W3R3 began with heavy legs and a distinct lack of enthusiasm but finished with plenty to spare!

I really didn't feel like running this morning. My legs felt heavy and I still ached from the previous run. For the first minute of the first 90 secs my ankles hurt too and I worried that for the first time I might not complete a run. Then suddenly all was well! As I warmed up and, quite literally, got into my stride, the aches diminished and my confidence returned. The last three minutes were a pleasure!

It's quite chilly in Edinburgh this morning so perhaps this affected my muscles and joints until they warmed up. Also I do find that I'm still sore after only one day between runs. Can anyone tell me whether my age (63) has anything to do with this?

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Well done DeborahJK! Finishing with plenty to spare is great!! I find that drinking a lot of water every day seems to work well for me. Especially making sure I do that on the rest days. I think of it as fuel for the muscles that will take me through to the next run. I also find that stretching before and after a run seemed to make a difference too. Best wishes for W4! You’re doing brilliantly! ❤️

[Hidden in reply to Fabulous450]

Thanks ever so much for the encouragement. Where are you in the programme?

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Just finished R3 of week 5 today! Trust the process DeborahJK. It really does works. We’re all at different stages, but we’ve all been there or getting there. Our forum is just amazing in giving support to keep you going throughout the challenges and the celebrations. We’re all in this together! That’s brilliant too! Keep on thinking one run at a time, helps me! Good luck! ❤️❤️

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Well done for pushing through and completing regardless.

It may be that your body wants 2 days between runs. If so, try it and see if it helps.

Enjoy the next one.

[Penelopesimmons Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

I often take two rest days as I get a lot of niggles - I don’t feel it has hampered my progress - just made it more enjoyable - well done to you fabulous effort!!

[Hidden in reply to Penelopesimmons]

Many thanks for this.

[over61andstilltrying Graduate]

Hi DeborahJK, Very good to see another runner in their 60s. Well done for making a great start and all the best for your running journey. I am 61 and although I have 'graduated' consider myself a complete novice. If you read around this massively helpful forum you will find not only masses of encouragement, but also lots of information. There is a useful search bar top right. Recently my body seems to have got used to the idea of running and I seem to run (mainly) without the various pains of earlier weeks. Much more enjoyable! Whatever age we are, if we use muscles in a different way to our usual they are bound to react! Hope your next runs go well. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Hidden in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Thanks for this - very encouraging!

[Crib Graduate]

Did my W3R2 this morning whilst on holiday, did a 30 minutes swim session in the pool afterward, that really has helped me from feeling stiff. Does anyone do stretching exercises after their warm down walk.

[Hidden in reply to Crib]

Yes, I do the series of stretches on NHS Choices that are recommended post-run. Sometimes I go for a fairly gentle swim too. Good luck with the rest of the programme and enjoy your holiday.