Exercise question?

I've decided (again) to try to run a 5k. It's just something that I NEVER thought I would be able to do and want so much to accompli**** Deanna, if your out there you are our resident exercise expert and an inspiration to me...So, I started "training" a couple of weeks ago and made it up to 2 miles of running without stopping but the problem is everything hurts! My ankle has been wrapped for a week, is very sore, swollen and I am afraid to try to run again. Also, my knees are weak and painful when I try to squat...is this normal? Am I just being a baby? Should I just power through it and chalk it up to my body adjusting to the new type of exercise? I only have 1 month before the run, so I hate to have to stop training but... Thanks for you advice. Trish

HURRAY!!!! Trish, I am SOOOOO PROUD OF YOU!!!! Oh my gosh, if you can run 2 miles straight, you WILL be able to do the 5K! You are almost there girl! Yes, my knees hurt still on occasion. Definately ice them after you run, it helps tremendously! Another thing I've done lately is slow my pace down. I was always trying to go as fast as I could but then my legs, butt, hips, knees would hurt like crazy. So I started slowing the pace down and I hurt so much less now. I always try to push through the pain and haven't stopped but I don't really recommend that if you are hurt because you don't want to make an injury worse! If your ankle is swollen, you might want to get it checked out! Have you iced it at all? Some other race day advice ... put some lip balm on. For some reason my lips always get chapped when I run outside! Another problem I have is that my nose runs like crazy when I run outside! So I always carry a wash cloth or handkerchief with me to blot at my nose. Also helps to wipe the sweat away! And do not worry if you have to stop and walk. A LOT of people walk on the course and you won't be alone. I have found that there are way more "normal" people out there than I ever thought would be. It's inspiring! I'm so excited for you! When exactly is your race! I have a 10K coming up on April 20th that goes over 2 bridges and one of them is a HUGE bridge. I'm worried about running up the incline of that one! Deanna

Thanks for all the great advice...lip balm...totally makes sense but would not of thought of it. The first run is the Peace Officer's Memorial run...May 17th (my b-day)...2.5 miles with a moderated pace to keep all the runners together...kinda freaks me out. I have visions of EVERYONE ELSE having to slow down for me. The 5k is May 31st and it is a charity run for Chrohns Disease. Trish

Ya Trish - well done for you signing up. Ive started running - can manage a mile of combined running/walking, and would love to get to the point of being able to run without stopping. I'm so proud of both of you, and aspire to get to the same point as you Thanks for this post to keep me aiming for more... PS where do you sign up for races? Are they charity ones, or what?

IF and ONLY IF i'm being chased i could probably manage to wog away or at least try to. I'm not a great runner, all my jiggly puffs and what not start protesting loudly and then i can't walk for days on end and it's just not worth that kind of effort. ANDI