week 8 Run 1 : 1st things first I am a runner... - Couch to 5K

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week 8 Run 1

BGood profile image
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1st things first I am a runner returning to running following a serious non running injury which has blighted me for the last 15 months! Though I did C25 K last year as a rehab I had to stop again over the winter! By march I was itching to get back out there!

so did a few dummy runs and restarted C25K again in April! Even as someone who has run over 5yrs off and on this is hard work! 2.5 stone heavier than last year has played a part in that!

why do I do it because I love it being outdoors meeting new friends and having a running family completely separate from my normal work life balance!

Now I really shouldn’t have run tonight as I ran Saturday and Sunday but it’s my scheduled Monday night run. It’s wasn’t great but I gritted my teeth and run for a whole 25mins not fast very slow but done deliberately to get the distance and time!

I really didn’t want to do this tonight but knowing my next run is Thursday I have two recovery days! A couple of other factors also had an affect on to nights road run was the humidity in was warm and sticky. ThoughI had water with me I had not drink enough water throughout the day Coke tea coffee are diuretics making you pee more and dehydrate. Sipping water throughout the day is a better way to keep top up!

look at your pee if it looks like you are peeing water it means you have a good hydration balance! The darker the per the more dehydrated you are! I hope you find my running rambles helpful! I will check back in after Thursday’s run

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BGood profile image
BGood
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Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Well done on your return... BUT... and there is always a but... consecutive runs, they are not really a great idea.. especially if you are on the C25K programme or even repeating. many of us have repeated after return form illness or injury and the only way, is to stick to it and essentially, take those rest days.

Running on three days, even with the idea of two rest days, in warm and humid weather, or any weather, we would always advise against.

A great hydration routine all the time, each day and every day... essential too, we have many pinned posts on this... and of course a healthy eating regime too.

You really are determined but... *( there is that but again:), in your own words, " You gritted your teeth, and you mention distance ? At this stage, distance really does not matter... just do the runs.

The running here are for enjoyment and not endurance, fast enough to get there, but slow enough to see.

So... rest up please . get some real support for those over worked legs too... remember too, and I know you may feel this is a tad over the top, as we say in our FAQ pinned post on How to Run C25K

"THE REST DAY FROM RUNNING IS NOT NEGOTIABLE, which means you should not, as a new runner, run on consecutive days, but does not have to be spent back on the couch again. When you run, unlike other exercises, you actually damage your muscles and the rest days are when they repair. Any non impact exercise, such as swimming, cycling, weights, Pilates or yoga will be beneficial to your overall fitness and to your running and will aid the repair and strengthening of muscles."

It is true and many runners here, will be only too willing to tell you what happens if you ignore the rest days:)

The runs are patient and they will wait for you:)

BGood profile image
BGood in reply toOldfloss

Thank you for the pointers! As I said it wasn’t a good idea to run three days on the trot!

It was the weekend had panned! Not running today or tomorrow! Foam roller with be out later!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toBGood

It is understandable that you felt you wanted to get those runs in, when things had gone pear shaped but we do have to be so so careful, lhere on thecC25K forum, to make sure our newer less experienced runners don't get the wrong ideas.Easily done in the first flush of enthusiasm as you said yourself, when you began...and getting back to it too, can be coloured with a desire to move maybe a tad too quickly...:)

mgrds profile image
mgrdsGraduate

Old floss is wise. Getting back running after a break takes discipline and determination but not not in the way you think. If you have run before your problems are not the same as a newcomer. Newcomers often think they can't do it and need encouragement to stick at it. You need discipline to stick to the sensible breaks in your schedule - and determination to resist the temptation to try to go beyond what the science tells us about recovery and rebuilding muscle stamina and strength.

Every time we run we break down some muscle and other tissues - the the body rebuilds it stronger as we rest. If you don't allow this pattern of demand and recovery time you end up being weakened and not strengthened. If you grit your teeth and carry on you will end up with a running injury (by demanding more and more out of weakened resources) .

I get it! I know where you are coming from - its what we do - we want to get back to where we were before quickly - but do try to avoid gritting your teeth and getting by on determination. Save that for a race or marathon if you ever get to to do those !

But don't re-do your foundational training that way. Do it properly ad build up your strength and resilience before you add and extra demands outside the training schedule.

If of course you find yourself just feeling you are comfortable and the running seems easy then DO feel free to push it a little more and run a bit further of faster.

Best of luck - PS I'm 67 and have had t stop and come back to running a few times in my life. And it also helps if it feels fun to do - like dancing !

BGood profile image
BGood

Thank both valid reasons and totally get it!

It’s not something I do regularly or advocate! As I said I would not advise it! I hadn’t run all week due to work and a broken down van getting in the way!

My normal schedule is Monday Thursday Saturday but last week I was victim of circumstance!

When I say I gritted my teeth it was because it was hard work but I knew why it was. Also I had I didn’t want to fail the time I was due to run! Which is why I highlighted it what i had done wrong and how dehydration can also affect your runs!

Not running now until Thursday even if my garmin is telling me my last one unproductive.

When I 1st started running I was over enthusiastic and tried running everyday and very soon found out why it’s not advised.shin splints kills!

However thank you both for your advice

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