Just finished week 1 C25K

shortandfaithful
shortandfaithful Posts: 83
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I finished week 1 of C25k yesterday and am Starting week 2 tomorrow. and yes after 11 years running still sucks, lol. But I'm going to keep doing it but I need some help from you veteran runners. My shins are killing me. I also seem to have my calf cramp up about 3/4 of the way thru the program run. I try to keep my stride open but when I cramp I start this silly little baby steps that make it worse but I can't seem to make my body work with me and get my stride opened. I am truely not trying to whine here I am going to continue running but a little less painfully would be great.

I have started drinking more water during the day then gatorade after and that has stopped the next morning headaches. Are there certain stretches before and after that will help or do I just need to suck it up and this will go away once my body gets use to running? TIA

Replies

  • ScatteredThoughts
    ScatteredThoughts Posts: 3,562 Member
    Persistent pain is not good. My first thought is to run even more slowly. Also, do you have good pair of running shoes?
  • If I go any slower I will be going backwards, lol. and I think so I have a pair of Asica's structure running shoes.
  • NCTravellingGirl
    NCTravellingGirl Posts: 717 Member
    The shoes and speed were exactly the things on my mind as well.

    Just to share, I only "run" at a 4.3 on the treadmill so I understand going slow, but I started at a 4-4.1 so take it at whatever speed you need.

    As to shoes, just because it says running shoe, doesn't mean it's good. I personally found there is a huge difference in quality for shoes with a retail under $100 from those over that. I always look for a good deal so I rarely pay over $50-60, but they are always expensive shoes! I've not had a bit of problems with shins, etc... but several of my friends buying cheaper shoes have.

    I'm almost done with Week 6 of c25K and if you'd told me I could get this far at 210 lbs, I wouldn't have believe it. I've now finished 3 5Ks just doing interval running so good luck to you... keep moving!
  • dbevisjr
    dbevisjr Posts: 183
    I completed the C25K a couple weeks ago. After not running for fitness for about 20 years it didn't take long for me to get all kinds of aches and pains. Most didn't last long but the calf muscles and the muscles on the sides and front of my shins would hurt much longer. Your stride can play a big part in this. Those are the muscles that are used to pull the front end of your foot up so that your foot strikes the ground on the heel. A really good pair of running shoes may help. Check your local running store and they can evaluate your stride by watching you run for a minute in the parking lot or on a treadmill and suggest a few different running shoes for your type of stride. I got a better pair and it has helped very much. But for me in my late 40s I know that if I plan to keep running I must change my stride and running form to reduce the pain and injuries. If you are interested in checking out those resources you can google Chirunning and Good Form Running. Both have a wealth of info about running form. Hope this helps you. Also, I keep a blog that I update weekly where I detail my experiences. If you would like to check it out the address is:


    http://danslosinit.blogspot.com/
  • bwoz11
    bwoz11 Posts: 13 Member
    Ive always had problems w/ shin splints and it usually has to do with what surface I am running on. If I run around the neighborhood on concrete sidewalks, I can feel my shins burning at about 1/2 mi. Recently Ive been running on dirt trails and I havent had problems yet. Maybe find a different running surface and make sure you arent pounding your feet on the ground, causing too much shock.
  • I think so I have a pair of Asica's structure running shoes.

    They are Avia running shoes
  • netsirk12
    netsirk12 Posts: 220 Member
    try skeletoes. 40 at finish line. i love mine and they are the only shoe i have used that dosnt cause pain while running. socks are needed though or u will blister.
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    Get fitted for running shoes. "Good" running shoes aren't good for everyone! I did and my shin pain is nearly gone.
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    Also, check how your foot is striking. What you call " silly little baby steps" is how I normally run. Short, and more frequent strides encourages mid-foot striking which is better for you!
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