Newbie to site and to running: Hi All I’m 4... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Newbie to site and to running

jlw34 profile image
jlw34Graduate
16 Replies

Hi All

I’m 49 years young. Been fit in the past but never been able to run.

Just started W4R1 and I’m really chuffed. Last minute of second 5 minutes was hard but got there.

Biggest problem is leg pain, knees mainly. Breathing seems mainly ok.

How many days do people leave between runs and what do you do on those days?

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jlw34
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16 Replies
misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

Leave a day or two between runs cross training can be anything but running 🙂😃🏃‍♀️

Do read the programme notes! 👍

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

Welcome. Great job so far.

Some aches and pains are normal. Sharp stabbing knee pain is not. Are you doing any exercises on your rest days? There’s several in the pinned posts, including knee strengthening ones. Other training for rest days there too. My routine is run day, exercise day (repeat x3) and a rest day. Whatever suits you is best though. Sometimes I don’t do the full rest day so run a six day week.

There’s also the possibility that you need some running shoes from a specialist running shop that offers gait analysis.

jlw34 profile image
jlw34Graduate in reply toUnfitNoMore

Hi

Thanks for your reply.

I have running shoes with a fitted insole. Hopefully keeping things more stable 😊

It’s the top of my knee and pain is worse going downhill or when changing from running to walking. It is improving though.

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate in reply tojlw34

Downhill is extremely hard on your knees. Be careful to keep your steps short but quick. Don't overextend your stride thinking to get down faster. More small steps quickly is better for your body 👍

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

You must rest for at least a day between your runs, perhaps 2 days if you want your 3 runs a week to be on the same days. I. E, my running week during the nine weeks of C25K were on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Mondays, so I "rested" on a Thursday, Friday and Sunday. On those days I did some cycling, yoga, plank, kettlebell, press and sit up exercises, good luck with W4R2

jlw34 profile image
jlw34Graduate in reply toAlMorr

Thank you.

I seem to have got into the routine of Mon, Thurs & Sat.

I swim once or twice on rest days or walk. Usually one complete rest day.

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate in reply tojlw34

That's fine jlw34, 😊I'm also quite new to this and forgot the word "crosstraining" 🏃

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

Welcome aboard!

Please do read the faqs healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

At least one rest day, more if you need them.

Lots and lots of stretching after your run and strengthening exercises are good if you have time.

I do either nothing much apart from work (physical) for exercise but stretching every day. Sometimes cycling too.

Good luck and enjoy it! 😁

jlw34 profile image
jlw34Graduate in reply toGoGo_JoJo

Thank for the link I’ll definitely read it.

Hi and welcome jlw34

At least 1 rest day between each run or 2 if you think you need to, it is really up to you and how it fits in with your life schedule..

Rest days can be anything but running I.e low impact .. cross training, swimming cycling walking or strength n flex stuff..

Yoga Pilates anything really..

Your aches would be just your body adjusting to you new running regime

Stretching after each run is impirtant too..

The main thing is you have started and progressing nicely well done😁😁

The other important thing is to Enjoy the program ..there might be the odd day you don't feel like that bit really it is all worth it 😁😁

NHS Knee Exercises and ITB Exercises - you could do these on your rest days.

nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/k...

nonetorun.com/it-band-routine

jlw34 profile image
jlw34Graduate in reply to

Thank you very much. That’s a great help 👍🏼

Hello Newbie

I'm same age also starting W4,

I have R1 after work today!

Rest day yesterday just a dog walk 🐶

I think the rest is important especially for your joints. Perhaps try a bit of yoga? Good for stretches and your breathing.

Good luck with W4 🍀

jlw34 profile image
jlw34Graduate in reply to

Hi and good luck with this evening run. Let me know how it goes.

Yoga is something I have never tried. Maybe I should consider it. 😊

in reply tojlw34

W4R1 done ✅

This program really works. I'm probably running at a slower pace than I expected, lots of advice posts are to slow down, but stamina is improving. No stitch and felt great to finish! Now for my tea! 😛

jlw34 profile image
jlw34Graduate in reply to

That’s great. My next run is Thursday. Onwards and upwards. We’ll get there 👍🏼🏃‍♀️

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