Just unfit..?!

[chickenlady]

I don't even get chance to get out of breathe as my calf muscles and feet ache/hurt. I do a fast walk for five mins plus stretches, is poor execution or just unfit muscles???

[Beccym Graduate]

It may be worth investing in a new pair of trainers, I got injured the first time I tried c5k after about week 4.

[chickenlady in reply to Beccym]

Thanks for the reply, went to a proper running shop, who video'd my gait and fitted me with proper trainers. I'm not a natural runner, can you do it wrong? Joining a running club tomorrow, hope they can work miracles!!!

[nextjenn Graduate]

I am on week 8, soon to be week 9 and I could hold a full conversation but my legs are like lead! I'm pretty sure new trainers are required, but until I have cash I'm just doing all I can! Try your new trainers and see how you go, good luck and we are all here if that's not the answer

[GoogleMe Graduate]

If you are doing the NHS C25K all you are asked to do is a brisk 5 minute walk and no stretching (and a 5 minute walk at the end and again no stretching). There seems to be quite a strong body of thought that pre-run stretching can be an actively bad idea - and if so this could explain why you are having trouble. Although the programme doesn't ask you to, a lot of NHS C25Ker do stretch afterwards - but you could try doing the programme 'as is' and see if that helps.

I'd never have started C25K if it had involved stretching, I've always found it extremely offputting generally and not an option with my particular health issues anyway. I do now do some stretching work but separate to my running.

Do you have the option to try a different surface?

[RuthP Graduate]

Have you just started? I know that all my life I have had dodgy calves. It's bad to say I never went to the doctor about it :/ But any time I would walk at more than a slow pace they'd hurt a lot. That made it hard in the beginning of C25K - like you said I didn't stop because I was out of breath, had to stop because of my calf pain.

But I will say C25K has made my calves better than ever. I occasionally get the pain but hardly ever now! It sucks when you get it, but I just usually take a quick break to rest them then continue. Also I did try to become more aware of my jogging style and if I land less on my heel it seems to help!

[chickenlady]

I am by no means a natural athlete but fast approaching 40 and want to change. Bizarrely it was after lots of stretching I was in agony after walking! There isn't much choice in running surface, just pavement. I walk with a long pace/stride but sort of stomp and shuffle along whilst " jogging". Unfit and lack of confidence, maybe? Thanks for all the replies, I don't want to give up I really need to do this for me.

[Frikkadella]

I got the "calfproblem" too, and am pretty much always with achy calves - I DO strech though and I feel that it does help:S

though - the more I walk - the better it becomes - so often I can just walk it out