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[Buglet14]

Hello,

I haven't written on here in a while. The last time I was messaging I was repeating every week, often multiple times, and I was up to week 3. I had a problem with my foot so I had to stick at week 3 while I tried to improve it.

Since then I've had covid, which took me out for a couple of weeks and made me breathless (sat down).

Once I felt well enough I started up the running again but decided, especially since I had only been on week 3 previously and it had been a while, that it would be judicious to start back at week 1 to safely manage the breathlessness.

I managed each week well, and got back up to week 3 without repeating any weeks. Today I just ran my first week 4 instalment!

It was very hard, being a marked increase in time spent running compared to previous weeks. I think this is now where the programme really starts upping the ante (I'm well aware of what is in store in weeks 5 and 6). I didn't think it was possible for me to go any slower than I had been doing and still call it running, but apparently I can. Though now I am truly at the point where even a tiny bit slower will be walking. Ultimately, though, I did manage it. I will carry on with week 4 and if I get through all the runs this week, I'll go to week 5 next week.

The foot still plays up, but it got a rest over my illness and I've kept up with the exercises I've been given, so it feels manageable. I get leg pains as well but this is kept manageable by an extremely stringent foam rolling and stretching routine that I have. to. do. every. day.

Will update when I have something to report!

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Hi Buglet! You know you’re running good and slooow when you’re overtaken by walkers! It happens to me all the time - don’t worry about it, keep smiling, keep running! But slowly! Huge well done to you for getting back on it after having COVID!

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Congratulations on your progress 😁👍

[nowster Graduate]

You're right in deducing that week 4 is "where it all happens".

Week 5 is actually a consolidation week and Week 6 is another stretching week. The last three weeks are consolidation and more gradual increases.

[PlasticUnitedFan Graduate]

Well done you Buglet. I know it’s a bit of an investment but in your case a gait analysis and decent shoes from the gait analysis results may sort out your foot. What if it is a simple as that. I’m not prejudging your ailment but it’s just a thought. I found out I have a slight pronation which the shoes corrected. I may have been running into issues without realising. Sorry, not preaching just thinking of options to make your running life easier. Anyway keep going buddy we are with you.

[Buglet14 in reply to PlasticUnitedFan]

Thanks for your reply!

I agree, a gait analysis is probably a good idea. I already have hyper-mobile joints in my feet (as stated by a podiatrist), so it seems to be extra important for me to look after my feet properly.

Unfortunately, it may have to wait. I'm not exactly rolling in it at the moment, and I can anticipate the shoes being expensive. But once I'm earning properly again this is one of the first things I intend to do.