Completed week one!: My calves ached something... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Completed week one!

clyderunner profile image
19 Replies

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!

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clyderunner profile image
clyderunner
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19 Replies
JeremiahObadiah profile image
JeremiahObadiahGraduate

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.

clyderunner profile image
clyderunner in reply toJeremiahObadiah

Thankyou

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate

Awesome....many would have given up, but believe me, running is the best gift we can give ourselves

clyderunner profile image
clyderunner in reply toSueAppleRun

Thankyou

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate

Great adaptation. Well done! 👍

clyderunner profile image
clyderunner in reply tonowster

Thankyou

Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministratorGraduate

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 :)

clyderunner profile image
clyderunner

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

Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministratorGraduate in reply toclyderunner

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 :)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Well done you...and maybe, do take a look at some calf exercises...No not that kind:)

healthunlocked.com/strength.......

clyderunner profile image
clyderunner

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

OldManRunning profile image
OldManRunningGraduate

Well done you in persevering and listening to your body, slow is much likely to succeed 😁🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃🤸‍♂️🤸🤸‍♀️

clyderunner profile image
clyderunner in reply toOldManRunning

Thankyou for your encouragement

drl212 profile image
drl212Graduate

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...

clyderunner profile image
clyderunner in reply todrl212

Thankyou for your encouragement - how kind.

Madwife60 profile image
Madwife60Graduate

Well done and welcome. Keep going at your pace and I promise you will start to feel amazing. Slow and steady is key

clyderunner profile image
clyderunner in reply toMadwife60

Thankyou. I've been reading some of the links and realise - of course - that the body has to adapt and no harm in taking it slow!

Teaching profile image
Teaching

Congratulations on your accomplishment!

clyderunner profile image
clyderunner in reply toTeaching

Thankyou

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