I struggled through W9R1 on Monday with pain in my left knee that I have had for a few weeks and a thigh strain in my right leg. It was difficult but I did it. Determined to get to the end of c25k I attempted W9R2 this morning (Wednesday) but I had to stop after 12 minutes; my legs just wouldn't work. I made sure I stretched before I ran and did the warm up walk but I just couldn't do it today.
I don't know what to do next. Shall I try running again on Friday or give myself a break. If I do have a break, for how long should I break for and should I go back to an earlier week in the programme to get myself back into it?
Feeling angry with myself and deflated at the moment. I really wanted to finish this week so I've tried to power through. Now I am facing a setback and I am not sure how to approach it.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Written by
RufustheRed
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Don't be angry or deflated and PLEASE don't run through an injury! You're only likely to make it worse. If your body is hurting it is telling you something isn't right and you need to stop. Learning how to distinguish the usual running aches and niggles from injury is hard but if something is recurring each run, especially in joints like knees or ankles, then rest up for a few days. Only doctors or sport physios can diagnose or give medical advice on injuries. The only thing I would say is give it too long rather than not long enough and otherwise you will risk spending a lot longer on the IC and that's no fun at all! I know it's frustrating but that graduation run will still be waiting for you and you won't lose fitness, even in a couple of weeks. Be patient, give your body the break it's asking for and I promise you'll get to that graduation run before you know it!
Thank you for your reply. Reflecting on what you say, I am worried that all the work over the last 8 weeks will be undone if I take a break; I think that is why I have kept going. I am going to replace my runs with gentle walks for the next week or so and see if that helps.
I totally understand the worry but you really don't need to, you really won't undo the work with a short break. It takes longer than you'd think to lose fitness and gentle walks or anything that's non-impact (and doesn't hurt) would be good in the meantime. I think I had a week off in W8 due to a niggle and was probably better for having the little break. Hope you're fit and ready to go soon!
Never be tempted to push through pain, ( although many of us have attempted it)m it usually means a longer time spent on the Injury Couch.
You have learned your lesson, so, rest up, recharge, try those exercises and when you feel the pain has gone..then head out for a little trial jogette...your body is your best guide and it will tell you what to do.
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Hope you're fit and ready to go soon!
W9R2 - Penultimate Run!
W9R2 - Fail!
Week 6 run 3 - fail 
Week one run one...tick :-) I did it! 
W9R2 - My best run to date!
