Hello! I'm a newbie on Wk 2. Struggling with Achilles tendon pain

[alwyns]

Hi! Just to introduce myself, I'm a 45 yr old woman, whose never run or been fit in my life upto this point. I've recently lost 3 stone (still maybe 1.5-2 stones still to loose). I started C-2-5K to help with weight loss and to get fitter.

I managed the Runs in week 1, ached a lot, discovered stretching, but still had lots of discomfort in my lower legs, ankles and to a lesser extent my pelvis/lower back (after the 3 runs in Wk 1, a different part of me seems to hurt each time!). After Wk 1 Run 3 I got pain in my right Achilles tendon (just my right leg). The pain carried on longer than the achy legs so I left a couple of days to recover. I then did Wk 3 run 1 - found it actually easier! My achilles hurt even more, but I kept going to the end. I thought better/proper running shoes, tested my feet for pronation at home as best I could. I tried Wk 3 Run 2 last night (after having nearly a weeks rest and not feeling any Achilles pain for a few days), in my new proper running shoes, but I only managed to get half way before my right Achilles really started hurting. I decided to not battle through, worried I'd really hurt myself. Aside from my achilles I felt strong enough to do it. I'm a bit gutted, as I think I'm going to have to stop.

Has anyone been here? Any advice? I just keep thinking that 8 mins of running isn't enough to properly hurt me surely?!!!

Any advice is really welcomed please. I really don't want to quit, but equally I don't want to screw my body up. I thought maybe give it a few weeks off and praps start again?

Thanks!

[trogdelight Graduate]

Getting medical advice is worth it, even to just put your mind at rest.

Other than that, it's often one of:

1) you're running too fast.

2) You're not doing a proper stretching routine after each run.

3) You need to hydrate better.

4) You are striking the floor too hard.

[alwyns in reply to trogdelight]

Many thanks! Fab advice I can work on! 😀

[Pete1w Graduate]

I suffered exactly the same as you. Just my right ankle

Had my gait analysis at a proper running shop. I found the thing that worked for me was rest. I didn't run for 3 weeks and I've just started running again. The ankle is a bit sore but I'm taking it really easy. Don't panic and risk further injury. You can always walk instead of run.

[alwyns in reply to Pete1w]

I'm glad it's not just me 😀 fab thanks I will rest it and do some marching!!