In need of encouragement!!!: This is a blatant... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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In need of encouragement!!!

Goodthing profile image
27 Replies

This is a blatant shout out for some positive thinking please! Started C25K in January and was doing brilliantly up until W7R3....then I had the flu and it snowed, then I ran W8R1 and my left ankle didn’t like it and swelled up so I took a week off...then I got a cold and it snowed again 🙄

Basically I’ve lost my running mojo a bit, as well as some fitness - yesterday I went out again, for the first time in almost 3 weeks so went back to W6R1 as I didn’t want to overdo it. I did it but not as easily as the first time round and I’m feeling sad at my loss of progress. Anyone else had to go back before??

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Goodthing profile image
Goodthing
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27 Replies
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Hundreds of folk I should think :)

Don't worry about it... I have just repeated a slightly tweaked version of C25K after a particularly painful spell on the IC :) Back to 5K now, for two virtual runs:) I shall carry on gently until I am back up tot the 10K I was running at :)

Slow and steady is the way.... head out and just relax...your run would not be as easy... you have been ill.. and the weather and that have impacted... Just let the run go and head out again... slower:)

Some strength and stamina exercise on rest days is going to help your return ...as the runs get longer, so, those exercises need to be upped. Your body has to keep pace with your legs:)

PS

The mojos hide under your running shoes... the minute you out the shoes on...hey presto :)

Goodthing profile image
Goodthing in reply to Oldfloss

Ah see this is the advice I need! Quick question though as I’ve been doing bog all exercise other than running, advice for what I can do on rest days? Thank you!!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Goodthing

Walk, swim, cycle, climb... a day's gardening, housework blitz.. Yoga or Pilates... Strength and Flex..squats... anything as long as it is non-impact...

nhs.uk/Livewell/strength-an...

Many of us have rest day and daily routines... I use this one as part of my exercise routine...

youtube.com/watch?v=qoxqZXZ...

I also care for small runner in training two days each week...( granddaughter) and that workout is unbelievable :)

Anthie profile image
AnthieGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Thank you, Oldfloss! This is a great video! And what a gorgeous park (even if you can hear the sirens in the background at some point)!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Anthie

Welcome:)

I know it by heart now... there are some great Yoga for runners videos out there too... once you set up your own routine it becomes second nature..like your warm up and after run routines:)

I think many folk don't realise or feel they need other exercise than the running...but I certainly do ...and it has stood me in very good stead for the long, long, long walks with small one in her buggy, too:)

Anthie profile image
AnthieGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

I already do a kind of yoga called postural stretching for my back and joints problems (plus nordic walking in a club) but it's always nice to have less complex exercises you can do by yourself without risking hurting yourself and this is great as she explains exactly what you need to do.

Goodthing profile image
Goodthing in reply to Oldfloss

OK maybe I do more exercise than I think! The video is excellent and I’m definitely going to start doing those...I feel like some extra strength training would do me a lot of good, especially after my ankle hurting recently. Thank you!!!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Goodthing

Welcome:)

Melo_smiles profile image
Melo_smilesGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Hi Oldfloss, after my last run on Tuesday I’ve been experiencing some pain along in the inside of my left calf. I’m going to take some extra rest days before completing my last run of Wk8 but wanted to ask if I should do the strength and flex exercises in the video whilst I’m resting ?

I’m disappointed I can’t head out tomorrow but the C25K is just the start of my new love for running so I want to heal properly and not cause more damage and be out longer 😟

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Melo_smiles

There are some specific exercises for calf muscles...I will l send you a link...(Did a lot whilst recovering from a calf muscle tear..Physio led)

ClarriePan profile image
ClarriePanGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Oldfloss, what is the IC please 🤔

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to ClarriePan

Injury couch...not a good place :(

SW16 profile image
SW16Graduate

But you went out and did it!

I had to go back from w8r2 to (the previously dreaded) w5r3 after a similar set of woes. It felt awful! But it was still a run and it did get better, honestly! Getting back into the routine of running three times a week helped as I had no choice (🤔) except to go and do!!

Good luck, dust down your mojo and enjoy! You will quickly be back to where you were and go sailing through to graduation.

Goodthing profile image
Goodthing in reply to SW16

Thank you, it did feel really good even to just get my gear back on again. It’s good to know others have gone backwards and still graduated. Hopefully I’ll get there too!!

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate

It took me six months to graduate due to various problems including an old ankle injury returning from the grave. Fear not, this is your path and there is no hurry. It’ll take as long as it takes.

And well done for getting out again 👌

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate

Having to take time out for busy periods in your life, injury, etc. is par for the course whatever your fitness related hobby.

Don't panic if your first run or two are hard. You will soon get it back.

Goodthing profile image
Goodthing in reply to Whatsapp

Yeah I do need to be more pragmatic about it...and less emotional, after all I did it once! Thanks for the encouragement 😊

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

I am in my fifth year of running and in that time I have had numerous breaks from running because of injury (only one running injury) and after each break I have to slowly build myself back up again.

Your fitness will not inexorably follow an ever upward trajectory. At present my ability to run is back where I was five years ago. In six months time I hope to be improved, but it will only happen if I get out and continue running. That is life.

Run because you can............... don't take it for granted.

Goodthing profile image
Goodthing in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thanks IannodaTruffe. It’s good to hear more experienced runners’ isn’t all smooth sailing either. And I will definitely keep running...if I don’t do it now it’ll just be harder next time 👊

Lillybeth30mins profile image
Lillybeth30minsGraduate

You’ve come to the right place for encouragement.... when I hurt my ankle I came back after just 1 week (probably a bit foolishly) and so I can’t advise much.

However, I’d say just remember everything you enjoyed about running the first time around and see going back to it as a present to yourself?... I know that might sound a bit bonkers, but you’re allowing yourself all those happy good feelings all over again... the post run buzz, the chance to get fitter, and the chance to take away inches, heart disease, diabetes (the list goes on and on)... now why would you deny yourself all that?? Go you!!🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Liz x

Goodthing profile image
Goodthing in reply to Lillybeth30mins

Yeah that’s a great way of looking at it! I’ve amazed myself at what I’ve done so far and that I ENJOYED IT!!! Need to remember that and not lose confidence. Thank you!

The main thing is that you are feeling better and that you got back out there and did it. That’s progress in my book!

Goodthing profile image
Goodthing in reply to

Very true! Thank you Vangus, I really appreciate the support 😊

SlowLoris profile image
SlowLoris

Most people seem to find Week 6 R1 the hardest so well done on picking that one.

Just stick with it. You'll be fine.

Goodthing profile image
Goodthing in reply to SlowLoris

Actually that’s true, I’ve got to remind myself where I’ve come from i.e. not being able to run at all! It was a bit tough but I did it and I’ll be back out tomorrow as well. Thank you!!!

Shinobe profile image
ShinobeGraduate

Hey Goodthing! What is it with W7R3? That's when I busted my calf muscle. I've taken a week of rest and this morning went out and did W1R1 again (yes that bad). But.. I made it home in one piece, which is more than can be said for last Friday! And it has given me some confidence again. Don't worry about going back, it's the only way to go forwards again sometimes.

Anyways, I am looking forward to a big birthday weekend with you starting tomorrow! Chin chin love!! xxx

Goodthing profile image
Goodthing in reply to Shinobe

Ouch that sounds bad! My ankle has been fine after yesterday’s run, hope your calf gets sorted soon too.

I’m out out tomorrow too, have fun!!! 🤪😂 Xx

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