Couch to 5k...it's not about speed (thread no 2)

[spookyskeleton]

Thought I would start a new thread for us to continue our chat

I am on w4 and I had to stop mid way today as I keep getting really really really tight calves. They properly swell up! I jumped straight in the pool for half an hour and then in the spa bath and they were totally fine once I'd got out, but I really couldn't run at the time. I could barely walk.

I've tried foam rolling and doing soleus stretches and eccentric calf raises - and will keep up with those - but this problem keeps happening after 10 or so minutes. I've experimented and it's only running - biking and swimming are completely fine - and it's WORSE when I run slowly. Significantly worse when jogging over light running, and it's fine when I run flat out (but I don't have the endurance to run flat out for more than half a mile so maybe that's why it's fine lol). In general I'm finding running slowly to be the most challenging part of c25k. I'm not some super speedy sprinter or anything but it feels natural and easiest to run at about 12mph (on the treadmill) and going slower is bringing me these acute calf issues.

Can anyone advise me? Is it a gait problem do you think? I've got Skechers Go Runs and they are super comfy truth be told. I have neither high nor low arches and neutral pronation, but I do have overflexible, injury-prone ankles (great for swimming, terrible for running possibly?).

I really want to progress!

Tanacot - blimey that's fast! No advice at all except a gasp in awe/admiration at your preferred running speed . The only time I've had problems with my calves was when I didn't do any kind of warm up before the 5 minute walk warm up. Now I do 10 minutes on the cross trainer flat out and get really bloody hot warm and then start with the 5 minute walk etc.

Whatsthat not that I'm pleased you're struggling with week 4 but am quite relieved others are finding it challenging as well.... Am not looking forward to W4R2 tomorrow - trying to tell myself I can do it but am not quite over the 5 minute psychological hurdle yet...

I'm coming to join you all. Been lurking for a while.

Just finished week 7. But am soooooo mad with myself. As usual the first 5 mins were really hard, then I got into my rhythm and was ok. When she told me I had 5 mins left, I decided to really go for it, but I pushed myself too hard & couldn't manage the last 60 seconds. I keep telling myself it's mind over matter, but today my legs were so jelly like I physically couldn't have done any more.

I think I'm going to repeat this week, is that a good idea? I feel like I need to be able to consistently run the 25mins before moving to 28mins.

On w6d3, the first 25min run, I had to stop after about 7/8mins to walk for 30 secs or so. W7d1 was worse, I had to stop 3 times to walk. W7d2, I managed to complete fully, no stopping & pushed myself for the last 5 mins.

Any advice, hints or tips will be gratefully accepted

Thanks everyone for your kind words. :-)

Hello !

I started a while back, did a few weeks on my own, then downloaded the app so I could do it properly and see improvements .. Last run was w3r3 and I found it hard !
Am wondering if I should do that run again or move onto w4 ... Just not sure I'm ready for it ???!
I have found pursing lips has helped and not trying to go too fast, but will try that other tip of looking to the next 'point' on the run ...

Flashnorman, I suggest slowing down a notch, I've just finished W7R3 and the first run I did, I made sure I finished, so I went pretty steadily. After I finished, it's such a big deal for my brain, I now know I CAN do it. Someone faster than me overtook me today and I nearly had a moment of despair - fortunately, 'Laura' at that point reminded it it was about miles under my belt and not speed. Happy again!

I love Laura - she's very reassuring and I like that when she talks, she's taking up time, IYSWIM..?

Dotty- IKWYM! She starts talking and BOOM 15secs gone!

I've just come back from W3R1. During the first 90 second run, I struggled for breath, then part way through the first 3 minute run we walked for about 30 seconds, then ran again to the end of that. However, for the second repetition, I ran every bit. I am SO BLOODY CHUFFED! Yes, I shouted, it's that good.

flash check the thread title I also recommend slowing down. And, yes, repeat weeks if you need to but don't stay in your comfort zone either!

The race for life went well I was not looking forward to it but enjoyed it. Usual time of 37 minutes but it was mainly on grass which seemed to make it so much harder! But my breathing was good, didn't have to worry about it once which is unusual for me

Onwards and upwards to 10k now then -am going to need to ramp my training up to hit it in 3 and a half weeks

Chamelon & Spooky, that's great news well done, you should be really proud!
Did my W1R2 today & my thighs are so painful! But DD loved it when I was running and even clapped at one point so that was motivation enough to keep going.

Backatcha, SmallBee. Often just deciding to start is the hardest, so you're over that hurdle. I'm clapping along with your DD. Today is the first time I've looked forward to going running, I'm hoping to get addicted before the weather gets crap. .

I had a lovely run tonight, I went a different route to usual where there is a little bit more countryside, was a great run my body just seemed to be in tune for once. I went a bit further out than I usually would and after my five minute warm down I was still a ten minute walk from home so I decided to run instead. As I knew I only had about half a mile to go I went faster than usual. It was a great feeling

It is a great programme and is really good at pushing you enough without breaking you.

I am no expert

Happy running to anyone going out today - rest day for me

DottyDot I too love Laura, she is so encouraging too. I finished the programme about two months ago, but I still listen to the week nine podcast on my runs, for Laura's praise!

Just wait until she tells you that you are now a runner, best moment ever.

SmallBee my legs ached for the first week and a half but after that they were fine. It's just your body getting used to it. Good encouragement form your DD

I did it ! I managed wk4r1 ... Was considering doing w3r3 again as I found it so hard. DH came with me and just lapped me several million times and I got on with it.
Feel pretty pleased ... Just one thing, I am very slow ... DH says it doesn't matter as I'm still running and to focus on distance first ?

DuchessFanny Slow and steady wins the race. I'm a tortoise!

flash if you check back over these threads I have repeated that many weeks that I think my c25k will be 18 weeks not 9! I repeated w7 as I had put in too many stops to be comfortable moving forward to w8 (but then I am very fat and overweight). I have taken two weeks to do w8 because it took me a couple of runs to pace myself properly but now I'm ready for w9!!! I take the long view that I would rather hit w9 with a bigger chance of success by nailing the previous week rather than struggle to do w8 and then totally collapse at w9. Go slower if you are struggling, it really is all about the pace you set yourself at the moment.

Well done to everyone else who is making progress.

chameleon I sometimes wonder if I'm less 'runner' and more 'shuffler' !!

Hi I did the 5k+ speed podcast today which still has Laura (yippee) taking up time with her instructions!! It's a shorter run with faster intervals so good for fitting in. So what this means if you are earlier in the program is that it is defo all about how long you run for and not the speed. That comes later and the 5k+ stuff is there to help you with your speed when you are used to running a bit more.

I've started the shred (but not daily!) and some other weight/abs routine at home so I'm really into it at the mo. but gonna stick to 30 mins / 5k through the summer. Then want to increase it to 10k.

Have to say well done to mouse - I'm not weighing myself at the mo but when I did I was always jumping either side of that bloody line! You're doing so well.

I'm on my way to listen to Laura and do W4R2... Bit nervous but am hoping to power through it

I have many lbs to shift before I get near that line! I got down to a BMI of 30 a few years ago and felt great - even though there was more work to do! Hoping to get there again in the next 6 months...

Hi!

I started c25k this week. Did w1 run 2 today, I actually enjoyed it, although I was flopped out by the end
I just wanted to ask a quick question...I won't have chance to run on the weekend so would it be ok to do my w1 r3 tomorrow?
I'll be resting all weekend then ready for next week