it was just a case of my metabolism adjusting.

I do eat healthily though. It's not a conscious decision to eat healthily, I just dislike fatty foods.

[jennyjoan]

well good for you - I am going to try again - oh lordy - next week - in fact today.