Week 5 -III

[Jitu]

Repeating Wk5-III for the second time, should I continue to repeat this, since I always get a cramp after 10 -15mins jogging or should I slow down?

[LMS2110 Graduate]

Oh dear Jitu, I do hope you can get rid of those cramps soon... horrid! Check out the internet for causes of 'runners cramps' there are loads of reasons why you could be experiencing them including, food/drink taken pre-run, dehydration, mineral deficiencies etc etc etc. A banana and a glass of water an hour before a run is one of the best bits of advice regularly given out here!

Also, it would be a very good idea to slow right down!!! ... I was there .. and until I actually took on board all the advice I had, ie that it is perfectly possible to run as slowly as you walk - ... I too was repeating runs/weeks, feeling a failure and wondering why I could never get to the times required! I was simply trying too hard for my level of fitness and stamina at the time. I'm now heading into week 8, though its taken me rather more weeks to get to this point! I've now got my legs under control (no more lead legs), my breathing is steadier and not too puffy (asthmatic), and with my own music (perfectly possible after week 6) I am jogging/running very slowly for half an hour. It's only a matter of time and your body will let you know when you can do it - and it's a gloriously, lovely surprise when it happens

Please don't give up. Try going very slowly and allow your body to build gently to the required running times. Do a little bit of research about the cramps, don't worry about doing everything to the strict one run/one day off routine, allow your body to tell you when it's ready ... and onwards you go

Lots of luck and happier, more comfortable runs very soon. Linda x

[Jitu]

Linda,

Thanks for the advice. Changed my routine, allowed longer rest period between runs and this has really helped. Note other bumf on cramps the drinking of tonic water helps.

Best Regards,

Jitu