Injured already?

ethim

Hi all,

It's taken me a while (almost a 8 months) to psych myself up to start Couch to 5K and went for my first run yesterday. (So yes I've researched the hell out of it before I began.) I did the warm up, managed the session, cooled down with stretches and felt very proud of myself. Today I woke up with a really achy calf - and only one achy calf - and wonder if I might have over/under stretched it? I want to run tomorrow, to keep the momentum going, but am not sure if that might create more problems. Any advice? Should I go slower tomorrow/go as normal/not at all?

Cheers in advance

MeanderingMammal

Just go out as normal. It's just a bit of adaptation and should pass reasonably quickly.

MommysLittleMeatball

It's a new activity you're going to be sore. Yoga really helps for me. You get a great stretch from it in all areas.

If the pain continues and you haven't done so already go to a running store and have them fit you for new shoes - they should do a running evaluation to help determine your shoes.

Paying attention to my form helped me a lot. I had to shorten my stride. If you are still experiencing discomfort maybe look into running form.

Most importantly, don't give up!

corehawk

I understand wanting to keep the momentum going, but if you hurt yourself you will be set back even further. I have done this twice now. Overweight runners have to go slow, just getting out there is winning. If you think the pain is more than just 'sore', wait another day to run. You can do some exercises to strengthen your legs and knees instead, which is usually what you will have to do if you injure yourself anyway.

madmags

Pay attention to your body and what it is telling you. The question you have to ask are you injured or are you hurt. If you are just hurt, go back out and take it easy. If you are injured, rehab until you are able to run again.

loratliff

I think you are probably fine... On your next run, just make a note of whether or not you work out of the pain/soreness, or whether it maintains. Either of those is good—getting worse is not. As others have said, a reasonable amount of discomfort is normal. I was very, very sore for the first two weeks.

ethim

Thank you all for your comments and advice. I'll try a run tomorrow and see what my body tells me! I'll also start doing some more stretching and flexibility exercises.