about to start wk 2 r1 tomorrow night but my calves hurt when I walk, not when running

[familyrunner]

Also I am not finding this as diffcult as I thought it would be, do you think maybe I'm not trying hard enough??I reckon I cover just under 2 miles for each run in wk 1

[sfb350 Graduate]

I was doing a little more than that but that was on the treadmill and I think it's easier. I think that as long as you can see yourself improving, you're doing alright.

[juicydee Graduate]

Familyrunner, do not EVER entertain the thought that you're not trying hard enough, please!!! You are out there and running and that is so much more effort than those still parked on the couch!! Laura tells you to keep it at a light jog for a reason - so that you don't knacker yourself or get injured and give up! If you're finding it quite easy at the moment - rejoice!! There will be plenty to challenge you in the weeks ahead (wk 5 r3 dum dum dum dum dum......) and you will be able to start setting speed goals once you've completed the programme (there will be a new set of podcasts out by then to help you speed up - but everything in its good time).

As for the calves - it doesn't sound ominous to me (and once you start running more and the walking intervals reduce, hopefully this'll be less of a problem for you) but do make sure you stretch them out properly at the end of each run. I found all sorts of bits of me ached at different times during the programme but the aches mostly disappeared as I progressed. A marathon-running colleague of mine always says 'just ignore it'; obviously if something is really painful, like a sharp stabbing pain or your leg won't bear your weight or something, then do rest and get it looked at, but otherwise just accept that it's your body adjusting to the new efforts it's having to put in. But do make sure you have properly-fitted trainers, and insoles if necessary. I can recommend some rather pricey ones (insoles that is!) - £40-ish - that someone else on here suggested if you want the details. My knees - my particular weak point - have been much happier after starting with them.

Good luck with the rest of the programme!!