Week 5 and struggling!

[KoalaJellyStar]

Hi all,

I have loved the programme so far but for the last two runs I have struggled with leg pain and it is really putting me off! I only just managed week 5 run 1 and almost had to stop. I'm worried that it's got into my head and my self belief is slipping. I don't want to give up but I don't want to suffer and hate it either! I have got compression socks in an attempt to help and I have been researching and doing exercises to help with shin splints, as well as warm up and cool down stretches. Any other advice? Will it get better? Anyone got any experience of getting through similar problems? Help...! Thanks.

[limberlou Graduate]

Ive had various aches and pains, injuries and illnesses during my 2 years running. I’m coming up to 67 and obviously very keen not to injure myself. So when my legs used to ache a lot to start with, my son ( a gym bunny) suggested Epsom Salts baths and that’s still my go to if I’m achey or have overdone it a bit.

I’ve had a hip niggle on and off since last summers HM and I’ve used Aldi’s version of Deep Heat on that. and I do a lot of Pilates - an hour on non run days and at least 20-30 mins on run days to stretch out my muscles

When I fractured and sprained my ankle( walking not running) I used a lot of arnica gel ( and also took arnica pills which I got from Amazon).

And also the main one is make sure you drink plenty of water- not just on run days - sometimes your legs are just tired and being well hydrated seems to deal with that. Good luck with your running and I hope this helps

[KoalaJellyStar Graduate in reply to limberlou]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. You have some good tips there. I definitely think I'm a bit low on water intake so I will fix that one right away!

[limberlou Graduate in reply to KoalaJellyStar]

MY legs are aching a bit at the mo but more due to at least 2 of my cats feeling they have to be on my legs at any one time

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Are you doing dynamic stretches pre run and static post run, as advised in the guide to the plan?

If you do static stretches before you run you can make the situation worse.

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.

Many people do not hold their stretches for long enough or put enough effort in. Hold post run stretches for 30 seconds and make sure the pull is strong enough to be on the verge of discomfort.

This post explains the crucial, not optional, importance of good hydration healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[KoalaJellyStar Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you for your reply. I am doing stretches but perhaps not for long enough. I will do this a bit more and see if this helps.