Lesson number...lost count: Listen to your body!

[Pnegirl]

OK, so today wasn't a disaster and I don't feel particularly bad about it like I might have done a few months ago, but after an ecstatic Friday completing my first ever 8k in 54:06, I decided to go for a relaxing, easy-paced 5k. My next opportunity for a run was only Tuesday so I really didn't want to leave a 3-day gap between runs. When I woke up, however, I REALLY didn't feel like it — at all. Nevertheless, thinking it was mind over matter, I got myself sorted and I went through my usual warm-up routine.

I set off on my familiar route and things were going OK though I did feel a bit more tired than normal. I got to the 3k mark, however, and I felt my right calf get very tight. I decided to call it a day and have a rather chilly walk the rest of the way which I'm sure confused the many car drivers who saw me. Nevermind. I didn't want to push it and regret it completely by getting a worse injury. Oh well, you live and learn and I've got the ice pack at the ready ❄️. I sincerely hope I won't be asking for people to budge up on the injury couch but I now consider myself told...listen to your body!

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Oh poor you. Rest and maybe very gentle stretching. Take care 🤗

[Pnegirl Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

Thanks Grannyhugs! 🙂

[Couchphoenix Graduate10]

I think it’s safe to say that we are both experienced enough to take the rough with the smooth when it comes to running and 3k is better than no K.....you got out there and had a run plus a walk, when you really didn’t feel like it, so well done 👍 Maybe a few days rest now until you feel fighting fit. As you say in your title..listen to your body. As for what car drivers were thinking....probably nothing and anyway who cares 🤷‍♂️

[Pnegirl Graduate10 in reply to Couchphoenix]

Thanks Couchphoenix! You're absolutely right, who cares lol at least I got out and tried it. I'm not beating myself up about not finishing; today just wasn't my day.

I had to laugh to myself, though, as when I decided to just walk the rest of the way, the Hollies came through the headphones singing 'the road is long... ' I didn't even know I had that song on my phone haha! The forces were definitely against me today 😂. I hope you're doing ok 🙂

[Couchphoenix Graduate10 in reply to Pnegirl]

Yeah I’m doing ok thanks, I put a post on yesterday about my latest run. The one before that was really hard old slog, I did a zombie run and they nearly had the taste of a new delicacy....snail 🐌 ! but that’s just the way it goes.

It’s ironic what comes up on your playlist at certain times.....I recently added Beyoncé’s Running and when I shuffle my playlist it always comes on on the home stretch, which is great....This Is Me from Greatest Showman does the trick too 🏃‍♂️💪🏻

[Pnegirl Graduate10 in reply to Couchphoenix]

Ooo good choices! Your line about the snap delicacy made me laugh but the key word was nearly lol. Glad the zombies didn't get you 😂

[BradC]

It was sensible to stop when you did. A few days rest sound a good idea. What’s wrong with a three-day gap between runs now and then?

I’ve had a lot of frustrating time on the injury couch recently. After 20 weeks from starting C25K with never even the slightest bit of pain, I suddenly got sciatica a month ago and have only done a couple of gentle runs since. But there are plenty of people my age who can’t even walk very well, so I just have to be patient 😉

[Pnegirl Graduate10 in reply to BradC]

You know, you make a good point. There's nothing wrong with a three-day gap I suppose, but it's just a good routine I've got myself in. Ouch, sciatica isn't something you can just get over so I'm sorry to hear you've been suffering from that. You've done really well even managing a couple of gentle runs with it so best of luck with your recovery/management of it. I hope it eases up soon 🙂

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10]

Seems to me that you have got everything right. You went for a run, felt a problem and pulled out straight away; physio’s nightmare...you will put them out of work! Contrast me; slight niggle in calf, ran 12k plus on it before I decided enough was enough; limped home and booked a physio appointment. I am an idiot 😂😂😂

[Pnegirl Graduate10 in reply to Beachcomber66]

You know what they say, hindsight is a wonderful thing. I hope the physio worked their magic and it's started to get better. I only knew to stop based on previous posts I'd seen on the forum, otherwise I'd have done exactly the same thing 😂. A very kind runner who I bumped into for the second time (we were doing the same route but in opposite directions) also gave me some very kind advice after seeing me walking. The running community are such a lovely bunch 🙂

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10 in reply to Pnegirl]

Trouble is I should know better, but heart often rules head!! Physio tomorrow; I am rehearsing my excuses.🙂

[nowster Graduate10]

Some calf stretches might be useful.

I like to use numbers 3, 4 and 5 from here:

foot-pain-explored.com/calf...

[Pnegirl Graduate10 in reply to nowster]

Nowster, you are a star! 🌟 Thank you so much for sending this link as I was going to Google other stretches I could try. Very useful. I hope you're doing ok 🙂

[nowster Graduate10 in reply to Pnegirl]

That reminds me... I need to do some stretches myself today.

[Buddhagal]

Bless you...another one bites the dust ....for today ONLY, hopefully. I haven't been out today...painful neck/shoulder.....really frustrating!! Well done on listening to sensible runner mode👏👏. In the great scheme of life....couple of days rest can only be a good thing. Take it easy, soon be back out there👍👍👍. All the best.🦌🐢🐌🚶‍♀️🙋

[Pnegirl Graduate10 in reply to Buddhagal]

Thanks Buddhagal! Yes, hopefully it'll only be a couple of days and I've had ice on both calves all afternoon so I'm trying to manage it. I hope your neck/shoulder pain doesn't linger too long and you can be back out and about very soon.Ps. Love the emojis! 😁

[Buddhagal in reply to Pnegirl]

Great stuff, you're looking after yourself.👍. Hope youve had some relief already. Thanks, I'm actually feeling a lot better already. R & R, few gentle specific exercises and drugs...man😂. Well both be back on the running trail very soon. All the best. 🦌🐢🐌🚶‍♀️🙋

[Hidden]

Ohhh blow those calves Pnegirl, I've had tight calf issues, not a tear but more an annoying niggle, I've started running using compression sleeves and that works for me 👍

[Pnegirl Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

If it becomes a regular thing (which I sincerely hope it doesn't) that's a good idea, thanks lmc50. I've had the odd ankle or knee niggle but mostly while I was halfway through c25k. This is the first time I've had a muscle issue so thought it was best not to risk it

[Hidden in reply to Pnegirl]

Definitely Wise, I find heel raises help my calves and standing on a step, and using my calf muscles to pivot

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Well done for stopping when you did. If you google NHS calf stretches, you will find some great exercises to strengthen calves. It’s often a case of too much speed or distance too soon, so listening to your body is very important.