Help! W3R3 disappointment😥

[ChettyAl]

Just finished week 3 and so disappointed... managed to run, but shins and ankles aching like crazy - cardio wasn’t great either. Felt great after w3r2..... don’t know what’s going on... dreading week 4!

[Julessn Graduate]

Maybe you were more tired than usual, or less hydrated, or hungry? So many things can cause a run not to go to plan.

I’m sure you can put this behind you as a minor blip and move on to W4R1. Or rest for a couple of days and repeat W3R3.

You’ll be fine 😀

[_SimonT_ Graduate]

Slow down! Your comment about cardio suggests you’re going too fast. Slowing down will also help your aches.

Also check your running technique (yes - there is a suggested technique. Who knew you don’t just put one foot I front of the other?!)

Finally - how are your trainers? If you’re still using the old pair from the back of the cupboard you got 5 years ago then think about getting a new pair from a running shop that will do a gait analysis first.

Good luck! 😀

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Try taking slightly shorter strides. Consider having gait analysis done in case your feet aren’t landing “neutrally”. Also slow down a little.

Hope the next run is better.

[TrixabelleB Graduate]

Funnily enough w3r3 has been my toughest run. Was pretty much only completed due to sheer stubbornness. Decided to chalk it down to "whatever", move on, and not let it affect my feelings to week 4. W4R1 done this morning, my fave so far. Still buzzing 14 hours later.

What ground are you running on? Suitable shoes? Etc etc.

Deffo don't let it mess with your mind. Be confident going into your next run. Take your rest day and then go out and have fun. I've been doing knee strengthening exercises on my non run days because I was a bit worried about my knees niggling me, just doing that extra prevention makes me feel a bit more confident. Perhaps you could try something similar?

[ChettyAl Graduate]

Thanks everyone, I think all of your suggestions are true. I was tired, hungry and dehydrated to a certain extent but forced myself to run. I had new trainers about a month ago but the gait analysis machine was broken. I will take a few days rest, get to the shop with my trainers over the weekend and try again on Sunday . Thanks again.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Stretch and exercise.... make sure you are getting some stamina and strength exercise in on rest days...then take it slowly and steadily....

There are runs like this, when you are overtired, under hydrated or just plain out of sorts...

Rest up, get some sleep And head out believing in yourself and the plan....you will be fine