WK5R2 - Jesus the cramps are real

[esmerice]

Can't believe I actually ran for 8 minutes, was a bit of a mixed run though. Started off with slightly sore legs (not painful, just sore) but got through the first 8 minutes with little problem. When I stopped however, cramps set it in both legs and threatened the whole run. But I kept walking and did the last 8 minutes... to then realise after 6 minutes(ish) that my app had paused and I had no clue how long I'd been running for or how long left. Knowing my flatmate was ahead of me doing the same run I just continued until I saw her and she had stopped.

Most of what motivated me today to finish was the fact that the cramps hurt just as much when I walked, and when I ran I got closer to home so I just kept on running.

I'm going to do this run again, just to properly finish it off and know that I've done the 8 minutes, but also because it's 30* next time I run and I don't think that's the best weather to attempt 20 minutes of running for the first time in. I'll probably also take one extra rest day if my legs don't recover by then.

Side note: I make these posts for myself to look back on at the end of my journey, they are in no way advice or suggested deviations from the plan. Thanks.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Great job getting it done with cramps and technical issues. runnersworld.com/uk/trainin...

30 degrees is pretty hot... no idea how hot as I still deal in old money 🤣... so yeah, it’s not going to be easy out there... early and (very) late running helps. If that’s not possible, then a there’s nothing wrong with something more gentle, and it’ll be cooler by weekend I believe.

[Lil5k Graduate]

Hiya, sounds like you had a bit of a wobbly moment, but rescued it in the end. Running in that heat is hard going, well done. Giving yourself an extra rest day sounds good, listening to your body is essential. Keep going, won't be long till you get your badge 👍

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

Cramps are often related to lack of hydration, are you drinking enough? 😊

[esmerice in reply to Dtay1978]

Hey, yeah about 2.5l a day, I’m pretty strict on it

[Newbiefitness]

Yay! well done on completing the 8 minutes. I did this run last Thursday and it is the first time my legs have not wanted to play ball. My calves were a little sore for the first 8 mins but I was so grateful for the end of the second 8 minutes as by then they were done. They were sore the next day and then my hamstrings decided to join in too.

Yesterday I completed the 20 minute run, I had an extra day or two off, I was doing dynamic stretching before but this time followed a routine on youtube before I started and I did it. My calves were again a bit sore during the run but after much forum reading over the weekend I put on some compression socks afterwards for recovery and today I feel like I have new legs. Good luck with your next run 😃

[esmerice in reply to Newbiefitness]

Ooh super interesting, would you have the link to the stretching video at all? Always up for new and better stretches! Congrats on smashing the 20 mins, hope to match you soon. Maybe I’ll buy some compression socks if this continues. Thanks so much for the tips!

[Newbiefitness in reply to esmerice]

When I looked on Youtube there were loads to choose from but I went for the shortest looking video as all the sponsorship chat in longer ones sometimes drives me crazy: youtube.com/watch?v=IG6xhLa...(Not working as expected?)

I also follow wellness_ed & emmakirkyo on instagram who post warm up exercises and offer advice, basically I think the more I read and watch about running the more I hope some of it will sink in to motivate me and help me prevent injury. It seems to be working so far, I have repeated a couple of the weeks along the way but I am slowly getting there and really enjoying it. I spent years telling people that I don't do running and now look 😃

[esmerice in reply to Newbiefitness]

Thanks so much, thats so helpful! Yeah definitely surrounding yourself with more info online should help, I've found that too. I am exactly the same, glad to have finally found a workout that works for me. Thanks so much and good luck with the rest of the programme!