W7R3: third time lucky 😁: I first ran this last... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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W7R3: third time lucky 😁

7 Replies

I first ran this last Monday but had to stop after 21 minutes with a painful right calf. Tried again on Wednesday but stopped after 11 minutes with more pain. After an extra recovery day, a go on a foam roller and effectively having had 2 “practice runs” I finally succeeded today! I ran so gently I realised after 10 minutes I was bearly out of breath and could have gone on for longer than the 25 minutes - but having been on this forum for 7 weeks I know better than to do that 😆

7 Replies

Barely out of breath - no 🐻 in Bussage!

Zaza0309 profile image
Zaza0309Graduate

Well done Dozydoughnut - knowing you could have gone longer will help you mentally prepare for week 8

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

Great running... nice to hear the calf played nicely today. You now you had more so you know you got week 8... enjoy.

Silverfox1943 profile image
Silverfox1943Graduate

I had 3 calf strains wks 8 & 9.

Used ice and roller with specific calf stretches, and still do the stretches daily. Also slowed my pace. This has all helped; now a month on going further and faster.

in reply to Silverfox1943

Thanks for sharing your experience- it’s good to know others who are further ahead have been through the same. Based on what you say I think I will stick with the slower pace for the next 2 runs and keep up the stretches/foam roller work. My calf strain is still there slightly (5-10%) and I don’t want it to flare up. Your comments show that could happen if I’m not careful and maintain awareness of the discomfort.

Silverfox1943 profile image
Silverfox1943Graduate

My strain was in the right calf. I have more wear on that shoe heel so wonder if I push or stretch more on that side, or if that muscle is just tighter. Since regular stretches I have been ok, doing 4.7 -5k runs 3 times a week. My last run was a speed pod cast and had no after effects, just a little bit tired/achy in both legs; thats no problem.

P.s. 1943 is my birth year.

Just go slow to complete the course then set new targets.

Good advice - I was in a hurry to complete the programme but I now realise that, like dogs, running isn’t just for Christmas so am happy to take it over a longer period and make sure the benefits are enduring.

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