I am 46, unfit and at least 2 stones overweight. I have completed week 2 but find it really hard. My ankle muscles seize up when I run and my legs are like jelly, does anyone else experience this?
Struggling at end of week 2: I am 46, unfit and... - Couch to 5K
Struggling at end of week 2
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hilanic
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31 Replies
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Well done! You have completed week 2.
You can be my inspiration. I have just begun on this and the first session of week one yesterday almost killed me. I am more over weight than you .... I admire anyone that keeps going on this quest for fitness. x
hilanic• in reply to
It’s good to hear from someone else at the start of this, most messages are from those further down the line. I just keep telling myself if they can do it then I can too! My daughter does this with me but she is 30 years younger and she does run faster 😯 it would not be possible to run slower than me!
Jay66UKGraduate
Well done for making a great start.
I was 51, unfit and 5 stone overweight when I started. Others have been much, much older and much, much more overweight.
Assuming there is nothing physically wrong with your legs, you are probably trying to go too fast. You should run at a pace where you could hold a conversation with a person running alongside you. For many that means very, very slow jogging.
Hot baths with bath salts may help after runs. In this weather you might need a shower too after the bath!
The “pinned tweets” (either at the top or the right side, depending how you are viewing this forum) have an introduction to the programme and that should help.
Be assured you can do this. I’m now running 4k or 5k runs (slowly!) three times a week. I’ve lost almost a stone in weight. And I’ve gained a year in age!
Good luck with the next one.
cheekychipmunksGraduate
Hi, great that you have started this programme. Have you had a gait analysis? Maybe your trainers are part of the problem and an expert could advise you?
Otherwise maybe it’s just your body adjusting to exercise, in which case slow everything down and make sure you have an extra rest day when necessary. Also drink loads, especially in this weather.
Above all, enjoy your running! And keep us posted on your progress. 😀👍🏻🏃♀️
I think just my body adjusting, probably in shock at the exercise! I got new trainers that help and maybe need ankle supports 😀
I wouldn't go straight to ankle supports, do get gait analysis, if you need a stability trainer and don't have them that can exert the wrong pressure on your ankles, knees, hips.
Equally if you have a stability trainer, but a neutral gait, that can also cause problems.
And you can ALWAYS go slower😬🚶♀️
I admire you all i only date walk as if i dont even think i could run these days, and id be so self concious
I am currently on holiday in Belgium where it doesn’t matter if people see me 😂 I saw my running reflection in shop window and I looked ridiculous with my big bum sticking out way too much, glad I don’t know anyone!
NotobleeptestsGraduate
I would get sore calves when I started because I run too much using my lower legs to push me forwards rather then the larger bum and thigh muscles. With me, some of it is undoubtedly because I sit too much and my hips are tight. Stretching my hip flexor muscles has thus helped me a bit (and making sure this is one of my main stretches as well as gentle calf stretches) after I finish the C25k session. I'm only on Week 4 myself, so no expert though
Thank you I think it will be the same reason for me too!
MelsieJayGraduate
Quoting Jay “run at a pace you can hold a conversation”
😄 I’m SO slow it took ages to go past someone who was walking. That was quite surreal to be running with 100% of effort and be alongside someone sauntering along for just a bit too long not to feel awkward!! And know even when you got past eventually that you are only a pace or two in front. I certainly couldn’t speak more than “hi” to anyone, even by the time I graduated 😂😂 But hey it was better than nothing.
Well done for getting through two weeks. Perhaps a little appointment with a physio for some glute and knee exercises would help to stabilise and strengthen your ankles. In the meantime sit on a chair and then write the alphabet in lower case with each foot in turn. Don’t forget to dot the i and j and cross the t. No cheating. Do that every day and it will make them flexible and a bit stronger x
Same age as you but even more overweight. I'm on w5 now and really starting to enjoy my morning runs.
Just stick with it, I found it gets easier each week - it's odd but it's as much a mental challenge as a physical one...
Absolutely, I spend the whole time thinking “I can’t run, I can’t do this!”
Yep, didn't think I'd be able to do w1r1 at the beginning. Yesterday I did 3x 5min and at a good pace too. It's tough but just stick with it, keep plodding along and you'll get there 🙂
NotobleeptestsGraduate
Oh and I absolutely have to have the right music on to keep me going. Some of the Audiofuel tracks are good, and of course the right cadence, but my secret shame is that I generally run to one of those "Run to Cadence..." CDs that I've put on my iPhone. My favourite is Run To Cadence with the US Navy Seabees" - they have some bawdy, salty rhymes and it's the perfect beat, gets me breathing in time with the call and response etc, and you have the sounds of the rest of the squad's footfalls around you. Not everyone's cup of tea, undoubtedly, but it helps me.
I have had 80s running play lists on Spotify, showing my age🤪
Fabulous450Graduate
It’s great that you’ve already completed W2! Well done. I’m not sure if it ever gets to be described as “easy”, but it’s a matter of it being doable. I live in hope. But I have had heaps of fun, support and laughter, alongside the fears. When it’s time to go up to another level, it can feel uncomfortable for some. Certainly did for me. I was pleased about what I had accomplished, but not sure if I could do more. But, I also decided there was only one way to find out. I’m sure that most of us, if not all have had doubts some days. I would admire anyone who hasn’t. One of the reasons this Forum is so brilliant is that chances are, there’s at least one person who has been through similar experiences. But they have kept going and everything has turned out well in the end! You can do it! ❤️
Thank you for the encouragement, week 3 on Saturday then for me! 😀
That’s the way! And just plan to enjoy it! No pressure required! 😉❤️
MegatoothsterGraduate
I’m 48 and about 10kg overweight but if I could venture one single thing I’ve learned is: go very slow, then slow it down even more. What matters is that you are actually running and how long you do it for, not how fast you are. I suffered from terrible calf pains, quite probably an early indicator of some kind of peripheral cardiovascular issue because the blood wasn’t getting to where it was supposed to be. But I stopped smoking and started this program and I begin week 5 (really two months) with such confidence that I am doing a park run on Saturday with a friend who runs marathons (he promised to go slowly). If you believe in yourself and apply restraint and common sense, you really can move forward and achieve what you thought was impossible. Very well done and keep it up. 
Well done for giving up smoking!
Hi, never ever think that you can’t do this- you can!
Just keep it slow and steady, then do it more slowly and steadier still and you’ll be amazed what you can achieve 🙂👍
We will always be here for you if you need advice or encouragement, that’s what this forum is all about 😊
Best of luck! 🤞
I'm 60 just finished W3R1. I have things that ache that I never knew I had. This fitness challenge we're on is a personal thing shared by everyone on this site. Please continue but do it safely. Listen to your body. Take each day as it comes. Good luck going forward.
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