Week 3 Run 3 done.....: So that's the final run... - Couch to 5K

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Week 3 Run 3 done.....

18 Replies

So that's the final run of week 3 over and done with.

Don't know what's wrong with me today but I didn't have my usual get up and go that I usually have on run days.

I did however finally get my skates on and heading to my local playing field for my final run of week 3. I'm pleased that I've completed 3 but I'm alittle confused.

I believe my fitness is improving. I no longer pant like a thirsty dog. But my last run and the run today, especially the last 3 minute run, my shins have tightened right up. Today it took a good 5-10 minute warm down walk before they started to loosen back up.

My legs otherwise are fine. The usual little bit of tiredness the day after but nothing to shout about. Just the tightness in my shins that causes me to talk out loud to myself to keep going for those last minutes.

Wonder if anyone else experiences the same sensation???

Well it's swiftly on to Week 4 on Wednesday. Hmmmm 5 minutes non stop. Think I've got to the stage now where I'm not going to worry because this time 2 weeks ago I could just about jog for 60 seconds and now I'm going for 3 minutes. Must trust in this programme that I can do the 5 minutes now.

Also I've been trying to run without the bounce as Micheal Johnson keeps on nattering on my ears. Not quite sure if I'm bouncing in someone else's eyes on the other side of the hedge. How do you run without that bounce? I guess I will master these tips with time.

Not in the mood for my 5 mile walk today, so I think I will walk a couple laps of this field and then head home.

18 Replies
mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate

That happens to everyone, humans are funny machines and unlike German cars, we break easily.

Could be lack of hydration, poor sleep, general tiredness, nothing major but a nuisance all the same. If it happens occasionally then don't worry about it, if it's happening all the time then it's a problem. After my first under 30min 5K run, both legs felt like iron lumps and had to walk them properly before they sprung back to life.

Let us know how it all goes for you & good luck!

kst2222 profile image
kst2222Graduate

Here here donna I feel the same about week 4 it is quite amazing how we can now go 3 mins 😀

Glad you've got bk into it and your doing great 👍🏻

Not so much a Monday then as a Mehday...

It happens, sometimes you're just not in synch, for me the bounce was sorted when I made a conscious effort to stop stomping... I used to be famous at work for being able to be heard by the pounding of little feet making a big noise - you could hear me way before you could see me!

So I soften my tread a little and also tried to do that on my walking style too. It took me a while, but I do notice even now that when I am tired, the stomp comes back.

You can and will do the 5 minutes, just as you did the times in W1 and 2.

Good luck for W4👍

Thanks guys. What you all have said makes sense.

Running really is a science.

The shin tightness has only happened to me on the last 3 minute run of today's run and on Saturday. I worked friday night and was on my feet all night going up and down stairs constantly. So I was tired in Saturday. Now today I just couldn't seem to get going. Didn't want to wake up today either too. So my body is probably tired. Actually it is tired not probably. Didn't drink much water yesterday or today and so when I put all these factors together, I'm not suprised that my lower legs tightened up.

In regards to the bounce... I'm quite tall, 5,9" and legs are quite long. So my natural stride would cause me to run too fast. So I think in order for me to slow down, my stride becomes shorter and therefore I may bounce. Or maybe then again, I'm not bouncing at all. But I just can't seem to jog as smoothly as I would walk if that makes sense. I'm also quite light on my feet aswell. Never have been a heavy stepper even though I'm 112kg in weight currently.

I guess all these things will fall in to place. I will however get myself back on track for my next run on Wednesday by drinking water again. (Not one of my favourite things to do). Thanks again guys.x

Ajs07 profile image
Ajs07Graduate

I completed this run today too, I also experienced tightening of a calf muscle which is unusual for me. I'm dreading the next run (2x5mins) but will give it my best shot , I'm putting my trust in the program especially as so many are managing to do so well x good luck with week 4 x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Ajs07

Stretch and maybe roll.. calf twinges should not be ignored :)

Ajs07 profile image
Ajs07Graduate in reply to Oldfloss

Thank you Oldfloss , am taking 2 rest days now so will see how it goes x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Ajs07

Well done :)

Ajs07 profile image
Ajs07Graduate in reply to Oldfloss

Hi I've just rolled my calf muscles and there's a knot in the inside muscle of right calf, it's quite uncomfortable at beginning but after rolling, it has definitely eased x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Ajs07

Well done.. although it is painful, work on it and it will feel much better :)

Ajs07 profile image
Ajs07Graduate in reply to Oldfloss

I will keep doing daily , fingers crossed it will help x

Razouski profile image
Razouski

First of all Hidden , well done you for completing week 3, you're doing so well, and as Hidden pointed out you've had a bit of a mehday. 😏 We all get them from time to time, and as you point out, you've not been drinking enough water and you're tired. Put this one down to experience and get yourself well hydrated tomorrow so that Wednesday's run goes more smoothly.

I remember too well Laura taliking about bouncing up and down, and at first I hadn't got a clue if I was bouncing or not. I changed my route so that part of it was alongside a hedge and I noticed that my view over he hedge was changing, and I just tried hard to get the hedge to move more smoothly beside me. It took. Awhile but eventually I got it (started off with that conscious incompetence to very conscious competence, but with practice my non-bounce style comes unconsciously now.

Good luck for week 4, I'm sure you'll smash it.🤓

Cooper79 profile image
Cooper79Graduate

Well done Donna ur smashing it 👏👏👏👏👏👏

vlmiller1225 profile image
vlmiller1225Graduate

Woohoo!!! You did it!!! Great Job!! Calf raises and stretching my calf muscles has helped me... although my problems are more in the ankle areas! I still notice some calf tightness, but not nearly as much as when first starting the program!

Thank you. I don't near as experience the discomfort as I did at the start of the programme. My calves are fine it's more the front of my shins but they're ok now. Just that tightness for the last couple of minutes. My legs have definitely become stronger though.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

To run without the bounce, you take it slower... try to round your ankles and go gently. Breathe steadily and try to land lightly.

Make sure too that you do your post run stretching... the cool down walk is not enough, as the runs get longer:)

Well done you though !

in reply to Oldfloss

Thank you Oldfloss. I have been concentrating on landing on the mid part of my foot instead of my heel. Will try rounding my ankle if I can during my next run.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to

It is tricky.. so much to think about, but you are doing absolutely wonderfully!

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