Starting Out: Me and my thumpy legs! - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Starting Out: Me and my thumpy legs!

Victoriamcm profile image
6 Replies

Hello guys. I started the C25K yesterday. I am not a natural runner at all (i really want to be). Mainly doing this for fitness and to help with weight loss. Although i think i could learn to love running....i REALLY want to manage haha.

Anyway...the reason for my post. I am REALLY thumpy....I sound like i am running in flip flops and today my ankles really hurt. Any hints on how to solve this issue?

Thanks

Victoria x

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Victoriamcm profile image
Victoriamcm
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6 Replies
Sophia1712 profile image
Sophia1712Graduate

Hi Victoria! I am a fellow thumper! To my husband it sounds like a much heavier person is upstairs moving about as I am that heavy footed. I am quite a heel striker too - just ask my shoes.

You do have to concentrate quite hard on your gait initially to get it right and it will prevent ankle and shin pain if you do. One tip I read is to run as if you are creeping up behind someone to shout BOO! That way, you'll be less thumpy.

Victoriamcm profile image
Victoriamcm in reply toSophia1712

hahah ill give it a shot!!

DiscoRunner profile image
DiscoRunnerGraduate

A heavy foot fall with heel strike could not only hurt your ankles but knees and hips too. I recommend this to everyone but in your case it could be a vital way of learning to run with a lighter step and avoid injury. Check out the Japanese slow jogging movement video on youtube. It’s a low impact short stride style of running, and as the durations increase could help you a lot. Hope this helps.

BaddieThePirate profile image
BaddieThePirateGraduate in reply toDiscoRunner

youtu.be/9L2b2khySLE

RunRunRun13 profile image
RunRunRun13Graduate

I completely agree with DiscoRunner, try to be really light and that may mean not lifting your feet to far from the floor and try to make sure you foot lands not too far forward and so your not heel striking. I have taken my headphones out to listen to my feet, may sound silly but once you get it will stop any problems/pain you may have. Good luck 🏃‍♀️

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and includes advice on minimising the impact of running.

Enjoy your journey.

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