Wk6Run3 - Not going great

[gillebro]

Morning everyone,

I'm really struggling to complete this run. I've tried to do it twice, and both times I've taken a walking break in the middle. I've been having a lot of trouble with sore calves and pins and needles in my feet lately, which tends to make me panic (I have health anxiety), which makes the running harder.

I just feel really discouraged. I was able to do Wk5Run3 a few weeks ago and was so proud of myself, and it's like I've been going downhill since then.

I don't know if I'm looking for advice or just a friendly ear or two, but either/or would certainly be appreciated.

Thanks for reading.

[K311y33 Graduate]

Its hard when you have a discouraging run to bounce back , but you can do it! Youve done all the others. If it takes another few runs to complete , it doesnt matter , its all milage in the legs that will help in the long run anyway. Go back and do w5r3 if you feel confidant with that run , to take the pressure off , and you never know you might just suprise yourself and have some energy left to carry on and do the last few minutes. You can do it , youve got this far. Have a rest day, go out with fresh legs and a smile and im sure your do it 😊

[misswobble Graduate in reply to K311y33]

You walk when you have to! Nothing wrong with that. It gets you to the end.

Don’t worry so much 😃👍🏃‍♀️✔️

[gillebro Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Aww, but worrying is my greatest skill.

[gillebro Graduate in reply to K311y33]

Thanks for your kind words. I'm definitely not giving up.

[Mazzy106]

Keep going...you’ll do it in the end! I’ve just completed W6R1 and found my calves were sooooo painful. Ive had problems all the way but through with calf pain and stiffness, it really gets me down. I imagined by this stage my calf pain would be a lot better but unfortunately not. I read that pins and needles could be laces tied too tight or not enough padding in the soles of your trainers. I bought some good gel insoles to replace the original ones and found they’ve really made a difference to my comfort. Don’t give up you’ve come too far!

[gillebro Graduate in reply to Mazzy106]

Well done to you too!

Yes, I suspect that my shoes aren't quite doing the job. I'm thinking it might be worth going somewhere to take a look at my gait and think about what would be the best shoes to combat it. After all, I want this experience to be fun and rewarding, not painful.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

First well done... now.. relax....

Make sure you warm up well... and after your runs stretch those calf muscles... you may still be landing heavily.. so try light landing... kissing the ground with your feet is what I call it

Try these exercises too..

runnersworld.com/workouts/5...

Pins and needles,well.. it can have many causes. Maybe your shoes are laced too tightly – or even your socks are too snug – as this can restrict the circulation in your feet.

Just try to relax... pull back and enjoy the longer runs.. start slow and stay slow. Let your legs carry you.. focus on what is around you.. think how brilliant you are.. and just keep it gentle.

When you get into a mind set like this it is tricky to shake it..but if you just get out there, knowing we are running alongside you.. I think you may be fine

[gillebro Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

thanks so much for your kind comment.

I suspect that my shoes aren't quite up to the task of keeping my feet in tip-top condition. It wouldn't be surprising as they are inexpensive Sports Direct numbers. I think I'll see about going and getting my gait analysed.

I've been running indoors on a treadmill until now. Perhaps going outside and enjoying the fresh air around me will improve the experience as well. It's something to think about.

My still-aching muscles disagree with you right now, but I hope they'll be with you in a few days' time.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to gillebro]

The legs will recover and you will find your mojo again. There are some great bargains to be had shoe wise... maybe gait analysis and then go for old stock or funky colours.. cheaper that us what many of us do...

The fresh air, even in the Autumn and winter is great.. you run and imagine all the stresses and anxiety float away behind! You can sort things out in your head as you run... I really love my runs,, then I ramble about them... I have sorted so many issues that way

[gillebro Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I do like me some funky colours...

Good points about the outdoor fresh air and anxiety leave-behinds. Both things make the concept of running outside far more appealing.