C25K...Week 2
Week 2 is completed. Unfortunately, not as easily as week 1. This week, we only had to do 6 intervals of jogging for 90 seconds and walking for 2 minutes. Easy Peasy on day 1. Day 2, I started getting pains in my legs. Today, the pain started the second I started jogging and continued the entire time.
I have figured out what is wrong. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO RUN. My "form" is terrible. I am not running heal to toe and instead, I am just clomping away. I am sure I sound like a herd of elephants. Because I am hitting the pavement so hard, it is causing pain in my lower calf down to my ankles. Shinsplints have also started to kick in. Oh, the joys of running.
I don't know what to do. Quitting is not an option (although I know that weeks 3-9 are going to KILL me). I guess I am going to go to a running store and see if they have some advice for me. I probably need some better running shoes too. I hate being discouraged so early in the training but I am in pain and it is hard not to focus on it while I am running.
Week 3, Day 1 is on Tuesday. I am scared. Very scared.
First, way to go on sticking with the program and not letting yourself quit even though it is tough. New shoes will change your life and will hopefully decrease a lot of the pains you are having. As far as your stride, really try to focus on how your foot is hitting the ground. I'm sure the running stores can tell much more, but make sure you are hitting somewhere between your heal and mid foot and come up off your toes. The more you focus on it, the less you will be thinking about the running and it will go that much faster. Keep up the great work!
Changing your sneakers can make a world of differece!! You can totally do this!!
Go to The Running Center, get fitted for proper shoes, and try to RELAX when you run. Don't over think your form. But definitely touch your heel down first. Shin splints happen not because of bad form but because your muscles aren't used to all of this running on concrete.
Plus are you drinking a TON of water? Eating well? It all helps! So proud of you, Lauren. Keep it up and think positive thoughts....not ones about running killing you:)
Definitely get new shoes! We went to Fleet Feet in Chesterfield Valley when we did C25K. It made a HUGE difference.
P.S. I love your new profile pic! Gorgeous!
When I did the C25K I found week 2 really tough as well. What really helped my shin splints was working the shin muscle (I'm sure that's not the technical term - maybe Julia can help with that :) I did sets of toe taps several times per day to help build the muscle. Just keep your heel on the ground and tap your toes anywhere from 25 to 50 times each set. Try one set with your toes pointing straight ahead, another set with your toes at a 45 degree angle pointed right and then left. This definitely helped me - hope it helps you too :)
Wies, don't give up!! Along with what everyone else has said, make sure you are stretching before and after each run...it will help big time.
Ditto PP, although I have read strecthing beforehand isn't really worth much.
I was having similar problems at week 3, and shoes made a big difference.
Also, don't be afraid to repeat weeks. Especially if the week is super hard.
Get yourself some new shoes!! That made all the difference in the world for me. Take a trip to Big River Running or Fleet Feet. Bring in the shoes you're currently wearing so they can see the wear pattern and let them fit you in the proper shoe. It makes a world of difference!!!
And good for you for being determined and not giving up! It will get easier, but there's going to be some hard weeks - like T said, don't be afraid to repeat weeks. You can totally do this!!!
I am super proud of you for keeping up with it. Shoes were my biggest problem when I started to run. I was running in Nike's because that's what I liked style wise...bad decision. I would get tingly feet and calves while running. After getting fitted for proper running shoes, I was able to go a lot longer and feel better while running.
Also, maybe consider taking a yoga class to increase flexibility and teach you how to breathe. Since June, running has become tons easier for me to do since I learned how to breathe in yoga. Good luck! Keep it going girl!
Just wanted to say it's good to hear you say giving up is not an option. Hopefully new shoes will solve your pain problems.
But also, I don't know if there is one right "form" for runners. Just do what is best for you and what makes you most comfortable. I've seen people run and look like a t-rex because they flail their arms super close to their torso. Some people get those arms out there. Some people run strictly on their toes, some heel to toe. Don't worry so much about form. :) Hang in there! You're doing awesome so far....
I don't have any advice about the shin splints-I'm lucky to never have gotten them (*knocks on wood*). I do agree about the shoes-go get a new pair! I just ended up with hideous silver and white Brooks, but they fit great and I love them. Don't give up, Lauren! You can do it!
You can do it! It gets better and easier...dare I say you'll learn to enjoy it. My advice as a non-runner, and something that has helped me feel better during running, is thinking about standing up as straight and tall as possible...like a string is pulling you up. You feel a bit funny looking, but it makes your body feel better. Keep it up!