Running solo

[CatMo13]

Hi everyone, last week I ran with a friend (15yrs younger than me) and she was much faster and my Wk3R3 just went out of the windrow. Then my Wk4R1 I ran with another friend (5yrs older ) and she was much faster than me too, so I pushed myself too much! Now today am supposed to be running Wk4R2 , but my calves are really tight and frankly I don’t want to run with someone else again! I’m a miserable sod right ! I just can’t focus on the running when I’m with someone else. Should I take an extra rest day ...any advice / thoughts ? Thanks all 🤔

[Ally25 Graduate]

Go yourself....all my runs have been solo.....I don’t think I could run with others for all the reasons you have stated.....I feel running is a very personal challenge....I hope one day I can run with others and feel relaxed about that, but not just now while I’m learning the art of running....good luck and enjoy your own company 😀😀 you are definitely not a miserable sod!! 🤣🤣

[CatMo13 Graduate in reply to Ally25]

Arh thanks so much Ally, that is so reassuring 😊

[Fifi18]

I’m on wk 4 & have only ever run by myself . It’s enough to listen to the podcast & get my breathing right & push myself to get to the end of the longest running bit . I’m not surprised it’s been a bit discouraging running with others as it’s another person to think about & chat ! Keep going there’s plenty of time for running with others later x

[CatMo13 Graduate in reply to Fifi18]

Yes, you feel like you have to chat and then forget about focusing !

[Beccym Graduate]

If you want to run with others do park run. Running clubs are also good as there will be someone at your at your pace but this might be for end of program.

[Weglet in reply to Beccym]

I agree. I’m doing a beginners course with my local running club on Saturday mornings. Run with others but club members always there to support you and I’m always at the back but happily going at my own slow pace. I’d hate to run with others in the week whilst doing c25k! Just me and my music/podcasts. Going to do park runs once I’ve graduated. Good luck! Solo not a bad thing at all!

[tony_a Graduate]

On the extra rest day, absolutely you should take it. If your calves are tight an extra day will help and you’ll enjoy your next run much more. I often got to a point through C25K where I needed a few extra days rest to let the legs recover.

[CatMo13 Graduate in reply to tony_a]

Oh Tony!! How I wish I had taken this advice !!!! Too late as now I’ve done the run (solo) and pulled something in my knee😞 had to stop running and hobble home. Very upset . Why oh why oh why . I really wanted to run and thought it would be okay.

[tony_a Graduate in reply to CatMo13]

Oh no, that’s terrible luck. Quite likely totally unrelated to the calves though so don’t beat yourself up. I’m sure with a bit of rest you’ll be up and running again in no time.

[CatMo13 Graduate in reply to tony_a]

Thanks Tony, maybe is unrelated, I’m blaming those two runs before with others where I pushed myself too much 🤨. Will take a few days to rest and stretch now .

[oldwheezer69 Graduate in reply to CatMo13]

Oh no! Poor you 😬 My ankle started to hurt during today's run so I had a good long warm bath and it's easing up. Will find a running shop for a gait analysis and proper running shoes first thing tomorrow .....!! 😁👟😁

[CatMo13 Graduate in reply to tony_a]

Tony, I have news from the osteopath... it’s only related to the tight calf muscle !! So I should have listened to my body. Apparently I have a weird tibia too and strained calf muscle which caused the knee problem. Who knew?

[tony_a Graduate in reply to CatMo13]

Amazing the things you find out isn’t it. Sounds like it’s not going to keep you laid up for too long so great news.

[Weglet in reply to CatMo13]

Don’t let it put you off. Just rest up. You can pick up when ready. I’m on week 7 and have made soooooo many mistakes but learnt so much. Take care.

[CatMo13 Graduate in reply to Weglet]

Thank you Weglet😊 hindsight is a great thing ! I guess we only learn by mistakes.

[tony_a Graduate in reply to Weglet]

Exactly this. We’re all learning about this running lark and so we all make mistakes as we go and learn from them.

[Jude1963 Graduate]

I never run with anyone for exactly those reasons. I hate it. Unless they go along with my pace and don’t speak. Then they’re good support. 😂

[CatMo13 Graduate in reply to Jude1963]

Haha ! Yes shut up and follow me 😁

[Jude1963 Graduate in reply to CatMo13]

😂👍🏼

[Mumsygill Graduate in reply to Jude1963]

😂😂😂

[oldwheezer69 Graduate]

I couldn't run with anyone else at the moment... It's about as much as I can cope with to just focus on me let alone anyone else 😬 However I plan to do a parkrun at the end of June so may feel a bit more confident about running with others by then 🤞

[CatMo13 Graduate in reply to oldwheezer69]

Yes I’d like to do a park run and that sounds like a different thing to just running one on one where you feel pressured to chat and keep pace. Good luck Old wheezer.

[RunGirlyRun]

take an extra day! There is no need to push your body if it’s telling you it needs rest.

Running solo is infinitely better in my opinion! Go for it, other people’s speeds are just a distraction and not something to measure your own progress by. You can do it!

[CatMo13 Graduate in reply to RunGirlyRun]

Thanks Eira... am having to take more than an extra rest day now but I will get there 😊

[RunGirlyRun in reply to CatMo13]

Nothing wrong with that! I’m doing the same 🙌 x

[Hidden]

I much prefer running alone- I've never run with anyone else TBH. I like to plug in my music & get "in the zone". You will probably find it easier on your own at your own pace. Good luck.

[CatMo13 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks WW😁 yes I’m looking forward to getting back into it. I’ve unfollowed the bridge to 10k now as think that’s a long way off or maybe out of reach for poor old me fo now ☺️