Injured on week one! 😞

[Barnowlbeauty]

I am really fed up! It took me so long to decide to actually start the programme and then even longer to actually run in public! I finally started week one, run one and couldn't believe I managed it. Run two went well too and after a days rest, I was actually looking forward to running today. I was on the last 60 second run when the back of my left leg below the bottom of my calf suddenly caused a lot of pain, that I had to stop straight away. I then couldn't walk normally and had to limp home very slowly. 😟 I took some ibuprofen, and have spent the day resting and putting an ice pack on and off it. I don't know what i have done as I still can't walk normally, so can't see myself running for a while now, so am feeling rather sorry for myself! 😩

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

That is a pity Barnowlbeauty about what happened regarding your calf when you were running run 3 of week 1.All you can do is to have as much rest as you can and resume with week 1 as soon as your calf is completely better.

[Shelley2310 Graduate]

I know how you feel as I got a knee injury on w1r3 and had to rest up. Roll on 3 weeks ish and I’ve just started again. Did W1R2 this morning. Hopefully w1r3 will go to plan on Tuesday. Fingers cross your back up and running soon.

[jayjaydee]

Hi. I too had real problems with my calves during weeks 1 and 2. took the advice given and slowed right down. it works. also I have a good calf massage with deep heat before I go running/ jogging. plenty of stretching before going out too. completed week 4 run 3 today, even put In a little sprint for the last 30 seconds, lol. I'm 53, a stone or more overweight, had a mini stroke in March and used to smoke about 20 a day all my adult life. keep pushing on when the pain has gone, it does get better

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and includes links to runner's first aid and many other topics.

Get yourself recovered and I am sure that you will be able to start up again.

[Garden17]

Welcome to the club I been away from running about 3 weeks now with what could be another 3 weeks to go I’ve got a tear in my muscle but stupid me kept running with it so glad you stop I now under a sports physio at £40 pounds a go but never mind hope you feel better soon and are back running

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Hopefully you’ll heal soon. Gently does it when you come back.

[dennisaf]

Hi, I understand how you feel as I had got to Week 4 run 2 and tore my left calf muscle. Just hang in there though. Get some treatment and rest if you can and don’t give up.

I was out for a month, but am now back to Week 6. It’s really worth it so try and stay positive.

[Hidden]

I pulled a calf muscle as well in week one and limped home in agony. Took a couple of weeks before it cleared completely. I was very careful restarting three/four days later and cut short one run (later repeated it) to avoid undoing the healing. Our muscles and bones etc have to stretch and strengthen a lot to cope with running so it isn’t a failure to pull a muscle. I have found landing on a flatish foot under my hips causes less tightening of the calf (see tips section). Don’t let the set back deter you from the many successes that lie ahead!

[Barnowlbeauty]

Thank you for your messages of encouragement and information. There certainly seems many people who get injuries when starting the programme. I believe mine is my achilles tendon, which is getting better, so luckily didn't do too much damage. I'm still limping when walking, so no running for me yet.