Couch to 5K Running Program (C25K)

Join
We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Best stretches for calves?

karenhray7
karenhray7 Posts: 219 Member
edited January 19 in Social Groups
So I started the c25k last week and I'm still struggling to make it through the first workout. I feel like such a wimp! I figured out that the shim splints aren't an issue if I'm running/walking outside, but my calves! You know that feeling where your muscles start to seize up and you can feel the charlie horse crap coming on? That's what I end up with after the first couple of running minutes. I've slowed down considerably, and now I'm walking faster than I'm running. *facepalm*

Does anyone have any suggestions to help me make it through the first freaking workout? I have crazy muscular legs, but have never ever ever ever been anything close to a runner. I take that back-there was that one time I ran back in college, but that involved underage drinking and police...

Replies

  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    Running slower than you walk is GREAT! It will really help you get through the program. I'm absolutely serious. This is an important skill.

    I work out charlie horses by pushing against the floor with my toes. Try doing a stretch after your first warm-up walk. Also, are you eating enough potassium?

    Great job for starting the program! You'll get it in your own time - don't judge yourself against what you think other people are doing. You have the rest of your life to run after finishing C25k. Why hurry your progress?
  • karenhray7
    karenhray7 Posts: 219 Member
    Thank you so much for the input. I'm so glad my zombie-paced running is a good thing! And thank you for the stretching tip. I suppose I can do that 5-minute warm-up walk however many times I need to until I'm good and ready to start the running part. Thanks again!
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    The polite term on THIS board is "turtle-paced" LOL. Just kidding. Your body just needs time to adjust to the new demands. You'll be fine.

    Actually, another question: what size are your shoes? They should be a least a half size bigger than your street size, otherwise they can cause all sorts of funky issues as your body tries to protect your toes.
  • karenhray7
    karenhray7 Posts: 219 Member
    I'm good for shoes. I started perusing some of the c2k5 posts before I started and noticed that EVERYONE mentioned shoes. I went to an actual running store and was taken care of quite well. I really love my shoes!

    And thanks for the tip on terminology-I think I have zombies on the brain after Sunday night t.v.:smile:
This discussion has been closed.

Categories