W2R2 done, but decision time.....

[scubasmiff]

Well R2 nearly went ok, pushed myself through it and reached the end. Then during the last minute of the cool down walk something went at the top of the calf. Walking with a bit of a limp yesterday, still a bit tight today. What do I do about tomorrow's run? Take another rest day? Walk my usual route? Repeat w1r3? I'm desperate to get out because I have this fear that if I skip a run then I'll quit the rest... Advice anyone?

[Prudanced Graduate]

I’m no expert, but it seems to me that if you’ve an injury, you should let it heal.

Sounds like the problem might be a bit of ‘magic thinking’. It doesn’t mean anything extra if you skip a run, just like the bears won’t get you if you tread on the cracks!

Seriously I do understand your fear though. I had to take a few days off with a cold, and then again with cystitis, but both times I’ve got back out as soon as I could. I’ve redone a couple of runs too (although I don’t think I needed to). But it’s not a race. I find that reading a few posts on here helps keep my motivation up if I can’t run. That and buying a few new running clothes that I can look forward to running in! But do whatever helps you keep the doubting gremlins away. Maybe walk it if that’s what feels right for you?

[Pc59 Graduate]

Personally i think an extra days rest might help & see how it goes but keep in touch on forum reading posts to keep you motivated . The body does take time to adjust to running but the structure of this program does work so stay positive.😊

[Wantorun2013 Graduate]

Rest and recover would be my advice otherwise you may do more damage 👍

[Razouski]

I would take an extra rest day, and then do W2R3, if you're up to it. But don't skip a run, the programme is designed to gradually build your running legs but it doesn't matter if you take longer than a chronological week to complete a running week.

Hope your calf feels better soon. It's probably just grumpy because it's not used to this new exercise malarkey. But you'll soon get it used to it, I'm sure. 😀👍🏽

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

Throughout the programme, especially the last four weeks, I often took two days rest. Recently I had a sore hip and took 5 days rest - and it truly didn't affect my next run! If anything, I ran better!

It is important to rest up if you have what you think is an injury, it really is. You could just have pulled a little something - it happens - but don't fret, it may not take to long to heal at all, especially if you rest it!

Hope it feels much better soon!

[scubasmiff Graduate]

Woke up this morning and it's much better, but I've never seen the sense in asking for advice and then ignoring it. Extra rest day it is. Thanks all.

[Richard7 Graduate in reply to scubasmiff]

Glad it’s better. I looked back at my runs and in September I was really spread out in October I almost doubled the number of runs. Don’t worry about taking an extra couple of days here and there to let your body get used to the idea of running.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You won't lose much condition with a 2 week break, so don't worry about a few days. Losing momentum is, as you are aware, more important to avoid.

If it is not right, rest. I have not run for nearly three weeks, because of a sprained ankle. It is frustrating but worthwhile.

[scubasmiff Graduate]

Well walking around town shopping on Saturday morning persuaded me to take another rest. Will start week 1 again on Monday and have a week of easing back into it.