Back in the saddle on a new pony W6R1

[Dancermo]

This is my second time around doing C25K as last year I did it completely on grass and then the weather changed and I couldn't run anymore.

This time around [and a stone heavier ugh!] I decided to conquer two giants - pavement/road running [was worried for my knees] and running in the rain [hair and just not wanting to be wet].

I am soo pleased to say that I can now do both and I am actually enjoying the runs 💪🏽💪🏽. I read the information on Health Unlocked and watched the slow running video and that's really helped. I want this to be a lifestyle so I'm excited to see where and how this goes! Would be grateful for any tips on managing tight calves when running.

Thank you!

[Mrsrun Graduate]

Well done for getting back to running. I can relate to hair and road running. I actually love running on the road, well lanes around here. Hair was my nemesis . I have a lot of hair , very thick and strong . So getting it wet/sweaty has always been a nightmare as the time it takes to wash and dry but I decided when I started 5k , I would just have to make time for my hair and have done, This week I realised that I love running in the rain, so a good job I did! Calves... I had tight calves when I started . But by the wonderful tips from the people on here that problem has mostly gone. Drinking plenty of water every day, stretches before and after the run. I also use a foam roller and arnica . Happy running. Slow running !

[Dancermo Graduate in reply to Mrsrun]

lol! Isn't it funny the things we allow to get in the way? You must have lovely hair. 😊Hmm... been thinking about foam rollers some of them look a bit scary! 😂 Any recommendations? What does Arnica do? I know about it for bruising but nothing else. Drinking lots of water but wasn't stretching before as I read something about cold muscles.. stretched a little this morning and I think it helped. Onwards and upwards!

[Mrsrun Graduate in reply to Dancermo]

Foam rollers do look scary but you use them gently, I looked up exercises on You tube . I got mine form Asda, I did not want to spend a fortune on something I may not use but it is great. Arnica is great for a whole host of things including muscle soreness and such. I have got into a funny routine of doing some exercises whilst brushing my teeth , rotating my hips and basically getting things moving , I still do my stretches before running. Happy running

[Dancermo Graduate in reply to Mrsrun]

Thanks for that will check them out, and get me some arnica.👍🏽

[Devon_straggler Graduate in reply to Dancermo]

Hi Dancermo. You should focus on dynamic stretching before you start, so things like leg swings. I just looked up dynamic stretches for runners on youtube to get some ideas. The stretches that you hold are the ones that shouldn't be done on cold muscles, but which are a good idea for after the run (try to hold for at least 30 secs).

[Dancermo Graduate in reply to Devon_straggler]

That's really useful, thank you Devon_straggler will look into that too!👍🏽

[drun]

Welcome back to the forum Dancermo well done for getting started, tight calves is usually down to dehydration.

This post is essential reading for those new to the programme or returning after a break and includes hydration, stretching after a run and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Enjoy your journey

[BaddieThePirate Graduate]

Welcome to round 2 of C25K. I’m also on 2nd time round, and have the same giants to fight. I no longer straighten my hair, and as I’m working from home, can be as frizzy as I like (actually I hate it, but…) and no one cares but me. Still don’t like to run in the rain though 😐

[Dancermo Graduate]

BaddieThePirate I feel you re the hair - went natural a few years ago so that's helped otherwise I'd be dodging for cover considering the "summer" we've had... 😊What will you do when the weather changes? Do you run on the treadmill?

[BaddieThePirate Graduate in reply to Dancermo]

I run outside. No room for a treadmill on the pirate ship. I started using Cantu Shea Butter, and it’s amazing. I’d still need to faff with my hair every single day for it to look really good, which is never going to happen, but it’s much improved using this product. Also stopped using shampoo. I did this years ago and it was really good for my hair, then started shampooing it again when I worked in catering, and forgot to stop again until recently.