Wk6R1 - Failed twice!

[ThatTrainGeek]

Hi all, as you can probably tell I'm feeling a bit bummed at the moment. I managed the 20min run in Wk5 just fine - even managed to keep going after a fairly steep climb! I tried the first run of week 6 two days later and got a really bad stitch after three minutes of running which wouldn't go down with slowing down and breathing deeply - I concluded I ate too much as I was out with family and ran too soon and because it was getting dark I decided to pack up and go home. I tried again yesterday. I'm currently staying in Scotland for the week (originally from the Midlands) and am staying by a loch which means a good flat stretch to run on. This time I felt a bad pain in my legs (shin splints?) and got to seven minutes in the second run before I couldn't bare the pain and had to stop again. I was limping all the way back to the hotel and had a dull ache in my legs for the rest of the evening, even with some strong painkillers. The pain seems to be gone this morning but I don't think I'll risk it again until maybe Friday. I had it before during week 2 and recovered in a few days, but it wasn't quite as painful then so I guess I'll just have to play it by ear.

It's just a bit disheartening after getting so far through. I don't want to stop running but know if I continue too soon I'll only make it worse. Maybe it's something in my running technique? I'm flat footed too so that might not be helping - I did buy some insoles to put into my running shoes but forgot to bring them with me. I managed fine without them up to now though. Fingers crossed it's not too bad and I'll be able to try again at the end of the week.

[Lousylungs]

Sorry to hear you feeling a bit discouraged. I am a very inexperienced runner and there is lots of really good advice and links to hints about running techniques on this forum. I understand from reading some that overextending your stride can cause shin splints so maybe reign it in a bit. You mentioned stitch which did not go even if you slowed down. This may indicates you are going too fast. Try going as slow as you can. My pace is just above walking. Better to succeed slowly than fail quickly said the tortoise to the hare 😂😂. Keep at it!

[ThatTrainGeek in reply to Lousylungs]

True. I did slow down as much as I could but I think it was more likely I ran too soon after eating with family (and I did eat... quite a lot 😳) which caused the stitch. I'm on another trip where they just try and constantly feed you so I'm gonna have to control myself a bit better before I try again. 😂

[sparkyjohn Graduate]

Bad luck, but don't get too disheartened. Are you taking lots of hydration, especially on rest days? It can do wonders. Also have you had a gait analysis and use the correct trainers? If insoles help you then your trainers (even really good ones) may be an issue.

Week 6 is known to be a bit snotty for some people but the usual rules always apply, go slow, really slow. Don't run after a meal, and don't let the gremlins tell you can't do it.

Come back soon with a "done it!" report. 😃

[ThatTrainGeek in reply to sparkyjohn]

Hydration's a good point. Admittedly I haven't had nearly enough water over the last few days. I started drinking more again yesterday and will give myself a couple of days to get properly hydrated before trying again.

I haven't tried the insoles yet but so far my trainers haven't let me down. I just remember a few years ago I tried to start running and something went wrong with me having flat feet (I was also having knee problems at the time so that didn't help either). I'll have to go without this week but when I get home I'll try then and see if it feels better.

Fingers crossed for a third time lucky moment!

[Jundal Graduate]

Stitch to me screams 'hydrate me!' so I'd probably spend the next day or so trying to make the local water company think there is a water leak somewhere. After that, remember not to give up. You've come so far, and this is only a small hurdle to get over before acting graduation. Once your past this week, it's running continuously and that's a lot more fun!

[ThatTrainGeek in reply to Jundal]

Yeah, that's what I'm going to do. I'm really bad for not drinking enough, especially when travelling. I felt really dehydrated the morning after the last run which said something. I've gone and bought a few more of bottles of water for when I'm out in the daytime, and will try the run again either tomorrow or Friday.

[Jundal Graduate in reply to ThatTrainGeek]

Well done. Plan well and you should sail through it next time. 👍

[Auden Graduate]

I’m the same ie flat feet. Well before I started C25k I was advised to have insoles like you. It has helped with my day to day walking. So please use them regularly. But what has REALLY helped is getting a gait analysis done and buying the appropriate running shoes (lots of support) . They are Mizuno. Even as early as Wk1 and wk2 I was getting knee pain - but that stopped with these trainers.

Good luck!