The FastDay Forum

The nearest park run is about 25 miles away in the big town or city. Haven't heard of those podcasts so might have a look. I have been using the NHS ones and have liked Laura as she isn't to patronising.

Well I don't belong in this tent, but I aspire to, and to that end have now bought running shoes!
Went to a shop and took advice after getting confused with the choice online.
Said running shoes will not be running for a few days yet though, as even though I have an excellent (and pretty new) sports bra, my pre-menstrual boobs are a bit uncomfortable; it's taken me a year to get to this point, so another week won't matter. I'll do knee strengthening exercises and wear my new beauties, while I wait.
C25K is downloaded, and I just need to find some head-phones with ear-buds, and then Laura and I will be off!

Welcome to a new adventure Annurca!

[carieoates]

Just taken delivery of a pair of running shorts with an inner cycling short, they are amazing. Show my cellulite though, as usually wear three quarter leggings.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/nike-womens-nik ... hort-fa14/

Wiggle.co.uk £19.60
Most other places £28.

Last 5k was on Saturday was a leg busting 43 mins, wasn't very motivated as was running alone. First one was 38 mins with 7,000 others.
Got new training and running trainers, new socks. Will do next 5k on Wednesday.

I've been thinking of doing the Couch to 5km, but have decided to wait until I weigh a bit less to protect my knees. In the meantime I'm walking.

This was from my first entry in this thread, on 13th August 2013.
Today, I have done my first run with Laura!
I had the MP3 player in one hand, and keys the other, (my tracksuit bottoms don't have a pocket... ) but sadly I didn't have Fitbit. Forgot in all the excitement!

I am doing a 5k race in in 12days time and I have pulled a muscle in my calf I am straining at the bit to get back to training but am afraid I will make it worse. My daughter tells me that I shouldn't run until the race to let my leg heal. I am very nervous of the whole thing as I am running on my own (that is no friends,) I'm sure there will be lots of other in the race. I suppose that means I can run walk if that becomes necessary .

@Nessie What bad timing, sorry to hear about your leg. Any chance of getting to see a sports physio? (I see you live in the Highlands.) Even though it would be awful to miss the race, it would be worse to damage yourself more by trying.
Hopefully one of this site's many experts may give you some good advice.

[carieoates]

I'd try and get a Physiotherapist appointment asap. You never know what damage you may or may not do.
Such bad luck, sorry to hear it.

I am doing a 5k race in in 12days time and I have pulled a muscle in my calf I am straining at the bit to get back to training but am afraid I will make it worse. My daughter tells me that I shouldn't run until the race to let my leg heal. I am very nervous of the whole thing as I am running on my own (that is no friends,) I'm sure there will be lots of other in the race. I suppose that means I can run walk if that becomes necessary .

Part of me agrees with your daughter, but there are other options that can be helpful.

Try massaging the calf muscle with your thumbs throughout its length. Gently at first and them more firmly as pain (if any) allows. And try some careful stretches - like hanging off of a step from your toes while holding onto the railing might help. Slow and easy here. Do both of these as a warm up before your next run/walk.

If you can get out for a walk/run between now and the 5K and moving gets easier as the distance increases, that is a good sign. If it gets worse, stop. If it doesn't get better after another attempt a few days later, skip the race and get it checked out.

Thankyou @Annurca @Carieoates and @ADFnFuel for your advice I did think about a sports Physio but I have visitors all this week, I may try for an appointment early next week, even if it is better by then a massage wouldn't go amiss and if is still sore maybe strapping or at least advice would be handy.

Oh Nessie, that's a real shame, I hope you can run, but don't do it if in doubt ! Welcome Annurca and well done Carieoats too. I'm just back from a holiday and had got as far as week 4 part 2 before I went so this evening I have re-done a week 3 run and it wasn't too bad. I think I'll try a week 4 one next time. Managed a couple of short runs and loads of swimming on holiday so it shouldn't be too bad.

I have some some beginner questions, and would love some answers please!
Just come back from my C25K and got drenched in unexpected rain!
Question 1. is, do I just get wet, or should I carry a waterproof or something so I don't get cold? And if so, how do you carry it? I was wearing a cotton T-shirt, and think perhaps a wicking one would be better.
Question 2 is, do you have special running belts to carry phone, keys, MP3 etc, (they won't fit down my bra!) or just carry a bag?
@nessie How is your leg? Do you think you will be able to run in your 5K? Hope you get to a physio after your visitors depart.

@Annurca I have had visitors for the past week so have been too busy to run and have been ignoring my leg. It is O.K. When I walk, tomorrow after visitors leave I will try going for a short walk-run and see how it goes. The run I am doing on Saturday is a fun colour run so if I have to run with some walking it won't be so bad. I may try to get appointment with Physio but may be a bit late it will all boil down to what happens when I try to run tomorrow. Re the rain, it is very refreshing running in the rain and better (I think) just to get wet . I have a tiny wee pocket in my leggings that takes my car keys and I just hold my iphone in my hand. I have often thought about a waist bag but wonder if it would rub.

Re the rain, it is very refreshing running in the rain

To my surprise it was @nessie! I was just worried that my phone and MP3 would get wet too, so next time I'll put them in a plastic bag.
That sounds like a sensible attitude to your run. It'll be a shame that you may not go as fast as you could some weeks ago, but it would be more of a shame to exacerbate the leg. Let us know how it goes!

You can buy arm bands which hold phones, and some hold keys too cheap on amazon or similar websites

I take my car key off the key chain and tie it into my laces when I don't have a pocket, but I always have my phone in the arm band.

I've heard of loads of folk using the belts, but always feel that's better if you're going a lot further and need water/gels.