Week 7 II - finally a bit of stretching

[Symi]

It took seven weeks, but I finally got around to adding in stretching. I know, I know ... we are supposed to do both for the beginning, but frankly committing to running three times a week was already a mental challenge. Taking on yoga on alternate days has been in the back of my mind, but just felt like an extra giant step. Anyone else struggling with that?

A wonderful friend arranged a zoom yoga for us to do together. At the end the conclusion was ... You see, wasn’t so hard was it,...

And it seems to have energised me.

Today’s 25 minute run was easier than expected. The first five minutes, as usual, my legs were like lead, but they loosened up. Next time I will try the warm up video on the NHS site.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done, better late than never.

Heavy legs can be symptomatic of poor hydration. As a runner you need to drink 2.5 -3 litres of fluid each and every day, running or not, as mentioned in the guide.

[Allbarron Graduate]

I found a warm up of dynamic stretches on YouTube but now just do my own. Then I use the NHS cool down advice. I do find it makes a huge difference. Going to strongly agree with Iannoda and his hydration tip. I struggled with calf pain and feeling like I was running in diving boots back in week 5 but drinking 2-3ltrs of water each day on his advice has made a major change. I ran my furthest yesterday and the calves were not a bother. Recovery was quick too. Try it you'll be surprised the improvement it can make👍🏃🏃

[Symi Graduate in reply to Allbarron]

such good advice! I am drinking more than feels normal in the hour before running and I am feeling much lighter on my feet.

Am also exploring YouTube - it is the discipline of actually doing it that is tricky.

[Allbarron Graduate in reply to Symi]

It will come. Just be determined. Make sure you hydrate after the run too. 👍

[Her1 Graduate]

I was much the same - it was about week 6 I finally added stretches before and after my runs - I discovered Yoga with Adriene on You Tube who has some good beginners and foundation videos and also 8 min pre and post run videos, which I have found helps. I still need to read all the advice on here though to see if there are better stretches I should be doing!

[Symi Graduate in reply to Her1]

Thanks - I tried Adrienne - a good solution!

[Symi Graduate]

I am now doing yoga with a friend on zoom - while I can run alone, I find the motivation of having a friend do yoga with me a real help. I am feeling so much better for adding in the yoga. My hips are less stressed and my core is beginning to make an appearance.