W6R3

[Tigs08]

I’m new to this forum, so hello everyone! So far I’ve managed all my runs even the first dreaded long run. It all went wrong today. I set out really determined to complete 25 minutes but 10 minutes in my calves both seized. I had to stop as it was so painful. I tried to start up again but the pain continued. I’m so gutted at this set back. Does anyone have advice on how to move forward?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Sorry that you couldn't complete your run today Tigs08, but congratulations on completing run 3 of week 5, best thing to do is have a few days off running, wait until all pain has gone, when you do resume running, run, run 3 of week 6 a little slower than you did today, good luck.

[Tigs08 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks AlMorr. I’ll give that a go.

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Hello and welcome. 👋

Definitely rest for a few days. Massage your calves a bathe with Epsom salts if you can.

While you're resting, watch a few videos on running posture and form and when you start again, make sure you do at least 10 minutes of dynamic stretches before you leave the house. Don't shoot off, take it really slowly, really slowly! 🐌

Best wishes and good luck

[Tigs08 Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Thank you

[Comfortnotspeed]

Ouch! Oh no. I think extra rest days are in order. Maybe some gentle stretches.

[Tigs08 Graduate in reply to Comfortnotspeed]

Thank you

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

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

and includes links to stretches.

Stretching immediately after every run, while muscles are still warm and supple, pulls out contractions, avoiding carrying tensions into the next run and also improves recovery by improving blood flow.

Enjoy your journey.

[Tigs08 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you

[willsie01]

Sorry you were forced to stop. I too did this run today. I did find it extremely tough. More so than what we have done before on he programme. By coincidence I also had problems in my calfs. They ached from just a couple of minutes into the run and I feel I only got through by keeping the run very slow. I've been doing nearly all the runs so far on the same days: Monday, Wednesday & Friday, which means I now have a 3 day break before the next run. I'm hoping that will give me time for the calves to recover and having done the 25 minutes now, week 7 will not be too difficult.

[Tigs08 Graduate in reply to willsie01]

Well done on completing the run. I have been running every other day, maybe I’m not resting enough.