Aaargh: upper thighs giving me hell

[doogaloo]

I'm carrying on running but I can only take tiny steps because of awful muscular pain in my upper thighs. Could this be in any way connected to the fact i've just started to run hills? I'm kinda assuming it is, but views welcome. And, crucially, when will it go away? It's quite chilly to be spending so much time with an ice pack! And are there any other 'cures'?

[roseabi]

Running downhill makes the thighs work extra hard! It's all good, but be careful with your knees - try to land softly on your feet, and try squats to strengthen your thighs. If you can, have a good soak in a warm bath straight after your runs, this will soothe the sore muscles

[doogaloo in reply to roseabi]

I meant uphill rather than down, but i expect your answer is valid for both. Thanks for the advice

[roseabi in reply to doogaloo]

For uphill running also think about stretching out the Achilles tendons, calves, and hamstrings.

[Jonesycat Graduate]

All what roseabi says. Definitely the hills' fault! Take it really steady both up and down. Are you doing too much too soon? If it feels like too much, it probably is. Do you give the quads a really good stretch after your run? Also, get some Epsom Salts for the bath - magic! And remember, nothing is lost by having extra days off between runs if you feel you need it.

Good luck!

[doogaloo in reply to Jonesycat]

ok thanks. will bear in mind...

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Plenty of strength and flex exercises on your rest days.. massage will help too... Our bodies are really good at telling us things and asking.. " What's going on ?" We have to take notice... ignore at our peril

Some tips maybe here... ?

livestrong.com/article/4393...

Also.. slow and steady.. really slow !

[doogaloo]

brill thanks