question about running
 

I am not a body builder I am just trying to get back in shape and lose weight. I am 5'8 190 and have lost 15 pounds over the past month. I am up to running a mile and a half in the morning and been trying to do it at night also. The question is since I am pretty heavy for my body and legs are not in shape yet I am experiencing strong aches in my ankles and knees. Should I take a day or 2 off of running to let my legs rest like you do when you lift weights? Or do I just work through it and the aches will be less as I lose weight? Thanks in advance

Do what you think is best. It really depends on how much pain you are experiencing. Glucosamine & chondroitin will help...and MSM will help also. Are you running in running shoes or cross trainers? Are the shoes new or old? Running shoes wear out about every 3 months, I believe.

Irregular exercise is bad for you. It hurts. I think that most people get used to running within 2-3 weeks. How often are you running? Every day, weekdays, every other day...? What surface do you run on? Asphalt, gravel, treadmill? If you're running on a treadmill at a gym, then try an elliptical machine. At what pace are you running (min per mile)?

Personally, when I have had aches and pains, etc from running, I continued through it. If it continues to get worse, then back off. If the pain is pretty bad, then I'd take a few days off. If you can, try to at least walk in place of running if you feel that you need to back off from running. That way you won't get out of your routine and you'll still be doing something to burn some calories.

15lbs in a month is good progress. Keep up the good work! :)