Anyone else struggled??

nichojanes

Hi,
I started doing the C25k program in January and have been really struggling to make progress.

My problem is that my legs have caused me a lot of problems as my hamstrings have been very tight. I find that I need a lot more recovery time between the runs.
I am currently up to week 6 but this has taken a crazy amount of time. (I have also been hampered by the british weather)

I was just wondering if anyone else has struggled similarly, or if there are any tips that you can give me to help.

I stretch before and after every run but sometimes can only manage one run a week.

_Timmeh_

One hamstring that is slight problem, I rub some IcyHot on it right before my run and I do a lot better.
Does the tightness go away when you run?

nichojanes

It's not too bad when I actually run, but the following few days can be agony.

sarahjenkins77

i had to repeat a few weeks and sometimes needed extra rest days because this was a massive shock to my body.. as long as you complete it i wouldnt worry about how many weeks it takes.

Also, dont let the UK weather hold you back, I realised that I will have to run in the cold/rain because thats all we've had for months... now i actually prefer it and dread those rare hot days...

Good luck with the rest of c25k

lolarit

Have you tried using a foam roller? I found the foam roller relieved a lot of the pain I felt in my calves (pain that I felt both while running and afterwards) and has helped greatly with recovering from a pulled calf muscle. I broke a leg a couple years ago and that calf muscle is still playing catch-up. I was hesitant to buy one but it ended up being a great investment.

Don't get down on your progress. Stick with what works best for you and be proud of how far you've come! I'm still working on W6 and when I get frustrated I think back to W1D1 when running for 30 seconds was almost impossible. Stick with it and you'll do great

yallcallmedeb

Have you tried adding in additional stretching sessions? I'd be trying for at least 4 (an hour or more apart) after your runs if you are having that much trouble with tightness?

Also, how is the quality of your stretching routine? Someone suggested http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_1/126.shtml for a stretching routine and I'll have to admit that it is much more than I was doing before I checked out this site. I have not had horrible pain during C25K but have found that by pushing through, the pain that I have had has diminished. I have also had occasional knee pain during my run and find that it alleviates itself within a minute or two if I keep running. I've been rather cautious due to knee problems and prior surgery but I will have to admit....my knees are tolerating this well and seem to be in better shape than ever!

Good luck to you! Keep it up!!!

ladyjoie

I second the suggestion to stretch more. And don't just stretch after your runs - stretch EVERY day.