CANT DO IT

[Tug13]

I am SO fed up. I'm finding it really hard. I feel an utter failure. My knees hurt SOOO much. I've only done w1

[AnneDroid Graduate]

Have you taken those poor knees to the doctor?

It might be just beginner's rustiness but it might be something treatable.

You're not a failure though. You're lapping everyone still on the couch.

And even if you had to repeat every single week of the program (which you probably wouldn't) that really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.

[tortoisegirl Graduate]

Week one is the hardest week because it is such a shock to the system. Like AnneDroid says, I would get your knees checked out at the doctor, and get some advice from them. Good luck, and you are so NOT a failure!

[Tug13 in reply to tortoisegirl]

Aw, thanks. You are right at least I'm out there, albeit walking the route!

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Morning Tug13 . As I am not your.....but not old, I always do a warm up of all before I run, top to toe. I wonder if this might be worth a try?

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Errrr ... Not young! But definitely not old lol

[AlbertRoss Graduate]

I can recommend regular doses of Glucosamine - it's not cheap, but especially if you've had issues with your joints it can help - with me it's been ankles in the past, and I get a lot less bother. Then again, trying Strength and Flex at the moment and one knee still sounds like something's crumbling inside it when I do the squat.....

[Tug13 in reply to AlbertRoss]

Mine crunch and swell and I can't climb the stairs! I will see the doc and try your suggestion. Thank you

[Robino0821]

Take it slow and easy. Are you doing dynamic warmups beforehand, and stretching afterward to cool down? A foam roller will be your best friend. If the pain is on the outside of the knees, it could be the start of an IT band issue and you might want a quick checkup.

Slow and easy. Dynamic warmup and stretches to cool down. You'll save yourself so many problems later on.

[misswobble Graduate]

You can do it

You are not a failure

Just regroup and start again but slower this time

I had a crunchy knee when I was about 18 to being about 23. It used to be painful as hell and crunched when I walked upstairs. I had an x-ray and they found nothing wrong with it. I stopped wearing skyscraper heels and it was fine after that. Doh!

Our bodies, if unused to exercise, will feel it! It'll pass! As you run on and your body grows accustomed to the new exertion you'll be fine. Just go slowly and steadily and you'll be great. Just believe in yourself and the programme.

Have fun. It's a blast! Well, maybe not today, but on Graduation Day you're gonna be the proudest person the planet bar none!

Stick with it and let us know how you get on. There are others in the same boat as you so you can all compare notes. See the blue text on the right to find those on the same run as you.

[Tug13 in reply to misswobble]

Thanks for the encouraging words. I'm starting again from tmrw. I will def slow down!

[Lee337 Graduate]

Hey Tug,

I've only just started and have found it very hard going as well. I turned 50 this year and need to get into better shape (albeit I'm not massively overweight) which mainly down to lack of any exercise whatsoever for the last 20 years or so!

Keep at it, nice and slow. You're not a failure...this is not easy!! Even if you need to repeat all the weeks again and again before completion, you are slowly improving and as AnneDroid says you are doing far better than all those still on the couch!

[Tug13 in reply to Lee337]

Nearly the same story as mine,only I'm 57! I so want to do it. I was a runner in my youth. I even represented Sussex in cross country! Perhaps I just thought I could pick up where I left off. The main theme I'm getting here is Slow Down! I will, as from tomorrow I'm out there again on week 1. Thanks for the encouragement

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to Tug13]

Yes, the way I see it it's definitely a slowly-slowly-catchy-monkey situation! I never represented any club or whatever in my youth but I do remember enjoying the cross country running at school, but after leaving school I don't think I ever ran anywhere again and I certainly never got into any sports etc. So the only real exercise I've had since leaving school is when I've had to go to work...and my job for the last 15 years or so has been either driving a van, bus or lorry!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Awwww hang In there, week one is the worst because it's such a shock to your system. Well done for doing week one even though you obviously struggled a bit with it, I would say that's a massive acheivement rather than looking at it as a failure. Maybe think of sticking with week one for a while longer until your joints and muscles catch up a bit. Lots of us had to do that as we went through the program. If you find the joints are not loosening up have them checked out with the gp, but trust me you are doing fine well done.

[Tug13 in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Thank you, I'm really feeling all this encouragement

[melly4012 Graduate]

Welcome! C25k is such a great programme. Following it is a great decision! People with all sorts of ailments have managed to complete it and I'm sure you can too!

The F word isn't allowed here! Slooooow down. Slower and even slower! Now slow down some more! You're probably still going too fast! Do your stretches (I actually stretch between the warm up walk and run as well as after the run which has helped my calves no end) and perhaps you could try the strength and flex podcasts on the days you aren't running to strengthen your knees? If you're really struggling then perhaps check with a doctor. But all being well, you can do this!

Use the forum to keep you going - it's full of the most amazing, inspirational people on the internet who will give you great advice and cheer you on the whole way! You can do it! Keep us informed!!

[Tug13 in reply to melly4012]

Thank you, very inspiring words. Shoes are ready for tomorrow and I WILL do it😬

[melly4012 Graduate in reply to Tug13]

Yes, you will!!!!

[lightweightkate Graduate]

Oh yes you can!!!! Check your knees out but try again and take it real, real slow and try knee supports when you run ....good luck. Week 1 is tough but keep going .....slowly 😀