Im nearly 57 and have just finished week1 day3 is it normal for my legs to ache and feel like jelly?

[kazza56]

[Beek Graduate]

Hi kazza56,

I would expect that your legs feel like jelly if you've suddenly started to put them through this relatively intense exercise which they are not used to doing. Muscle ache is normal too, to some extent, but any pain must be addressed.

I don't think it is an age thing either - more that we are suddenly asking so much more from our weak bodies. In time those feelings will go as you gain strength! Hang in there, listen to your body, take an extra rest day if you need to and remember 'slow and steady' will pay dividends long term.

[Hidden]

+1 for Beek - some muscle aching is normal as we're doing something to our bodies that most of us haven't ever done before and it does tend to protest at times. General rule should be "muscle aches and general soreness" - probably okay, pain - never okay... Lots of rest, and ice pack 3-4 times a day on the sore bits and as Beek rightly says "listen to your body". If you need 2 rest days (or more), take them - don't tempt injury through being over-eager... slow and steady..

You might find a slow and easy WALK might help, but listen to what your body is saying to you... if walking hurts - don't... rest...

[BloomingEck]

Just to add to the advice you've already been given: yes, "jelly" is perfectly normal. Don't worry, it will get easier!

[PandaRunner Graduate]

Lol yes and it's not your age! It does get easier - honest!

[MightDieTrying]

HI Kazza. I had dreadful aches and stiffness in week 1...I'm 38 so nothing to do with age, more just the discovery of new muscles! I started stretching a little before each run and a whole lot after them. I really only felt I needed to do this for a couple of weeks and most days the warm up walk is enough now. The brisker the walk the better....I think (but I'm no expert!). Good luck with the programme...week 2 was when I really started to enjoy it!

[MightDieTrying]

Oh yes....and I found myself walking lots in the early weeks just to ease the stiffness. I walked on rest days and often in the evening on running days too. That helped lots. I feel your pain but don't worry, it won't be long till your body is used to it.

[bikergirl Graduate]

Yep to the jelly legs. And aching rather than pain is normal too.

[grannyjudes Graduate]

yep, mine kicked in at the end of week 2 and I had to take a week off, I used knee supports from pound store, was advised on here that they are as good as the expensive ones and I found it to be so, and I bought new decent trainers. Been fine since and Im 67!!

[grannyjudes Graduate]

sorry I seem to have misread but my reply might help if you ever get sore knees !!

[Char86]

Age is nothing but a number! Mind over matter!

I did my Wk1 R2 Last night and will do my Wk1 R3 on Sunday. I also do the Strength and Flex from the NHS website (it too is with Laura) I do these on my C to 5K rest days. The site states the S&F help make things less ache and strengthen the flexibility to enable you to run better. With a dodgey knee, I must say I have not had any pain, and whilst I can feel the muscle, it feels better than it has in previous years when I have tried exercise.

Maybe worth a go?