Introduction

[SlowRun17]

So, I'm 64, well over weight BMI ~ 32 and I've been doing the C25K since April.

I used to run quite a lot and around 2000 did a couple of marathons however I think these, or probably training for these, are what put me off running for so long.

Slowly but surely I have made progress. Taking several actual weeks over each C25K week and I'm now facing week 5, run 3. It's the furthest I've got since April and a big step for me.

I seem to get so far then develop an injury. Usually pains in my calf which take me a while to get over before I start again.

I'm hoping I can consolidate for a week or two on week 5 and then move up to week 6 with the overall goal of doing the full 30 minute run before Christmas.

[Enjoyingthis Graduate]

The main thing is you are making progress!

Im only in week 6 myself so unfortunately i am not able to advice on how to prevent injuries etc

Just to say keep doing what you are doing, you are doing great!

[Mishkasmum]

I get pain in my calves and tenderness in my heel but no perceived swelling (which I feel like there should be).

I am going to look at some warming up exercises, I do the stretches on the YouTube video after but have thought the five minutes walking should be enough if a warm up...but am now thinking it's not.

Have you been doing any sort of warm up stretches?

[SlowRun17 Graduate in reply to Mishkasmum]

Hi, I don't really do any warm up stretches but I do a good 15 or 20 minutes yoga afterwards. There is an app called "Yoga Studio" I use which has a section called "Yoga for Runners" which I find really helpful.

That's not to say the warm up exercises are not a good idea and if I hit another problem I may well start doing them.

Best wishes

[Spud-U-Like Graduate]

I'm also 64, also overweight, and also doing this program, I'm in Week 7. I've just bought a pair of decent running shoes which seem to help with the aches and pains inflicted on my long-suffering calves and thighs, it seems to help a bit. I'm determined to get this finished, though, and progress is happening. Stick with it, see you on the Graduates page in a few weeks.

[Pugwash Graduate]

Could be me writing a few years ago there SlowRun17 (although I was a 10km runner)! Your approach is both sensible and built for success. Good luck with reaching your very realistic Christmas goal.

Also like you, I've been plagued by calf/Achilles injuries but have now got much more serious about the - boring as heck and too easily avoided - pre and post exercise stretches and that has helped enormously.