Disappointed in myself

[ToucheTurtle]

I’m so disappointed in myself. Just has to quit halfway through wk2 run3 as it honestly felt like I was going do an injury. My thighs and calves kept seizing up. Should I leave it a week then go back to week 1 until I have more leg strength? I’m in agony at the moment. Thanks all xxx

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Don't be disappointed........ you did the sensible thing.........better than pushing on regardless.

Are you stretching after every run? It can prevent contraction of muscles and reduce tension in tendons, which you can carry into your next run if you don't pull them out while still warm and supple, at the end of a run.

Just rest until you feel better. No need to go back a week. The run you need to crack is the one you did not complete, not an earlier, easier run.

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

You poor thing. But don’t be disheartened. Are you running too fast? The trick as you progress is to run very slowly, your run can be much slower than your brisk walk. Have a soak in a warm bath and see if you feel better. If you’ve not had pain like this before, I’d rest and try again on Sunday - but verrry slowly, make sure you’re hydrated too. But you went out and started to run, this isn’t a failure, we need to listen to our bodies - and we (I’m only a recent graduate) are learning to run. The one time I had to bail on a run was when I hadn’t drunk my usual (huge) volume of tea! The important thing is you got out there and tried - that’s still a success. All you need to do is repeat this run and see how you go. Best of luck x

[ToucheTurtle]

Thanks for the replies. I’m guessing I must not be stretching long enough. If I go any slower I’ll go backwards 🤪 and I’m drinking about 2.5ltrs of water every day. I’ll give it a few days and try again xxxx

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

The NHS Strength and Flex podcasts are great - ideal rest day exercise. Take it slow and steady, and try not to get too anxious - that tenses your muscles and bothers your breathing. If you can run on grass or hardcore rather than tarmac or paving, it’ll reduce the impact. And always remember the First Rule of C25k: The only run you fail is the run you don’t go for ! All the best with the next one x

[Dingle73 Graduate]

This happened to me during Week 2, Run 2, my right calf was agony and I could hardly walk. I rested it for a week and came back this week. I’ve just completed week 2 - all runs again with no aches or pain! I have added in some simple leg stretches before and after. Hope that helps.

[ToucheTurtle in reply to Dingle73]

Thanks. This gives me hope!