I am onto week 5 of c25k and my legs are so stiff! It's more when I stop an start. Any tips on how to stop this (I do stretch before)

[Emsymum]

[crox Graduate]

Do you stretch afterwards? And do the warmdown? You might be running to fast (daft as it sounds)

[Emsymum in reply to crox]

I don't stretch afterwards no :s div aren't I. Ill try that. Thankyou.

[louisew99 Graduate]

I spend about 10 mins after stretching, first calfs, then achilles, quads, hamstrings and finally hip flexors. Still ache a bit after but I do know if I don't, I won't make it to the next run. Oh to be young again!

[Emsymum]

Thankyou I will deffo try this.

[Cookiedooodle Graduate]

Another vote for stretching afterwards from me...if not I can only hobble around the next day. I do my stretches whilst drinking my water, two birds with one stone...

[Emsymum]

Thank you. I'm actually going to be running on the treadmill in the gym tomorrow so ill give it a try.

[Emsymum]

Just completed week5 r2 did do stretches but still a bit stiff. Suppose ill just have to get used to it. Small price to pay did it on the treadmill this time, kept thinking I was gonna fall off haha. Did the bike an cross trainer too to strengthen my legs. All helps I'm a happy bunny, albeit a very red bunny

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

There is a school of thought that believes static stretching before running is not a good idea and may reduce the muscle power. Lunges seem to be the favourite of the moment, especially walking lunges, as a pre run stretch. I have only tried it a couple of times and not really noticed any advantage over a brisk warm up walk and they do look like something from The Ministry of Silly Walks. Stretching after a run is compulsory for me and, as you get to know your body better, you can identify tighter muscles that need a bit more attention. Muscle imbalance seems to be the cause of a lot of injuries. Foam rollers get a lot of votes, although I have not tried them.

A friendly physiotherapist told me that you WILL ache when you first start a new exercise regime and I think we all do, but most of my aching eased considerably around about week 6, as my body got into better general condition. I now accept, as part of a running lifestyle, that most of the time I am aware that my knees and ankles have worked recently.

I hope you get it under control and good luck with the running.

[Ellie57]

I'm 55 so stiffen up after sitting for more than 10 minutes in the normal course of the day in any case. I don't stretch before the session but spend about 10 mins afterwards. Don't have any stiffness caused by running at all. My only problem has been with night cramps but have found taking in more salt (lost in sweat during the run) by eating a handful of salted nuts and more fluids has helped this. (I've also used the Old Wives' remedy of sleeping with a bar of soap down the bed which works for me - hurrah for the placebo effect - it can't possibly have any medicinal benefits!!) Hubby used to run half marathons and often suffered night cramps.