Feeling like it’s not been worth it: Hi, this... - Couch to 5K

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Feeling like it’s not been worth it

Pixie65 profile image
13 Replies

Hi, this isn’t a post to be negative as such but I’m just struggling and wondering if there is anything else I can do. I am 55 years old and over the last year (since the pandemic started) I have walked 4-5 miles a day and also been cycling for 4 months. I thought C25K would be another thing to add to my exercise ‘belt’ and felt I was quite fit with all the other exercise and also thought it would’ve good for my mental health as I’ve been on my own for most of the pandemic and getting out daily has been a really positive thing. I got proper running shoes and did the stretches and I was really really enjoying the challenge and not finding it too hard. Then on week 3 run 3 I got home and my foot hurt, all round my ankle and back of my heel. That was 2 and a half weeks ago and it is no better at all. I have had a foot support on, I have taken ibuprofen and paracetamol regularly the whole time, I am using bio freeze spray and voltarol spray and I’ve rested it other than having to do essential jobs etc. I’m now feeling really down. I also now can’t go for my beloved long walks or out on my bike and to be honest I wish I had never ever started the C25K as I feel I’ve lost so much not being able to do anything now. Am I being impatient? Sorry for the ‘moan’ but any tips would be gratefully received. Many thanks x

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Pixie65
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13 Replies
AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

Sorry about your situation Pixie65, I hate the idea of your injury not only stopping you from 🏃🏾 running but also not being able to do your long walks 🚶 or cycle 🚴

If the injury persists you should go to the doctor for professional treatment and advice, in the meantime don't run or go long walks.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

You got proper running shoes, but if they were not ones recommended after a gait analysis then they are just a shot in the dark and may well be the cause of your foot issues.

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

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

Enjoy your journey.

Skyblueandblack profile image
SkyblueandblackGraduate

I'm no medical expert. Although take on the advice posted by AlMorr and IannodaTruffe. But that sounds to me like some kind of impact injury. I did the something similar to both my knees and had to take six weeks out to recover.Despite the pain which caused my break in running. I start W9 on Monday.

newbie-nick profile image
newbie-nickGraduate in reply to Skyblueandblack

Good luck for W9. So very close...

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate

Go to the doctor!

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate

As others have said, a pain that doesn't go away after a few days needs looking at by a medical professional. Your GP is probably your first call.

Mittymoo profile image
MittymooGraduate

I can imagine how it would feel to lose all my ways of exercising, it’s happened to me before. I’m wondering if there is any chance of on line or outdoor Pilates or similar as a way of strengthening yourself and staying connected to your active life? I asked someone to work 1-1 with me and it kept the blues away until I could get back on my bike. Best of luck

Pixie65 profile image
Pixie65

Many thanks to everyone for the replies. Everything you all say makes sense and yes, perhaps an appt with the GP is needed. Thank you again x

Badrun profile image
BadrunGraduate

Definitely go to the doctors. Hope you are better soon

happysouls profile image
happysoulsGraduate

I had a couple of bouts of injury with running but for me it came later after graduating and learning to love it so that made it easier to feel positive about the running. I totally appreciate how awful it is to lose your mobility for a while. Really frustrating and hard mentally. However once you are fixed maybe try again because long term you might feel you have gained something amazing in your life which is how I feel about it. My injuries have been my weak spots and each time I have worked on it and come back stronger so they haven’t been entirely negative. Learned a lot about exercise and generally I am stronger and in better health than ever! I hope you are better soon!

SmilelikeImeanIt profile image
SmilelikeImeanItGraduate

Hi Pixie

Sorry to hear about the injury. Definitely go to the dr and get advice.

I had terrible heel pain for a bit (really bad - walking was agony) but have always had to put sports inner soles in my normal shoes and recognised this pain as being worse version of the pain I used to get b4 I started wearing the inner soles.

I got some really good heel supports for my trainers and something to help the plantar fasciitis (off Amazon - was a little disc strapped under your foot - called arch support I think) and all cleared up in 2 weeks. I still need the heel supports in my running trainers (despite gait analysis and buying the right trainers) but running is fine now. Haven’t needed the arch supports again.

I don’t know if your pain could be similar but if the dr mentions arches, plantar fasciitis etc then you could try these things. Also look at how you lace your trainers so that your foot is supported where you need it. (There’s lots more ways than you’d expect!)

Good luck hope you feel better soon.

Shirley-W profile image
Shirley-WGraduate

Oh no! I really feel for you. Definitely go to the doctors. I wish you well for your recovery. Xxx

Raisemeup profile image
RaisemeupGraduate

Sorry to hear of your misfortune Pixi65 and it's understandable that you're having regrets about c25k. However, your ankle will improve and heal and you will be able to continue if you want to. Life just gives us lemons at times, as we know in the present day.Perhaps do some gentle yoga concentrating on the upper body in a seated position, it will be an opportunity to build core, arms and upper body strength and flexibility and will assist you in all your various pursuits. . At least you will be using your IC time productively and ease the negative feelings too.

I wish you a speedy recovery and best wishes ☺️.

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