Phew - week 7 : After lots of calf problems I’ve... - Couch to 5K

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Phew - week 7

Badrun profile image
BadrunGraduate
23 Replies

After lots of calf problems I’ve finally mastered week 7! Thanks to everyone who gave me advice on hot salt baths, stretching exercises and calf rolling. The massage stick seems to have done the trick !

I’ve now done 8 runs in week 7 and finally hit the last 3! Phew. Finally week 8!

Am telling myself it is not a race and I can repeat until it’s nailed !

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Badrun
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23 Replies
Mittymoo profile image
MittymooGraduate

Great to read your news!!

Badrun profile image
BadrunGraduate in reply to Mittymoo

It’s taken sooo long to get through week 7! How are you getting along ?

Mittymoo profile image
MittymooGraduate in reply to Badrun

Well done for managing- that’s inspiring for me. I have had two unexpectedly difficult days. First visits back to the opticians and dentist with my boys since my husband died and I just wept my way through the appointments - we know them well so we had a chat and reminisce but I wasn’t expecting it to be so hard. Left me a little energyless so I am aiming to pick up again Sunday and spend tomorrow stretching - it will be my first twenty minute run on Sunday so will report back

Badrun profile image
BadrunGraduate in reply to Mittymoo

Oh I’m so sorry 😢. Hardly surprising you feel a bit low. I can’t imagine it’s easy at all but think how proud your husband would have been seeing you smash this ! Don’t forget to report back !! Sending warm wishes and hope you feel a little better tomorrow x

Mittymoo profile image
MittymooGraduate in reply to Badrun

Thanks - yes I will report back. I’m going to create a playlist I like for the 20 min run . Glad you are up and running!

QuadroVEINia profile image
QuadroVEINiaGraduate

👏👏👏 Well done for persevering! You’ve shown great spirit. You will do this! Keep going!

Hi, I'm having a lot of problems with calves and outer side of lower legs. The pain is stopping me running way before I'm out of puff. Can you share any of the advice you found helpful? Sue

DecoTable2 profile image
DecoTable2Graduate in reply to

I was also getting calf and ankle discomfort but since wearing long compression socks and compression leggings under my shorts I have completed week 9. It isn’t a complete cure and think good long stretches before and after are absolutely key.

in reply to DecoTable2

Hi, thanks for the advice, I've heard about compression socks, I'm going to give them a try.

Badrun profile image
BadrunGraduate in reply to

Hi sue. I do a few calf raises each day (on one leg ) and off the edge of the stairs. When my calf was really bad another poster said to take a bath with Epsom salts which helped. I also got a massage stick and basically massaged the v sore bits out ! It’s defo helped but I have to admit they still hurt a bit. I will just keep going with those tips. The massage stick was the best and was a cheap one from Amazon. I also bought compression socks and half way through I slow a little and pull them down which seems to help for some reason too! Oh and I rested three days between two runs this week which I think just helped so much. Keep me posted on your calf issues !! I share your pain !

in reply to Badrun

Hi Badrun, thanks for getting back to me, I'll give all those a try. I was having one day rest, I'm now having a two day break but I may also try leaving three. I'd rather achieve slower than not at all. Good luck, I look forward to being where you are 😊

Badrun profile image
BadrunGraduate in reply to

Definitely. My calves have been worse some days than others. And I’m doing all the stuff but it’s a slow improvement

newbie-nick profile image
newbie-nickGraduate

Same week as me! I did W7R3 last night after aborting in the morning due to a painful thigh. We can now metaphorically hold-hands and do those extra 3 minutes together.One question - do you wear shorts or long legs? I am a shorts runner, but last night I wore long legs and it helped - as did Deep Heat.

Take it slow and steady, and as always, listen to your body. It is so much easier to avoid an injury than to recover from one. On a note positive, it is due to be warmer this coming week which will keep the muscles warmer.

Good luck for W8, and then W9...

Badrun profile image
BadrunGraduate in reply to newbie-nick

Whoop ! I wore lose joggers - long ones to keep my legs warm ! I also used deep heat on about run five of week 7 🙄 and it helped too It’s been rough going. Hopefully we can graduate the same week ! Or month in my case the way I’m repeating runs 😂

Run46 profile image
Run46Graduate

Defo not a race...but IF it were, you'd be smashing it each time you lace up and get back out there 👍🤨

Glad the advice from the guys on here has helped, it is an amazing forum to be part of 😊

Badrun profile image
BadrunGraduate in reply to Run46

It’s really kept me going on my two-three weeks of the dratted week 7! I’m planning on going back out there tomorrow!

Badrun profile image
BadrunGraduate in reply to Run46

Took your advice and just done the first week 8 run - it wasn’t easy but I did it !!

Run46 profile image
Run46Graduate in reply to Badrun

Well done you...some go better than others but I don't think it ever feels easy at this stage. When every run you're expecting a little bit more out of your body it's bound to be challenging 🤨

Badrun profile image
BadrunGraduate in reply to Run46

Will it ever get to the stage where 30 mins is easy ?! Does that come in consolidation ? Thank you for the encouragement

Run46 profile image
Run46Graduate in reply to Badrun

Not easy so much as easier, and your mindset is different in that you know you can do it, and you're not so tired afterwards 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Badrun profile image
BadrunGraduate

I have. I can’t get my gait done until the shops open tho. It will certainly be my first port of call come April 12!

Badrun profile image
BadrunGraduate

Ooh thank you !

Badrun profile image
BadrunGraduate

Funnily enough I had to loosen them because I was getting pins and needles in my feet ! Will doThat too. Thank you

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