Newbie

[Jazzi14]

I have just started this program and completed week 1 - my run is not a run per se but have found that my lower legs have got heavier as the week progressed - is this normal? Should I be looking at better running shoes rather than trainers?

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Hello and welcome. Well done for starting this fab programme and for ticking off the first week! What do you mean when you say your run is not a run? Is it because you are running very very slowly? If so then that is exactly what you should be doing. Slow, slow is the way to go here. You really can't be too slow.

If you can, then buying proper running shoes is a great investment. You can get a free gait analysis in some sports shops or Sweatshop. Just google to find where your nearest shop is. A gait analysis means you run for a very short time on a treadmill to see how you run and then the assistant recommends the right shoes for you although you are under no obligation to buy them there.

Your legs will ache a bit at the beginning because you are getting used to the movement of running but make sure you stretch after each run and the aches should go the more you run.

nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Well done for getting started - you won't regret it.

Your legs are bound to protest if you haven't been very active before. Stretch out after your runs to help with the stiffness. Keep it very slow and steady and always take your rest days.

Good luck!

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Well done for running your first week you sound like you are going great

[Irish-John Graduate]

You might have the same problem I do - when I start feeling like I just cant go on because my body is giving out I repeat constantly the Forum Mantra 'slow down...then slow down some more' and have found that it is not neccesarily my actual speed that is affected when I 'slow down' but that my legs and feet relax and I am not running 'awkwardly' then I find a new sense of energy and am able to continue running. I have no idea what it all LOOKS like when I do this - whether in actual fact my pace drops as well as my gait or whatever the technical terms for basically putting one foot in front of the other are called, but a hell of a lot of fatigue seems to disappear from my limbs and it becomes enjoyable again - and doable. Hope this helps. I felt like I was trying to expel my lungs through my nose while my pants were being suctioned up my bum and my legs were melting internally on D1W1 but just now came in from my 5w-8R-5w-8R-5w and feel like I could go out there and do it again (but- second mantra of the Forum 'TRUST THE PROGRAM" And 1st law of old crocks (that's me) running - it is not about 'speed' or 'distance' its about building up the time you can run continuously, the rest will follow believe me. (if you don't - read my other posts Anyway - hang in there and I won't say 'best of luck' - I will say - it works if you get out there and do it the way Laura says to do it

[melly4012 Graduate]

Well done for taking the first step! The C25k programme is just amazing, following it is one of the best decisions you'll ever make. Go slow, listen to Laura, take your rest days and you'll be a runner before you know it!

It is worth getting some proper running shoes and a gait analysis can help too. Your muscles will ache at first, but definitely make sure you stretch which will ease them a bit. You really can't go too slow on this programme so if your legs feel tired then try to slow down and remember to start slow at the beginning too. Even if you're running at walking pace, that's ok.

The forum is one of the best places on the internet. It's full of incredible, inspirational people so do post for advice, encouragement and to let everyone celebrate your successes with you! We'll be with you every step of the way

[Jazzi14 Graduate in reply to melly4012]

Thank you x

[McFitty Graduate]

Oh I feel for you. My legs felt like lead for the first 3 weeks. I thought I wasn't even running and couldn't possibly go slower, but thanks to the incredible support and advice on here, I managed to slow to a snails pace and found that although my legs still ached, I didn't feel like I was running through wet cement. My lower legs have always been my bugbear but it honestly does get better. I'm just starting week 7 and at week 3 didn't believe I could manage any more! Come here often, especially if you're feeling apprehensive or uncertain or if a run doesn't go well. The people on here have been exactly where you are and this is the most supportive forum I have ever come across. I would never have made it this far without them. And congratulations on completing your first week!

[Jazzi14 Graduate in reply to McFitty]

Thank you so much, just what I needed to hear x

[Jazzi14 Graduate]

Thanks everybody for the great advice, I do not feel so alone doing this anymore x