Failed at W3R2 - feeling pretty miserable

[Schming]

I did couch 2 5k several years ago and made it to seek 5 or 6 before my circumstances changed and I had to abandon it. Since then my weight has been up and down several times and decided, given the lockdown to get back into it when my local pool closed. Weeks 1 and 2 were an absolute breeze, so i was expecting the good momentum to keep going, but my knees were in agony on the first run this week but i kept going and completed. Rest day and did some flexibility exercises this morning ready to try again this evening. Felt uncomfortable during the warm up walk so probably shouldnt have continued but thought mind over matter and pressed on again. Had to give up 15 seconds into the final run because shins and ankles hurt so much. Devastated. This is literally the only thing I am able to do during lockdown to keep busy and feel so dejected to have failed. Took advice from other posts and slowed my pace way down but still failed. Running previously made me so elated, wasn't prepared for the depression of failure though

[Judy20 Graduate]

Aww that’s tough. Start at W2 again and stay as long as you need too or until your body adjusts? Any exercise better than none!! And don’t ignore injuries or niggles your body is speaking to you. Good luck let us know how you progress.

[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 advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[Hidden]

It is so frustrating when injury gets in the way of progress. I would suggest taking some time to do some strengthening exercises for your ankles and this will also help your shins. There are exercises online and some great suggestions if you Google it. I struggled a little like you around week 4 and a fellow forum member suggested soaking in the bath with Epsom salts and it really worked!! Good luck 😉