W5r1 complete! but, again... calves!!!

[Trying83]

Hmmm so I ran tonight, I dont know how I feel about it, I'm so pleased with myself when I've completed a run and feel so much better, but I cant say I particularly enjoy it during the run, my calves are giving me some jip. Almost like a cramp pain, so quite uncomfortable 😔 I was hoping it would just be a "week 4 thing". I think if I could sort that out my runs would be more enjoyable. I very nearly stopped during the run this evening, BUT, I didnt. I also do find it difficult to let my mind drift, I find myself guessing how long I've got left and counting down. Having said all that, like I say, I feel great afterwards, so it must be worth it. Maybe in time I'll relax into it. Proud to be on c25k journey tho.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Great job completing the run.

If it’s both calves, and it sounds like it is, hydration levels could be the prime suspect... sipping water all day, especially the day before the run, helps... 2-3 litres slowly throughout the day is good. Also landing your feet toes first makes the calves work a lot harder, so it’s worth checking this and trying to land those feet flat and under the body. Hopefully you are on top of post run stretches, if not they will help. It could also be worth getting a foam roller... just make sure you are using it correctly, there’s many videos on the web.

I didn’t enjoy all runs at the time, hardly any to be honest... I looked forward to the runs... I enjoyed the fact I’d completed them, but the bit in the middle took time to learn to love... it’ll come.

Have a wonderful run 2.

[Trying83 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Ah thankyou, yes you could be right with hydration levels, I dont drink anywhere near enough water. I actually do have a foam roller which I had a little go on before. Thanks👍

[TFG89]

I have issues with my calves and pain - no diagnosis just recurring pain - so I was nervous to start this programme so I spoke to my GP. The first two things they said UnfitNoMore has mentioned above the hydration and the stretches. They’ve also said to me to do yoga or Pilates focussing on leg and core stretches on non running days to help stretch and heal my calves. Not going to lie I did my first run yesterday and no chance I’ve managed yoga tonight but going to make myself do it after my next run!

Hope the pain eases up soon!

[Trying83 Graduate in reply to TFG89]

Well I am actually starting pilates regularly next week, I have done odd classes in the past few months but am now able to do it twice a week between run days so I think will help, hopefully. And yes, I just drink more water, I dont drink anywhere near enough water really. Thanks

[TFG89 in reply to Trying83]

Hopefully something works! I’ve just downloaded an app on my husbands phone that’s a plant and it wilts and sends him sad face notifications when he’s not drank enough because he’s awful for drinking. It’s twee and he hates it but it works 😂

[Astra5 Graduate]

Had exactly the same, had a longer break between runs and yes, drink more as advised by this forum. Don’t give in, I nearly did - my next run is W8R1 😮

[Trying83 Graduate in reply to Astra5]

Fantastic! Hopefully I'll overcome it, i definitely dont want to give in, I do feel a great sense of achievement.