Walking not running... : So I started C25K five... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,175 members159,523 posts

Walking not running...

CrimsonMama profile image
5 Replies

So I started C25K five weeks back. Loved it straight away but just on my second run I got injured. Both my knee and shin in my right leg. I couldn't bare weight for 24hrs. Luckily it was the weekend so didn't effect my work but was limpy on Monday morning and had to wear compression sleeve and take painkillers. Has taken two weeks or the pain to fully go!

Have decided to do brisk walking instead. Obviously I need to build up some muscle/stamina first! I'm on my feet walking for four hours a day at work so didn't think I was that unfit but I guess that's different and doesn't stretch the muscles!

I am really enjoying walking and finding new paths to go! I even discovered a herd of cows living one mile from my house that I never knew were there!

I started off 20 mins walking as my sore leg would start to hurt but now am at 30-35 mins. Hope to do 2 miles a day which is about 40 mins then maybe increase to 1 hour a day.

I would like to jog again but I am scared of the injury I had coming back!

Also any tips for how it's cold when you start off so you want to wear a coat or something but half way through you warm up and don't want the extra layer but don't want to take it off and carry it!

Written by
CrimsonMama profile image
CrimsonMama
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
5 Replies
BriC18 profile image
BriC18

Start off with less layers than you'd wear standing round, so you're slightly cold - that way you won't have to take layers off when you warm up

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

Brisk walking will certainly get you in shape for the programme, and strengthening exercises with a little yoga will help get the muscles ready too.

I will be warming up indoors before departing on my brisk walk and into jog... so I’ll be in shorts a while longer yet, once I’m warmed up I’m fine.

ArcherJ profile image
ArcherJ

Sounds like you have a good plan by walking, try to make yourself walk briskly at intervals. As you get a bit stronger try wearing a back pack with some weight in it (say 5kg-just some bags of rice and flour or some such) you'll be amazed how it brings your hip muscles alive. `listen to your body; sometimes you have to progress slower than the program, its still progress and you are still out there! Go girl .

in reply toArcherJ

I got my calf injury on W1R2 (last jog phase). I limped badly for 24 hours and it still ached at R3 so I could only manage one jog before retiring (aka giving up!) - so disappointed. Yesterday (a week later), I managed to do W3R3 but it was sore all day. The running tips section is worth a read - it definitely helped me to land more “flat footed” and to keep my body more upright. Today I’m going to start the daily stretching exercises recommended by the programme as I think the running stretches and loads muscles to lengths not experienced during walking (when I think one foot is always on the ground).

Good luck and don’t give up - either the walking or the C25K 😁

CrimsonMama profile image
CrimsonMama

I know this is old post but just as an update I have been successfully doing 2 mile brisk walks and now some jogging too. I definitely think it's a good idea to build up your strength before going into C25K!

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Running extra

I set off for Wk6R3 feeling like I was ready to run it and boy was I. The sun was shining and it...
Millertime83 profile image
Graduate

Lower limbs not right for months, getting worse. Any MSK experts out there?

Hi everyone, feeling great that I seem to be on track for a 30 min 5k at the end of this, but I...
Nicksy profile image

Not enough guidance for people who don't do headphones

I got off to a bad start with this App because it said "now start your music" and I don't do music...
Ada72 profile image

after 5k. upping milage with walking and running

hi I can run 5k (just under 32 mins) but I get up early to do it and this combo is making me...
jodithegoat profile image
Graduate

Just kept running

Ok, here is a thing. I have been moving through weeks 1 - 4, no problems, but not finding it...
tobyr profile image

Moderation team

See all
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministrator
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.