Walking and running page

[Robynbee]

This isn't really a 'primal' question, per se, but I've recently cut down on my running in favour of walking. I usually run about 15 miles a week, but after learning about the benefits of interval training, I've decided to switch to sprints. Anyway, I've never had trouble with my knees when running, but now, when I go for a walk, my knees are just killing me! Have I forgotten how to walk properly?! Has this happened to anyone else?

[skookum]

I wonder if you've changed how you flex your foot while walking versus running. Could your Achille's be getting tight? That often causes knee pain.

[dino5jacobson]

Walking and running are important tasks of you daily exercise..

[Ajax]

This isn't really a 'primal' question, per se, but I've recently cut down on my running in favour of walking. I usually run about 15 miles a week, but after learning about the benefits of interval training, I've decided to switch to sprints. Anyway, I've never had trouble with my knees when running, but now, when I go for a walk, my knees are just killing me! Have I forgotten how to walk properly?! Has this happened to anyone else?

Are you stretching properly? Tight quads can sometimes affect knees I think. Or maybe it's not the walking that's the problem but the sprinting?

[Hedonist]

This isn't really a 'primal' question, per se, but I've recently cut down on my running in favour of walking. I usually run about 15 miles a week, but after learning about the benefits of interval training, I've decided to switch to sprints. Anyway, I've never had trouble with my knees when running, but now, when I go for a walk, my knees are just killing me! Have I forgotten how to walk properly?! Has this happened to anyone else?

Primal is a lifestyle not a diet. Questions about running and walking are very primal.

Experiment when you walk. What makes it better or worse?

[Robynbee]

I do sometimes rush through my stretches, it could indeed be muscle tightness.
I find that if I walk uphill or keep my knees bent a bit at all times, that seems to make it better.

[Ajax]

I do sometimes rush through my stretches, it could indeed be muscle tightness.
I find that if I walk uphill or keep my knees bent a bit at all times, that seems to make it better.

That does sound like muscle tightness. I had knee surgery a couple months ago and can only strengthen my leg 95% of the way. My physiotherapist said that tight hamstrings can hamper full extension so maybe you have a similar issue.

[kcult]

Stretching?

[RitaRose]

I walk A LOT for my work, usually between 10 and 15 miles a day, sometimes more, and 6 days a week.

I can't run to save my life.

They're completely different things, so you're going to be feeling it. I'd say give your supporting muscles a little bit of time to develop stuff you may not have used much. If you're still having problems, then I might worry a little more.

[Robynbee]

@kcult - pffffttt. That made me lol at work.

I did some yoga this morning (which is a new thing I'm trying to do) and holy cow was Downward Dog tough on my hammies. Yep, I may have a bit of a tightness issue there.