My body hates running

5Btieden

I started the C25K program at "couch" status. It took numerous tries to get through week 1 completely just one time! I was thrilled when I did it twice more and could move on to week 2. Between breathing issues (need to use inhaler) and my darn foot, I think I am out for a while. I have gotten through week 2 twice successfully but my heel pain is horrible. I talked to my sister in law this morning and she says it is probably a stress fracture and I need to quit running for a while. After assuring me that I can at least walk, I feel a little better but I am very disappointed. I hope it will heal up so I can go back to the program. I really want to be a runner. And do one of the local walk/runs here this summer. Has anyone else had this problem in the beginning?

flabulous4

Can I ask, do you have proper running shoes? I didn't at first and felt a bit creaky, then I went to a running shop and got fitted and it was like running on a cloud. Other thing is that I read somewhere that you should aim to land on the middle of your foot rather than your heel (someone please correct me if I'm wrong on this). There was a post on good form running a short while ago, maybe do a search and see what you think.
I'm no expert on running injuries so can't advise further on whether or not it's a stress fracture.
What I would say is do keep going. Couch to 5K is one of the best things I've ever done - I feel so much better for it and it has done wonders to tone me up (and allow me to eat some naughty things!). I did Bridge to 10K afterwards and am doing my first 10K race in a fortnight or so - can't wait!

5Btieden

I bought a pair of Asics when I started walking this summer. Since I only walked for a month this summer and then slacked off I figured they would be ok to run in. I just went and bought some New Balance shoes with gel in the heels. I have not been to a running store although I had just talked to my husband about it. If it has been a day or two since I ran, my heel has a dull ache. If I run in the morning, then I hobble around the rest of the day and the day after. I will have to look for that post on running injuries. I would really like to continue the program. I feel so proud of the accomplishments I am seeing with C25K Thanks for your input!!

elf618

i second the getting fitted for running shoes idea. There are differences in the level of support each brand's shoes offer and different runners will need different styles even across a particular brand. I used to have a lot of knee pain when running. I'd been buying asics or adidas or other name brand running shoes from DSW or other retailers but when I went to a running store, they analyzed my gait (even played back frame by frame video of the way my ankles and feet move with each running step in a neutral shoe then we tried a few to correct any problems I had. Now, no more knee pain...well worth it!