Starting from scratch

Anyone else had to start over again?

If been working crazy hours (farming) trying to run when I can just can't get past week 5 😔. I get bad pain just above left ankle usually gone buy the following day.

Thinking start from scratch and try again.

[Humblebee]

Hi 6930, I need to start again from scratch. It is better to start again I think than injure myself by doing too much too soon. Previously, (almost a year ago now) I could run 5km but then I pushed myself too much due my shift patterns to try to squeeze in 3 runs per week and hurt my knee and then I ended up giving up altogether. I want to avoid this. I think it's important to do what you can but also listen to your body.

Perhaps you could try going back to week 3 instead and seeing how you get on with that, instead of going all the way back?

I do find though that running is mentally easier now because it's almost like my body knows it has done it before and my mind is much less negative about the whole thing. No more 'I'm going to die.' or 'Am I coughing up my lungs?!', well not always anyway

[iain-strachan Graduate in reply to Humblebee]

Exactly the same experience for me. I worked my way up to 10k, then on my second 10k run in February, had a fall and broke a couple of fingers, going downhill too fast. Had operation, and hospital forbade running while in a cast. Restarted during lockdown but got too keen and hurt my Achilles tendon. After 2-3 months of uncomfortable Eccentric Heel drop exercises I finally feel I can start cautiously again, and today did Wk 1 Run 1. Trouble is - I'm probably fit enough to run 5k (kept fit via cycling and walking), so it's very frustrating when Jo tells you to slow down and walk. But I think it's wise not to risk another flare up however much my body wants to carry on. I must admit when Jo said "Yaay! You did it!" after the eighth minute, I thought "b*gg*r that!" and went on for another 50 seconds till the next junction before common sense took over and I slowed reluctantly to a walk.

But it felt so good to work up a good sweat once again! I've missed it sooooo much!

I wore my 2020 Oxford Town and Gown 10k T-shirt which I'd purchased when registering for a race which sadly never happened!

Next run I'll probably try either Week 2 or Week 3 - both only a total of 9 minutes so 1 minute extra (actually 10 seconds extra from today), and see how we go.

[Dups Graduate]

Hi,

I was in W6R2 when I sustained an injury. I was gutted . I just had to be patient during the recovery period. Did you injure your ankle? If you did then it much wiser to wait for a full recovery before starting again. I had to wait five weeks. I am back to W6 and now have one run left to complete W6.

After recovery I started back on W3 to build up stamina again and took it easy.

Like you I was disheartened but I just had to refocus. You can do it! 🙂

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

If your pain recurrs every time you run then leave a longer gap between runs.......no need to rush it.

I redid C25K earlier this year after nearly a year off with a knee injury. Building your resistance to injury slowly and steadily is always the best way.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.