Struggling 😦!

[SarahBrown]

I just don’t understand what is happening to my legs. I graduated pain and injury free a few weeks back. Since then I have done several consolidation runs and can easily run for 30 minutes but what is happening to my legs?

During, after and the next day of a run I am in agony. My calves and instep are so painful and I don’t understand why.

I have one or two rest days between runs. During this time I usually make sure I do at least 30 minutes of exercise which is usually walking.

So for 9 weeks of the c25k program I had no issues whatsoever, but now I am really struggling.

Can anyone offer me some advice please?

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Keep hydration up, and maybe take a longer rest. Run half the time and see if it’s the same then maybe? How soon does the pain come on during the run?

[SarahBrown Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

It starts within the first five minutes of a run. I always hope that ten minutes in, things may settle down but they don’t seem to. It’s such a shame as I’m not prepared to give up the running as I love it, but I’m not sure where to go next with this.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to SarahBrown]

Ok... how’s about next run you just run 5... then the legs get a rest and you still get a run, then see how you are after that?

[SarahBrown Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Ok I will give that a go, but hate to think that I am going backwards! Tomorrow is a rest day so I’ll try this on Friday and see what happens. I don’t want it to become a psychological thing, like I am waiting for it to happen!! Thank you for your advice. It’s much appreciated x

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to SarahBrown]

I don’t think you’re going backwards... maybe just legs are tired and a change will help. The timing was interesting as after graduation and consolidation then varied running is good. Are your muscles staying tight after the run? Maybe a foam roller would help loosen them if they are. Hopefully it’s something and nothing, but if it’s the same after 5 minutes, maybe a physio taking a look would be good.

[tony_a Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I was thinking along those lines. I used to get sore muscles and two things helped: 1) stretching after every run; 2) foam roller to get the tightness out. Of the two I think the stretching is the most critical.

[SarahBrown Graduate in reply to tony_a]

Thank you. The advice on here is absolutely priceless and I appreciate it all. Its lovely to know that there is so much support on this forum. I have looked into rollers today and am going to invest in one

[sparkyjohn Graduate]

Looking over your recent posts I see you are using new trainers. Is the problem worse as new isn't necessarily better? I'd definitely consider getting a gait analysis done and also "good" running socks if you're not already using some. UNM's advice about hydration is also very relevant so keep on sipping every day.

I think walking on rest days helps me, but I also do core exercises (as my back muscles seem to be a bit iffy).

Having come so far, hopefully you can sort out the problem easily.

Good luck

[SarahBrown Graduate in reply to sparkyjohn]

Thank you very much for this. I agree that I don’t think the new trainers have helped this issue and I will do my next run in my old ones. My calves are definitely more painful with the new ones. I seem to run very flat footed so any trainer that has any kind of high instep inside almost puts my legs at a wrong angle, hence the pain. Or at least I think that’s what’s happening.

[ItstheMarchHare Graduate]

Have you tried slowing down. I think the temptation during consolidation is to speed up.

[SarahBrown Graduate in reply to ItstheMarchHare]

Thank you for your reply. Yes I have tried this also. Everything is still the same. I’ve also tried different techniques and tried to work out which one hurts more, but they all do!! I’m going to take the advice from above and get a gait analysis done. I love running and have come such a long way. I’m not about to give up!

[ItstheMarchHare Graduate in reply to SarahBrown]

That sounds good. I’ve not done a gait analysis yet, but it is on my to do list 😊

[Phoenix_flames21 Graduate]

Have you had a gait analysis done recently? I'm wondering if you need new trainers .

[SarahBrown Graduate in reply to Phoenix_flames21]

Hi Phoenix. A gait analysis is next on my list of things to try! I got new trainers without the analysis, which was a silly way round to do it!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to SarahBrown]

Buying expensive running shoes without a gait analysis, or at least some assessment of your running style, is just a shot in the dark..............the shoes you have bought may be totally inappropriate for you. If the new shoes have not helped at all then I would suspect that is the case.

[SarahBrown Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I think you are probably very right!

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Sorry to hear you’re having problems, SB - hope it’s all sorted soon. I wonder if you’ve come across the NHS Strength and Flex podcasts ? You can do them on your rest days, they start very gently, are hosted by Laura and they really work ! I started about four weeks ago and although I’ve only just allowed myself to start the second one, I feel much more comfortable running. All the best x

[SarahBrown Graduate]

Thank you for your reply. I would like to try them. Can you tell me whereabouts they can be found? Many thanks x

[SarahBrown Graduate in reply to SarahBrown]

I’ve found them!!! 🙄 x