W4R1 - Didn't make it through the first 5 minute run.

[xeompho]

Hi everyone

I'm 34yo and have really never done any regular exercise before - not even at school. But, I did the first 3 weeks with no problems at all. I've been surprised at how achievable it was. I thought I wouldn't be able to breathe but actually my breathing is ok, it's my legs that are the problem! I've been getting calf pain while I'm running, which makes it really difficult. The pain goes away within a few minutes after I stop, so I don't think it's an injury so much as muscle fatigue/weakness.

Today I started W4R1, and the first 3 minute run was ok - but my legs were really sore. And I could only run for 3 minutes of the 5 minute run that comes straight after. I was disheartened at that point and stopped after walking for a few minutes more (probably should have kept going!). But my legs were hurting and I didn't think I could run again, even for the next 3 minutes.

Any advice for how to get through the calf pain? I'm working on a treadmill (I live in the tropics, and running outside in the heat dodging motorbikes and street food sellers is NOT an option!). My speeds are very slow - I walk at 3.9 km/h and run at 5.3 - I don't think I can go any slower and still call it running!

For my next run should I repeat a W3 run, or try again on W4?

[Clumsy2 Graduate]

Are you trying your 5 min bursts at the same speed as the 3. I found in week 3 I had to do the longer jogs at a slower speed but found by the third visit although still slower then the shorter sections i had picked up on the speed. Im doing the same in week 4, slowing my pace was only way i could go on for longer. Have only done the first visit though. My calves hurt as well and I wondered if this was due to a lack of stretching?

[xeompho]

I am doing them at the same speed. It was OK for week 3, but maybe you're right and I should reduce the speed in the 5 min burst until I can complete it.

I am stretching a bit, but probably not enough. How many times are you supposed to repeat the calf stretches on each leg?

[Clumsy2 Graduate in reply to xeompho]

Worth a try, I'm concentrating on getting the durations right, will worry about the distance later. Just didn't want to lose heart if I had to stop, plus husband didn't think I could do it so the stubborn side of me kicked in! I don't do any stretches at the minute, which perhaps is contributing to my leg pain, well that or the extra 4 stone im carrying round. Laura was right on stitches making an appearance in week 4, got my first one last night. Hadnt had one of them since my schooldays. Any graduates out ther got some good advice on what stretches we should be doing?

[xeompho in reply to Clumsy2]

Thanks - I'm with you on the husband thing. He was being ever-so-terribly-supportive at the same time as telling me each week that he doesn't think I should move on to the next just yet - so I was extra gutted this morning when I really didn't make it as I've been privately sticking it to him on my weekly graduations!

Ugh, stitch! don't like the sound of that....

I've got the extra weight too, which I'm sure doesn't make it any easier for the legs.

The thing about the stretches is that I'm already a teensy (loads) bit resentful about having to sacrifice some of my treasured morning lolling around time in order to do the runs. The stretches take up precious minutes that could be spend reading the internet before my motorbike taxi arrives.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Clumsy2]

Hi Clumsy2, there are a good basic set of stretches on the NHS Choices site and I do them after every run. It seems like a palaver but soon becomes part of the routine and gives your muscles a chance to realign while they are warm and supple. They got me through C25k but now I seem to be injury prone, probably by trying to do too much too soon.

Good luck and take it steady.

[Clumsy2 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Hi, thanks I'll take a look

[Clumsy2 Graduate]

Lol, mines the same! I'm still not convinced he believes I managed it. Determined to keep going just so i can then gloat whilst wearing a c25k tshirt non stop. Don't know what it is with me and stretches, I've got myself in a routine of going to the gym, which is still a miracle but just cant get my head in to the stretches. I go when back from work which is a 58 mile drive so I should loosen up before the podcast

[scotsheather Graduate]

I found I was having calf pain at Week 4 so I bought new trainers, the difference was incredible. No more pain other than the kind of ache you expect when you do any kind of exercise. I do some stretches but must confess only a very bare minimum! And shame on your husbands!!! Stick at it girls, you can definitely do it, we'll all be with you every step of the way!!!

[xeompho in reply to scotsheather]

Thanks. I did get new shoes, all ready. They didn't help with the calf pain, but were good for my wobbly left ankle for sure. And much squishier than my old ones, which is nice. It's possible that they aren't the right shoes - where I am all the shoe shops are strictly fashion/retail - even the sports shoes. I went running up the aisles of the department store to try them on, much to the amusement of the locals...

[xeompho]

Hi Everyone, thanks for all the replies!

I just wanted to update and say I finally completed this run this morning.

I had a couple of days off after my original post last week, because (horrors!) my air conditioner stopped working. I just couldn't bear the thought of struggling to do it in 30 degree plus heat, even with fans. The a/c was fixed on Saturday, and I visited week 3 again. And then this morning I managed to do the first of week 4.

Can't believe I actually managed it! No calf pain this time though, so something's improving.