Lower legs in pain

[Geniusiron]

Hi,

Having not ran for a number of years I have been encouraged by myself reaching the back end of week 3. Felt pretty tired as the runs have progressed, feeling like I’m working fairly hard...for me, anyway.

During running there has been a consistent heavy calf type pain where they are eager to reach the rest segments in the workout. Also, there’s a similar aching pain in the join bit from my foot to my lower leg and after the 3 mins sections they need a shake out almost as I begin my walk sections.

I then started feeling a fair amount of pain in my inner knees. After run 2 of week 3 the pain progressively became worse in my knees as they day progressed. I had an extra days rest and then completed the week and my knees are in agony. I can locate the real tender pain in each knee and when I do it is not nice.

I have started taking ibuprofen and iced them a couple of times. Running is now out of the question for several days. I just really hope it’s not long term as I was genuinely encouraged by my progress but now just can’t fathom how any runs non-stop for 10 mins or more!

Now I am not the smallest guy and it could be the force of my weight regularly hitting the ground, coupled with my approaching 40 age range and not being a regular exerciser. I don’t know.

If anyone has any similar stories, possible diagnosis, or ways to prevent it from occurring again should it flare up, I’d really appreciate it.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[Geniusiron in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you. A reassuring read.

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Knee pain is really common in weeks 2 and 3. I must write this at least 4 or 5 times a week 🤣 Take ibuprofen. It’ll go in a week or so if it’s the usual.

[Geniusiron in reply to Tasha99]

Thanks for this.

And then back on it and the knees don’t bother people anymore?

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to Geniusiron]

Yes. I took ibuprofen an hour before my runs (and at other times too) and carried on with the plan, but probably that was less than ideal 🤣 Apparently is just strength needed.

[Plattszo Graduate]

Hi there.

I would recommend some.proper running shoes. They are a WORLD of difference from your average trainer and offer your legs a bit of cushion from the hard surface we pound against when running.

Secondly, I rememebr my legs aching for England in my first weeks. I think largely it is natural, as you are building up the conditioning in your legs to help you run further and for longer as the programme progresses.

Thirdly, I would advise stretching out for 10 minutes after your cool down walk. When I have trouble with my left calf and achilles, this worked for me when I finally got back out there (took about a week for it to settle properly usingthe RICE method).

Pain, on the other hand, is something you need to listen to... your bidy is trying to tell you something. My advice would be to take rest, use RICE method and next time out go gentle snd see how you go. I bet you will be surprised.

I doubt your running career is over.... just a little bump in the road, so as to speak 😊

All the best and look forward to reading more about your successes!

[Geniusiron]

Hi, just an update...

My knee pain did eventually subside after about 10 days and I have completed week 4 and started week 5 with slight twinges in my knee but nothing, as of yet, debilitating.

Last nights 3 x 5 mins runs were actually quite rewarding.

Just need the sun and mildness to continue for a bit longer yet.

Thanks for the help guys.

Onwards!

[acountrycabbage Graduate in reply to Geniusiron]

Great news, well done! I’m finding as the runs are getting longer I need to take extra rest days due to my (previously injured) knee.

Good luck finishing W5, it’s a fun one! 😊