How do your legs feel on a rest day? - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

133,430 members159,000 posts

How do your legs feel on a rest day?

Steve_L profile image
Steve_LGraduate
9 Replies

Just wondering. Sometimes I feel fine the day after a run, sometimes I ache a bit. Today, after my 25 minute W7R2 yesterday, my legs don't ache, but they feel tired and weak. Does that get better with time?

I have to keep reminding myself, when I'm disappointed with my speed or other aspects, that I've only been running for six and a half weeks!!

Written by
Steve_L profile image
Steve_L
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
9 Replies
Runon profile image
RunonGraduate

It gets better with time or perhaps one just doesn't notice it as much. It's probably something to do with all the parts bedding in! 🌞:)

aileenconnor100 profile image
aileenconnor100

yup Steve - I'm bothered by aching knees. Like you Im new ('gotten from the couch to starting week 7 today in around 8 wks) & it's tough. The ice & rest combo really makes a difference - maybe we need to fuss over our wee hard-working legs a bit more :)

PrincessStef profile image
PrincessStefGraduate

I too suffer with aching legs. I am sat here now in my office wiggling my toes (I am sure someone suggested that somewhere :)) I did Week 8 run 2 last night (I did get over excited and run for longer though). I suffer with shin splints and my shins have felt bruised now for 8 weeks. I have tried different running shoes and although some seem to make is easier when I run the bruise like feeling is still there on my rest days. I also seem to be getting back ache. I am clearly not running correctly :(. Keep at it am I hoping it will get better.

Steve_L profile image
Steve_LGraduate in reply to PrincessStef

I noticed you'd run longer than the plan for that session - very impressive, and a decent time for 5K! Do you think you need to run more upright if you're getting backache?

PrincessStef profile image
PrincessStefGraduate in reply to Steve_L

Yeah that wasn't intentional. I kept on coming across runners coming towards me (3 of them all spaced out just enough) and I felt a bit silly stopping when they could see me. The last part of my run (the bit after Laura told me to stop) was all uphill so I was probably leaning forward (I am a little top heavy so need to balance :))

Pigivi profile image
Pigivi in reply to PrincessStef

I am of the opinion that before 'keeping at it' it would be better to find out if it is your running form that needs correcting - it's much harder to change your running form later and if it is a "bad" form that is causing shin splits and back pain these are not going to vanish :(

Which part of your back is aching? if the back ache had started after the shin split this could be the cause of it - (altering posture to feel less pain is something that is often done without being aware of it) - Have you tried taking a few consecutive days rest? There are several posts on shin splits, it is a very common problem and you may find an answer - If there is no improvement maybe see a sport injury therapist? or someone who could help you with running form?

x

PrincessStef profile image
PrincessStefGraduate in reply to Pigivi

The shin splints are getting better slowly - I didn't want to give up. I run Monday/Wednesday/Friday and always find that Mondays run is the hardest so not sure more days rest would help. The pain is in my lower back and I am not sure if I am just a bit unstable and twisting my waist as I run :). I don't find it a problem just a niggle.

Pigivi profile image
Pigivi

Good to know that it's getting better - but really make sure that your back does better too (I have just spent 2 months with no running because of it - even if the pain was not related to running...) I am the opposite, my runs are better after 2 days rest, but that may just be an age thing :)

Coddfish profile image
CoddfishGraduate

I still suffer from stiffness. Mostly later in the day of my run but sometimes also the morning after. It's the sort of stiffness that shakes off within a few steps but is back he next time I get up.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Beyond Couch to 5k runs now on available on the app! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Have you updated your app recently? If not, you’re in for a treat! Once you’ve graduated, you’ll be...

Fish, chips and mushy peas!

So after 10 weeks I finished the program at 6.00 this morning🥳 It was the most wonderful morning...

Hello all - 71 years old and hoping to run!

Hello all I did Couch to 5k 5 when I was in my mid-60s and loved it. I got to 5k easily and ran...

🏃‍♀️Week 6…How was it for you?🏃

This is one of those weeks that people ask about all the time! We got so many posts from people...

FAQ Post C25K COMPLETED…….WHAT NEXT?

So you have completed C25k by running for thirty minutes, three times in a week? Congratulations,...