W2R1

[lizilang_10]

Got to admit at one point tonight I actually doubted that I would complete it! I think it was on run 3, the bottom of my calves just above my ankles were killing me...but I worked through it and kept going; run 1 of week 2 complete 😊

Anyway, a question for you...best place to run - grass or pavement? I went to a local park this evening but the grass was slightly longer than short so actually wondered if it was harder than running on a flat paved area!!!

[lightweightkate Graduate]

Well done - no idea about what is better - I have been learning on trail runs - think grass is better underfoot but other more qualified I am sure will help

[McFitty Graduate]

I can say from experience that although it is actually more tiring, I find grass is definitely easier on the old calves! Having said that, I really struggled with calf pain in the early weeks and I truly believed it would never get any better. Now My calves ache a little towards the end of a run but nothing like the intense pain of those first weeks. The advice I was given was to slow right down and take smaller steps. It made a huge difference, as did starting to stretch after every run (which I hadn't been doing). Keep at it. It will get better week on week. Good luck with the next one

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

McFITTY offers good advice. Long grass is quite hard especially if you have to watch where you are putting your feet all the time - but grass generally is easier on the joints and muscles.

Sounds like the key may be to slow things down a bit.

[lizilang_10]

Thanks both. My calves feel ok this morning but I have got a lot of knee ache going on, seem to get it a lot after I exercise...even walking! Any help on the knee matter would be great 😃

[Songfish in reply to lizilang_10]

I feel your pain. I'm on week 5 & haven't yet run outdoors - it's all been in the gym. I too have a v achey knee afterwards & next day. I've been icing it immediately afterwards which seems to be helping a lot. Would be interested in any other advice too.

[MVeganlatte Graduate]

I'm in exactly the same place you are - did W2R1 yesterday - I have done all 4 runs on tracks through a local woods which has the odd tree root but is basically pretty even and easier to see where I'm putting my feet than longish grass? It feels like a good surface to be running on and I haven't had sore knees/shins/hips etc.