Ran through the pain and now paying the price.

[Sparkyifhungry]

So I'm dead keen about all this running lark. I can picture myself striving to the finish, smiling and waving to the crowds (well let's be honest more like running on my own down the railway line on the way to my first 30min run). So keen in fact I've burnt my boats a bit by going to hard on the 20min run of week 5 and getting a personal best, but then finding that my left ankle (outside part) is pretty tender and causing me to hobble. So I think to myself, rest day then see how we go. On Christmas morning (Turkey roasting in oven and baby and husband playing, domestic goddess and smug trainee runner ) I nip out for my week 6 day 1, and I'm hobbling, but still running as I'm kidding myself 'it doesn't really hurt, I want to run so bad.' I have 3 rest days and then try again this morning (I never learn do I!!) nice run, slow as hell as I'm nursing an injury.....today 2x 10min runs, and I complete because I'd rather die than fail this, but now I know I'm going to have to sit this out for a few weeks at least as the ankle is just not right and it sure isn't getting any better running on it. How will I cope? Thinking of a weeks rest, then if still dodgy I'm going to get physio input. Arghhh when will I get out agin, think I'll go mad........how does everyone else deal with these niggly setbacks????

[useitorloseit Graduate]

It happens to most of us at some point. Rest it till it feels better, and maybe look up some good exercises for strengthening whatever part of your leg which is obviously weaker so you can avoid the same problem in the future. Yes, it will slow you down on C25K for now, but it's better to get it right now so that you aren't doing more damage. Perhaps do some swimming or low impact exercise till you can run again?

[Sparkyifhungry Graduate in reply to useitorloseit]

Thanks useitorloseit, this will require a good deal of patience on my part, something I'm not widely known for. And I will go with the swimming, anything for a bit of think time. Need to consider the long game here and see the bigger picture and all that stuff. Xx

[useitorloseit Graduate in reply to Sparkyifhungry]

It's dull isn't it! I took 17 weeks to get through the programme as I had dodgy knees which took some work to strengthen up. When I couldn't run I had a stepper and a rowing machine which didn't aggravate the knees. I was really narky about it all though!

[poppypug Graduate]

Aw Sparky, I feel your pain ! I got right through to Week 9 Run 2 then had to stop due to ankle pain. I felt as sick as a chip , I was so miffed !

Yes , definitely rest it, put some ice on it and take some ibuprofen . When it starts feeling easier, look into doing some ankle strengthening exercises. Im no expert, but it is probably one of those niggly injuries that happens now and again. I have noticed that as my general fitness has got better, I hardly have any problems with my ankle now.

It is very disappointing and frustrating , I know .

Take care and I wish you a speedy recovery xxx

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Frustrating, but you just got to be patient. Running is for life so a few days or weeks is nothing in the long run. Some excellent suggestions above, particularly about building strength to mitigate against future injury.

Get well soon.

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Rest is the way to go , i understand what you mean about wnating to finish no matter what. I am having to take some rest days as i have pain in my lower leg , It is hard as running means so much now and not running is such an alien thing now But getting better and recovering is more important so you can continue .The advise everyone has given before me is the way to go do i wish you a speedy recovery and hope you back running real soon

[Sparkyifhungry Graduate]

You guys are all so supportive and lovely, and I appreciate the advice. And I will listen to you, because I know you've all been down the same road, or railway line!! Cheers peeps! Xx