W2R3 complete but I’m knackered

[Liz5K]

I’ve completed W2 this morning but have really had to push myself to go out for R2&3 this week. My right buttock it tight and sore despite stretching after every run and on rest days and after a run I just want to go back to bed rather than feeling energised. Seriously thinking of going back to walking instead 🙁

[jiggles7 Graduate]

ahh the road to 5k is not a piece of cake. you are not a lone. I find the second run of every given week really hard. not sure why, but it happens. I would say for the first 3 weeks you definitely will want to go back to bed. just wait until you have a good run, and there will be one coming up for you soon. once you have that good run, one where you go, do you know, that wasn't so bad - or wow I really achieved that you start to feel more energised. for me that was probably W3R1 where I felt like I could actually do something after instead of collapsing in a heap and icing my knees. I know a lot of people say that before running week for you can wear any trainers. I struggled up to W3 with my amazon trainers and massively sore knees before staggering to the running store and getting a gait analysis done. £108 later and the ugliest orange shoes known to man I started running without pain either during or after - and that made all the difference in the world. Maybe it would be worth considering some new training shoes if the stretches aren't working.

[Liz5K Graduate in reply to jiggles7]

Thank for replying. I’ve had gait analysis done and got the right trainers because I’ve done the couch to 5k before pre menopause. I know the program works but this menopause malarkey zaps my energy & will power.

[Jinty55 Graduate in reply to Liz5K]

Morning Liz, I am on same meno journey and have also tried CT5K a few times, however I am now on wk9 and just completed run 2. Don't give up, I had some runs that were great and some that were awful, last night's wasn't the best. I've had swollen knees, sore butt and legs but when you hit that point where for once every thing works there is no feeling like it. Do you eat enough before your run, if I don't I feel like a washed out rag! I try and have a banana or toast an hour before and drink water and it helps. Walking is great and if you need to stop and walk fine, this is your run, you compete only against yourself. I hope you keep going, it's a great programme but it's not easy and if it takes more than 9wks so be it. I still have to hit 5k but it's only a matter of time and I will. Good luck.

[Liz5K Graduate in reply to Jinty55]

Thanks Jinty. I don’t eat before I run as I go out first thing in the morning so there’s no time to find excuses not to go 😂. Maybe I’ll have a glass of milk instead of water before I set off.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Out of curiosity, how's your breathing at the end of each session? Are you out of breath, panting, knackered etc?

[Liz5K Graduate in reply to John_W]

Thanks for your reply. No I’m not particularly out of breath. I’ve finished each run. The energy lag sets in about an hour later. I’ve got a 2day rest coming up now before I attempt W3 so hope my gluteus will settle down before Saturday.