Bit of a stop...

[RunforMum]

Got to week 4 run 2 last weekend but I have some kind of swelling and pulling/soreness on the top of my left foot. I decided to rest it but wonder how long I can leave off the program without being set back too far. I aim to do run 3 on Monday if it's better, so that'd be just over a week.

[OldManRunning Graduate]

I completed it in 13 weeks without repeating any runs with at least 2 7 day rest periods because of illness/injury so it didn't really affect me other than timeHope this helps 😁

[RunforMum Graduate in reply to OldManRunning]

Oh it does, thank you...I was looking to hear others' experiences, thank you.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Hello... and well done so far.

This kind of thing may happen, and you are sensible to rest up. It is at least two weeks before we begin to lose fitness.

I know you have read the guide to running the plan and there is information there to reassure you,

healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

We are not medical experts here, but it is worth noting that our feet may swell both during and after runs for a variety of reasons. Are your shoes comfortable and your running socks, tight and restrictive running shoes can contribute to swelling, even your laces tied to tightly could be a problem?

There are other reasons too, any swelling is cause for concern, so if the problem persists then that is the time to get expert advice !

Hopefully after a day or two of rest you may find things have settled. You can of course do some exercise to keep yourself and the feet in trim, without too much impact.

On the S and F forum there is some sound advice. E,g.

healthunlocked.com/strength......

Try not to worry too much, the runs wait... and we a find them all the sweeter when we get back to them.

I di my first run, since the 30th November., last Wednesday... slow and steady and it felt so good

Keep us posted please?

[RunforMum Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you so much for your comprehensive reply - that's helpful. Yes, will do.

[RunforMum Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Have re-read the guide and had forgotten how good it is!! (Just putting that here as encouragement to others read the guide again!)

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to RunforMum]

Thank You!!!

[ObjectiveBob]

Sorry to hear that, R4M. And sympathise entirely as I’ve also picked up a knee injury on exactly the same run!

In my case, I think it’s just swelling rather than anything serious but I missed my Friday run yesterday - first time I’ve dropped off the schedule - and spent an extra couple of days with an ice pack and ibuprofen gel.

Planning to get back on to final W4 run tomorrow pushing W5 back to Tuesday.

Let us know how you get on.

[RunforMum Graduate]

Ah, interesting, thank you. I've also had some issues with my knees so sympathise, and also left gaps for them to feel really OK before going out again....need to look after my knees; I'm very mindful of looking after my joints. I am generally finding that the programme's weeks don't fall for me as real weeks- I started early December and have found it's 2 or 3 days inbetween that feels right for me but this is the longest gap so far.