Week 1 done!

[Musical5melody]

Just completed week 1! Feels good. Will need to do the gait measuring thing though as I've noticed my right foot turns out slightly when I run and don't feel as if my feet are getting enough support. I had plantar fasciitis after having my kids and my feet have never been the same, so i need good supporting trainers.

[TeeJay66 Graduate]

Well done 😀 - For many, week 1 is the hardest week as it can be quite a shock to the system, I know I found it a real challenge. Now you have completed that, you are well on your way. If I had any advice, it would be: Don't be put off by the long run at the end of week 5! It seems crazy long at first, but, actually I found it easier than the preceding runs and it is so rewarding to complete. Keep up the great work, it is really well worth the effort and you have done the hardest bit, which was getting off the couch in the first place.

You are right, good running shoes are a must, they need not cost a fortune but they do need to be for running rather than fashion trainers. I think I paid about £35 for mine, they made such a difference, well worth the outlay IMHO.

[Musical5melody in reply to TeeJay66]

Great! Thanks for the advice. What trainers did you get?

[TeeJay66 Graduate in reply to Musical5melody]

PUMA Men's Jaro Running Shoes - maybe not as ideal for a woman! I don't know if they are a good brand or even considered a good trainer, but the price seemed reasonable, they are very comfortable and they support my feet well. I have had no problems with them at all. I got them during the height of lock down so as I could not go to a proper sports shop I just hit Amazon as you do 😉

[Musical5melody in reply to TeeJay66]

Sounds like you've found a good option! Always good to find out what everyone is wearing!

[Mobiliseandmove]

Hi Musical5melody ,

Congrats on finishing the first week!

As for the plantar fasciitis, whilst trainers can be useful for support, they ultimately don't resolve the problem. Think of them as a plaster over a cut - the trainers don't prevent plantar fasciitis, but help to manage the discomfort. So I'd recommend a pair that help to manage the pain.

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the tissue that runs under the foot (plantar fascia). This tissue is not a muscle. However, it is commonly overworked due to a lack of foot and/or ankle strength and function (i.e. the plantar fascia is compensating, trying to do the work of the smaller muscles of the feet).

Here's a video with lots of different exercises for the feet and ankles: youtube.com/watch?v=apCIhoP...(Not working as expected?)

Try them out and see which you feel a benefit from. Consistent exercising of the feet and ankles will help to prevent plantar fasciitis. I would particularly recommend the 'Up on Toes' exercise shown at 3:15. With these exercises, be mindful of how the foot feels. It may be worth performing a 'foot smash' before these exercises (rolling the sole of the foot on a tennis or lacrosse ball).

Hope this helps!

Adam

[Musical5melody in reply to Mobiliseandmove]

Thanks for the advice Adam. I had to see a podiatrist when it flared up initially and also see a chiropractor regularly. I used the ball technique but haven't seen thkse exercises so thanks for that. Will give it a shot 😊👍

[Mobiliseandmove in reply to Musical5melody]

You're welcome! Hope you find them beneficial

[Musical5melody in reply to Mobiliseandmove]

Thanks! Have actually just done those feet exercises just now!

[Mobiliseandmove in reply to Musical5melody]

How did you find them?!

[Musical5melody in reply to Mobiliseandmove]

I found them quite good actually thanks. I also tore the ligaments in my right ankle in high school (that wasnt yesterday 😂) and still have issues with it from time to time. Just need to make sure I don't overdo it. Would you suggest i wear an ankle support?

[Mobiliseandmove in reply to Musical5melody]

Fab, well done! Try to do them regularly to keep the foot mobile and build the strength

I see. As for the ankle support, it would purely be preference. If you feel that your ankle is safer with the support on, wear it. Otherwise, don't go out of your way to get one. Hopefully improving the strength around the foot and ankle with the exercises above will help to minimise any discomfort that you still get from time to time.