HHM Training - Week 3 Day 2

[Dodgylungs]

After a gap of a few days to rest my troublesome knees, I had a gentle game of football on Sunday where I mainly stayed in goal. Rested my aching limbs on Monday and decided that I better get back to my HM training today or I’ll fall way behind.

So I completed the hill running indoors on the treadmill. Despite it being 6pm and having eaten just a couple of hours prior to my training, I felt in relatively good shape. I put in an effort of 6 out of 10 over 45 seconds and then an effort of 10 over 15 seconds. In between these runs I jogged on the flat (as I obviously couldn’t run downhill) and I didn’t feel too bad at the end of the session.

I know running outside is harder for me than the treadmill and I have a 5 mile run looming either for Friday or Sunday (I’m working Saturday) depending on how my body feels. The weight is steadily coming off and I retain a certain level of fitness but I didn’t feel fit playing football on Sunday and I am concerned that running outside will sap the energy from my legs and lungs as it always has. We shall see!

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

I did most of the C25K on a treadmill because of an old injury and had to make the transition to outdoors. The best advice I was given was to run much slower as most people run too fast at the beginning and it’s tricky to pace yourself after the ease of the treadmill settings. This really worked for me and I had no problems.

You are maybe running too fast outside so try taking it very slowly. Don’t forget, you’re in complete control!

Did your knee pain ease at all after resting for a few days? Could your football or what you wear on your feet be aggravating your knees? It might be worth taking a week off football to see if your knees improve…..

[Dodgylungs Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Yes good advice. Running slowly outside is definitely the answer. During the first lockdown I transitioned from running regular sub 30 minute 5Ks on the treadmill to not being able to run for longer than 7 minutes outside. My lungs were struggling and I felt there was something seriously wrong with me (hence my monicker). I may have had Covid as it coincided with a period where I felt seriously fatigued for a few weeks. I’ll never know if it was Covid or whatever ails my lungs (I suspect it’s COPD). Anyway, my doctors have got me taking extra antacids at night in case there is an element of reflux making the asthma worse. My running shoes are brand new Nikes and are decent. My football boots are astroturf boots and need replacing but my knees didn’t hurt after football. There was some improvement after the lay off though they still ached when I walked downstairs. I’ll see how they go and keep monitoring them. I have a 30 minute recovery run tomorrow and then the 8K run on Friday (or Sunday if my legs/knees are too achy/sore). The weight is slowly coming off and I’m feeling fitter but I did find football hard going on Sunday. I’ll see how the knees are but may take your advice and not play this weekend.

[Irishprincess Graduate10 in reply to Dodgylungs]

You could very well have had Covid and that would explain your symptoms. But running slower is the way to go for most of us as it builds stamina and strength, especially when training for longer distances.

A process of elimination sounds like a logical next step - Good luck and keep us updated 🤞