When to do the next run?: I did my R1W1 on... - Couch to 5K

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When to do the next run?

Fitgirltobe profile image
6 Replies

I did my R1W1 on Sunday and yesterday and today I'm so achey, do I wait until I'm fully ok before I do my next run or just push through the stiffness?

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Fitgirltobe profile image
Fitgirltobe
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6 Replies
cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate

If this is the first time you’ve run in a while, or even ever, you’re bound to feel achy until your body and legs get used to their new job. It’s nothing to be worried about unless you feel sharp pain. You’ll know the difference!

So if I were you, I’d carry on with R2 as planned, but make sure you warm up plenty beforehand as well as doing some gentle stretches.

Take your R2 runs super slowly and your aches should dissipate fairly quickly. Make sure you cool down adequately afterwards too, and I bet you’ll find with each subsequent run you’ll feel better. It’s a clever programme - it’s designed to build you up gradually.

Have tons of fun! 👍😀

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

As long as you are not in pain, you have to accept the aches and stiffness for a while. You could try an extra rest day, but actually getting out there again will help to ease it, especially if you do the stretches linked to in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... after every run.

Keep moving on your rest days.

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

As you said just push through the stiffness it will go away the more you run good luck

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66Graduate

I was always amazed at how quickly the stiffness passed off on the rest days. I could feel terrible at the start of a rest day and but be totally ready to run again at the start of the next day. It does vary between people. I had a couple of bad calf strains which kept me out for a couple of weeks. It was literally too painful to run. Apart from that I got through with a few aches and pains. Not bad for an oldie! I always found that a quick application of a bag of frozen peas helped on my calves. Probably didn't have to be peas I guess 😊There is loads of advice about running aches and pain management on the web. Sure you will be fine!! Happy running.😊😊

Pianism profile image
PianismGraduate

I felt very achy but was advised to push through with my run and I'm glad I did. I don't feel achy at all today (24 hours later).

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

IannodaTruffe has given you great advice:)

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