Here's hoping..

[NewlifeLil]

Having been a determined non-runner for all my adult life, I got off my behind and was working steadily through the weeks and doing well, and SO enjoying running ... until my calves seized up on Week 8 R1 at 25 minutes. Which was 6 whole weeks ago. Since then I've been trying to rest but keep running! And stretching loads. And I bought new proper running shoes.

Someone told me I am the 'wrong build' for running. I've heard that before but I DON'T WANT IT TO BE TRUE. I'm a tall woman. Not skinny. With wide hips... which apparently is the problem.

I had one run last week when I ran for 25 minutes without problems... and nearly posted with 'Oh the Joy of Running' but thought I'd better hold fire in case of problems. So the next time I set out with the vague idea of running 5k. After 2.5k my calves tighted up

I'm so scared of being 'off the road' again that I just walked home.

I stretched some more.. and have been cycling to keep active.

I'll be out again tomorrow. No idea where I am with the programme, but I'd love to get to 5k before Christmas. Have in mind my local park run for 21st December. Now that would be sooo great.

Thanks for being there all you lovely people. Happy running.

[P1glet1 Graduate]

Wrong build for running? I am 5'3" and weighed 90kg when I started, so definitely not the desired physique lol but now on week 6. I have constantly been told by 'helpful' ppl that I can't run, won't stick at it, won't enjoy it etc. The graduates will hopefully offer more advice but I think a deep tissue or sports massage might help. And Laura already calls you a runner!

[NewlifeLil Graduate in reply to P1glet1]

Thanks P1glet1! Funny how 'helpful' people are isn't it. Great to hear you are doing well. I'll maybe request a sports massage for Christmas!

[waletta Graduate]

I think you're already a runner too. I've never heard the term "wrong build for running". I wonder what a sports physio would say.

[NewlifeLil Graduate in reply to waletta]

Thanks. He is a pilates teacher... that's what bothers me. As he observes, all the marathon runners are slim-hipped! Not that I have marathon ambitions!

[waletta Graduate in reply to NewlifeLil]

I think you may have hit the nail on the head. Perhaps he doesn't see people who run just because they can.

[Mummysaurus Graduate]

No expert but I don't think your build is the problem, sounds like a normal overuse injury, a sports massage could be just what you need also check that your running form is ok and that your not over striding, did you get gait analysis when you got your new shoes?

[NewlifeLil Graduate in reply to Mummysaurus]

Thanks for your reply. I tried for a gait analysis but I couldn't run on the treadmill - apparently a common problem. The lady in the shop seemed to know what she was on about and helped me loads, so I'm confident I'm not over pronating. Yes, a sports massage sounds a good plan. I'm disappointed if it is overuse, as I'd been following the plan carefully - but then I am 55 - and as my friend said, what is 7 weeks of running compared with 30 years of not!

[Mummysaurus Graduate in reply to NewlifeLil]

Your friend could be right LOL I am 54 so know a thing or two about years spent not running, I find that although you are meant to take a days rest between runs, that sometimes I need to take two especially if I had increased distance or speed etc....Always better to make sure you feel ok before stressing your body too far, we can all take just that bit longer to heal as we get older, I use a foam roller on my tight legs which really seems to help and if they are really sore I wear Compression Calf Guards which work a bit like flight socks and keep the circulation going nicely.