Endurance Template Knee Pain

Hello Jordan/Austin,

I’m running the endurance (legacy) template and despite being in just the second week, my knees have taken quite a beating. I can feel pain from just walking at this point. I think the huge increase in mileage (from zero dedicated running) and my poor running form are to blame. I’m hoping to stop running till the pain goes away and then hopefully build back up at a slower pace.

Should I reduce the number of intervals and slowly build to the template amount or simply scrap the running altogether and row? (I would prefer to run)

Thanks for the great content,
Sam

Hi Sam,

Did you jump into running on all three days? How about doing Day 2 with the rower, and Day 3 with the bike or rower? And then as you improve in your running, you can include more, evening running the whole template several times in order to do this.

Thanks Leah,

That seems like a good way to do it!

Another thing to consider is your shoes. I am not going to say that one type of shoe works best for everyone (some people do well with minimal, some people do well with the exact opposite – Hokas). I would go to a running store and find a pair of shoes that enables you to land mid-foot. A few studies have shown that heel striking adds an extra impact peak that resonates in the knees.

Local running stores tend to have people that are pretty used to looking at people’s stride and will be able to give you decent advice (but they’re not perfect).

Leah,

Yes, I agree wholeheartedly. I only meant that as a supplement. No equipment can make up for programming choices.