Advice for beginner WK1R2: I’ve tried to run... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Advice for beginner WK1R2

beartony profile image
8 Replies

I’ve tried to run before but unsuccessfully, there would always be some kind of problem or ailment that would get in the way. So this is my last ditch effort!

So the first move I made was to go to the local running shop to get some proper running shoes. I utilised their expertise with the gait analysis and got shoes that feel good and fit in my budget.

On my first couple of run/walks I noticed my shins playing up like they have done when I have tried running previously. It’s not constant and only appears at certain angles when the camber of the path or road goes odd. Is this something I should worry about? I’m taking it easy, except for maybe the last run interval where I will let loose and use up the remainder of my energy.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Tony

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beartony profile image
beartony
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8 Replies
Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduate

There is one part of a pathway I run regularly that I have learned to run "crossways". The camber isn't bad, but somehow it really convinces me I'm going to stumble. This never happens anywhere else and I just adjust accordingly now - gave up trying to "solve" it :)

You are in very early days yet :) Right now just run slowly and "monitor" what your body is actually doing when Running. I still find myself tensing my shoulders horrifically without being aware of it. As for "run slow...then slower still" swear to God that is actually the hardest thing for me to do - I think it's human nature to run "fast" because even though I am always careful to try and not up my pace, it constantly happens :)

As I am far more interested in distance than speed, it's frustrating when I burn out too soon :)

So, basically my best guess is that a combination of going a bit faster than optimal, still learning what the best running form is for you personally and - as with ALL of us - being a "new runner" your body is frantically trying to cope with this strange demand on it :)

Slow.. steady...keeping it fun on at least some level - that's what got most of us to graduation in our own time and pace. Less than ten percent graduate in 9 weeks or do it with 5k in 30 minutes anyway :)

Wishing you many happy miles in your future :)

pete_be_healthy profile image
pete_be_healthy

Slow it right down. No really, run even slower, slower that that. Seriously pace is the widow maker (not really but slowing down keeps injury at bay)

John_W profile image
John_WGraduate

If you haven't done any jogging/running for a very long time, then getting small aches & pains in your legs is normal. They are not used to it and so they respond. This will continue for several weeks - they may disappear or, if you're very unlucky, they'll get worse and you may have to stop and re-eavaluate. You also need to distinguish between these aches & pains and something that genuinely feels very painful and prevents you from jogging.

Apart from that, keep taking it very easy - your breathing should be comfortable throughout and you should aim to finish each session feeling like you could carry on. If you finish out of breath, panting, feeling awful, then you're going too fast.

Good luck!

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Try to keep impact minimal. Stay slow, avoid heelstriking, keep footfall under your body not out in front, run on grass or treadmill. Stretch after every run.

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2Graduate

Hi and welcome, if anything can get you running, this forum will with the amount of experienced runner and support you’ll find.

A part from speed that was mentioned, it’s important that you drink sufficient water, not only on run days but on the other days. Another cause could be where your foot falls. You need to make sure it falls under your body and not in front.

Have a look at the pinned post FAQ there is a lot of info about starting to run.

You’ll get there!

beartony profile image
beartony

Got it! Slow down, drink enough. One more question do you guys just drink a load before going out or do you take a bottle or pack with you?

Granspeed profile image
GranspeedGraduate in reply tobeartony

I’ve never needed to carry water for the actual runs, tho’ I tend to drink a lot afterwards. The general advice seems to be that it’s what you drink the day before that keeps you going fore the run.

beartony profile image
beartony

Good to know. I never thought that hydration the day before would matter that much.

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