WK4R1

[ChunkyMonkey]

Was worried about the big step up this week - the first run was hard and I thought no way I'm going to do this - but once that was over and I'd had my 90s walk I was good to go for the rest of the session. I've been doing the same circuit and today with the extra distance I was ending on a down hill run. I thought yes a downhill at last - but it was really hard! It is a very steep hill - what do you guys think - should I avoid it next time, or how do I approach a steep down? When I was done the very bottom of my calves were screaming to the point that stretching was almost agony - which worries me a bit as I torn my Achilles' tendon last year on the treadmill. Delighted to have got 16 minutes running done - don't want to ruin it all now with an injury. Achilles' tendon aching a bit now a day on - should I run tomorrow? As always thanks for all your help & support on this forum.

[Gillma Graduate]

Am absolutely no expert but am very keen on 'extra rest day, see how it feels then' - would be grim to set yourself back. Well done for your 16 mins!

[ChunkyMonkey Graduate in reply to Gillma]

Thanks for your reply - yes after 18 months out and a lot of pain I don't want to go there again! Will see how I feel tomorrow and play it by ear I think. Thanks for your support.

[Hidden]

Generally aching a bit is OK but if it is an old injury I would be extra careful. An extra rest day sounds like a good idea. And stretching.

[ChunkyMonkey Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you - I've hah general aching since I started LOL! But st the end of the last run really painful to the point that walking home was very uncomfortable. This morning a bit anxious to find my Achilles aching having only just got back to doing anything after 18 months of waiting for and then getting physio. She told me that it would never be quite right but no more that she could do - I am a bit confused though - after the original injury my GP told me to take pain killlers anti inflammatories, try a heat gel and basically get on with it. My physio - some 7 months later told me I shouldn't be using it! Bit late! Now I'm not so sure how to go on.

[Hidden in reply to ChunkyMonkey]

Very confusing when medics and physios tell you different things. I usually listen to the physio about things like what you are experiencing. When I broke my elbow the physio was right more often than the GP.

In my experience physios are fans of ice more than heat especially when things are inflamed. I wouldn't take painkillers and then exercise as there is a risk you do damage without noticing (I have been there). Listen to your body, don't run if in pain and don't push it. I am sure if you look after yourself you will get there.

[ChunkyMonkey Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you that's very sensible advice 🐵

[brightspice Graduate]

No expert either, but if I were you I would avoid hills, especially steep hills (I still do, truth be told). As Laura says, it's about completing the distance. I saw no point in the early days making it even harder by choosing tough terrain. I found it difficult enough to run for a couple of minutes!

An extra rest day also sounds like a sensible step.

[ChunkyMonkey Graduate in reply to brightspice]

Thank you - I was expecting down hill to be easy - I was so wrong!!

[ChunkyMonkey Graduate]

A lady I work with who does triathlon suggested that I don't run down the particularly steep hill in question- so will extend my run along the farm track rather than turning for home next time then walk back home across the field - see if that helps 🤞🐵🏃🏻‍♀️

[Hidden in reply to ChunkyMonkey]

I am beginning to think that everything on C25K is all about taking the proverbial one step at a time. Sort out the running, or the breathing or whatever is your challenge and then add in the other niceties when you're fit and healthy and happy to do so. So if steep downhill is horrid and gives you pain in your Achilles, then that sounds like a good enough reason to avoid the pain....

[ChunkyMonkey Graduate]

Yep - a different route next time I think! I've been bemoaning the ups but now it seems that the long awaited downs are causing the issues!!