My calves ached something chronic the very first attempt so I decided to cut it down to fewer runs and then to 30 second runs and at last - in my fourth week, I have completed WEEK 1 all the way - 3 days with 8 mins of actual jogging. Although it's a slow business for me - I am a bit overweight and 70 - I don't think that matters. Can feel myself getting stronger, if my first 5k is in January, so be it!
Completed week one!: My calves ached something... - Couch to 5K
Completed week one!
This is fabulous-you have personalised the programme. I had to do exactly this after getting shin splints just after completing the programme in 9 weeks. I restarted slowly and with gentle increases but using the framework of. C25k as my general guide. I hope it works for you.
Please report back as you progress.
Awesome....many would have given up, but believe me, running is the best gift we can give ourselves
Well done!
One question - what shoes are you wearing to run? If they aren't proper running shoes they will be making things harder for you.
Running shoes have a lot more support than fashion trainers, and the soles are different. They sort of act so that when your foot hits the ground it gets a little bit of bounce, whereas fashion trainers absorb the shock. The first time I tried running in running shoes I couldn't believe the difference. Even now, I can barely run for a couple of minutes in normal trainers whereas in my running shoes the sky is the limit (well not the sky, the path, but you know what I mean).
Having persisted and completed Week 1 you deserve a treat! Proper shoes will make your runs so much easier and yes, while they can be expensive (not necessarily) it's cheaper than paying for a physio or a gym subscription or even multiple packets of painkillers.
Looking forward to hearing about your progress
Thankyou for your thoughtful reply. I do have proper running shoes and went into the shop to check my gait. My sister has been a runner for years. I don't know why the calves hurt - they do when I am walking as well although I do a fair amount of stretching. I think I will need to visit the physio
And thanks for your encouragement
Sorry to have asked such a basic question but a lot of people don't realise how much design goes into running shoes. As you're wearing the right footwear a physio is the best person to advise, in my experience they can be miracle workers.
Hope it's all sorted out quickly, hope you have less, or rather NO pain in week 2
Well done you...and maybe, do take a look at some calf exercises...No not that kind
This is a brilliant forum - people are very supportive! I have been thinking in terms of stretching - but of course it might be weak ankles so I will be up on my tippy toes when I brush my teeth tonight - good article. Thanks
Well done you in persevering and listening to your body, slow is much likely to succeed 😁🏃♀️🏃♂️🏃🤸♂️🤸🤸♀️
I'm so glad you persevered!! You must feel great after the accomplishment. Slow and steady is the way to go on this programme.
I used to laugh that my brisk walk was faster than my running. But now I'm running 5k regularly!
I like to do some calf stretches before and after my runs. Please do let us know how you get on!!
Well done...
Well done and welcome. Keep going at your pace and I promise you will start to feel amazing. Slow and steady is key