Newbie Runner Struggles

[JMF23]

Hello!

So, I’ve started & just about completed the 1st 3 runs, I say just about as I had to stop after the 4th 60 second run today because of groin pain. I’m 45, never ran in my life (except for at school MANY moons ago!) & I just feel old & rickety. I do yoga & was going to the gym for a while there so I’m not terribly unfit but my glutes, hips, knees & now groin are a problem, it’s so frustrating as I really want to do this. Does anyone have any tips? I do a warm up & some stretches before the warm up walk already. Is all this likely to improve or am I just not cut out for running? I just feel a bit defeated today & want to switch it & be able to continue on this journey so any advice would be gratefully received.

Thank you!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Hello JMF23, great for getting started. At 45 you're definitely not old. Running when starting is just a bit of a shock to the body I think. It's quite normal for some people to get a few aches and pains. What I found helped was lots of walking .

So yes you are cut out to run and it will get better.

Stay on wk1r1 until you fully complete it before moving on to run 2.

Just go slow and slower again if needed and remember to drink lots of water 7 days a week, it really helps.

Good luck and keep posting as on here you'll get lots of encouragement and support. Good luck 😊

[JMF23 in reply to Buddy34]

Hey Buddy34,

Thanks so much for your reply & words of encouragement. I will keep at it & I’ll keep posting, thank you! 🙂

[Nilsam Graduate]

Just go really so, JMF23. Don't feel too pressurised. Look around and really just consider a jiggling walk...slap the smile on. Funny podcast on audio and have a bit of fun. Take care. We will watch out for future posts. 😎🏃‍♀️👍

[JMF23 in reply to Nilsam]

Oh, thank you Nilsam! I will definitely let you all know how I get on. 🙂

[Nilsam Graduate in reply to JMF23]

Pleased do. Best of luck for your next run. We are right behind you. 🤳👀

[damienair Graduate]

I’m 45, I did C25K 3 years ago. Found it really difficult and I really struggled too. I’d tried loads of times and failed. But I stuck with it, and got to the end. I now run 5K 3 -4 times per week and the odd 10K as well.

What you are going through is normal. It will ache and pain for months to come. Your lungs will feel like they are on fire. But stick with it, it gets easier. And before you know it you’ll be running away pain free with a smile on your face.

Don’t stretch too much before a run. Leave the stretching until afterwards when your muscles have warmed up.

Damien

[JMF23 in reply to damienair]

Thank you Damien! I think I was ready for it to be tough & not enjoyable at the start until I got my fitness levels up, I just wasn’t as prepared for the pain so early on. My groin is sore, so I wonder if I should leave it for this week. Another very helpful forum member has forwarded me the running plan, so I’ll have a good read of that. Running 3-4 times a week like you do is my goal!

Thanks again. 🙂

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

and is full of tips.

Enjoy your journey.

[JMF23 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you very much, will read it now!

[Beany123 Graduate]

At my club we do a few squats, hip circles (watch how footballers do it!) and arm circles before a run. Never so static stretches until after a run but make sure you are warmed up and ready to go....also go so slow that you feel you could walk faster than you are running....speed will come later.

[Beany123 Graduate in reply to Beany123]

When you squat, keep back straight and don't let your knees go over your feet...you need to feel like you're sitting on the loo! Make sure you can see your feet.

[JMF23 in reply to Beany123]

Thanks Beany123! I was doing dynamic stretches as I’d read pre-run stretching isn’t necessarily a good thing but I will add these! I also think I maybe did go a little fast, so I’m going to slow my run down. Thanks for the advice 👍