I just couldn’t complete it

[Hjs2017]

Wk8 run 3, I just couldn’t keep going, both calves had a tense crampie feel about them and I caved in and stopped with only 5 mins to go. Feeling frustrated, but at least I didn’t injure myself. These runs in the last two weeks feel like they are getting harder each time, I would of thought that I would be finding them slightly easier.

[Hidden]

Don't worry. You did the right thing and were very sensible to recognise that you needed to stop. I know the frustrated feeling!!

I am a week behind you and have found that I take longer to recover from the longer runs, due to an ongoing problem with muscle tightness and despite stretching religiously after each run. After a couple of really tough runs with heavy heavy legs, I took some extra days rest and have now tweaked C25K a little to suit me. I have spaced my runs out and put in a cross-training bike session in place of a run for the same length of time as the runs I am on that week. I alternate everything with at least one rest day in-between and still do the all of the runs, but they are more spaced out. This way I keep my cardio and strength going but I don't have any impact. My W7R2 yesterday was a comfortable run and I feel better too. It'll take me longer to reach W9R3 but I now feel I have a plan that will help me get there in more comfort.

Make sure you keep well hydrated, as it is getting warmer now too. Good luck. You are doing really well, just take your time and take an extra rest day if you need to. 😊

[Mike_Bravo Graduate]

First off well done for getting as far as you have done already Whether you do W9R3 this week or next, it really doesn't matter I don't imagine.

If I was you Hjs, I'd be maybe spending a bit longer warming up, or doing so with a (very) slow jog instead of walk. Sometimes I think for longer runs, walking fast for 5 mins might not cut it. Check out and maybe try some of the things suggested on runnersworld.com/beginner/a...

As Delly-dot said it might also help to get some non-running exercises in after runs or on rest days. They shouldn't tire you out so much that your runs will be affected, but they're otherwise free to do and should only make you stronger/less prone to getting cramp. Try doing a few squats, squat thrusts, or planks.

I too know that feeling of frustration well and it sucks, but way way better than you injuring yourself and you can just try again. Make sure you're not going too quickly that you can't take in deep breaths when you run (using mouth is fine) so your muscles are getting enough oxygen.

Keep at it and you'll be running free of tense calves in no time!

[steviej99 Graduate]

Dont worry Hjs2017 your doing brilliantly. Any run is a practise run even if it doesnt g to plan. Keep it slow and steady and take more rest days if you need them. You'll be surprised how strong you feel after an extra days rest. I'm not sure that it gets easier! I have'nt found that because we are always pushing our limits, The first five, ten, fifteen minutes are easier than when you started when you couldn't run for one minute - so there's your progress. Good luck and enjoy your running