Is pain a gain?: Hi. Did my first run on... - Couch to 5K

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Is pain a gain?

E-Clair profile image
13 Replies

Hi. Did my first run on Wednesday and was ment to do second today (fri) but the back on my legs still feel stiff. Should I go through the aching legs or should I give myself a rest till Monday? Can't do weekends so was hoping to do Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

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E-Clair profile image
E-Clair
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13 Replies
Rignold profile image
Rignold

aching legs at this stage are to be expected yes

Hi there. Congratulations on your 1st run. I just completed my 1st run yesterday too.

My little bit of advice to you would be to make sure that you stretch before and afterwards. The stretching really does help. Also a nice warm bath or shower afterwards too.

I think we all feel some discomfort afterwards but if you are in pain, then I would rest.

Once you warm up your legs will definitely tell you whether they can take another run so soon or not.

If you feel like you can't run today, why not go for a walk instead.

Hope you get running again soon.

E-Clair profile image
E-Clair in reply to

A walk does sound good. Thanks

Djraw profile image
DjrawGraduate

I was stiff from my run on Wednesday too (my first also) but I thought I would try it - i am still stiff - but a bath has helped massively! Two days rest and I will be running/ walking on Monday!

Thought I would just be able to do half the session today - but completed it all and now feel great (apart from going downstairs! )

Good luck and keep at it - you can do it x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Djraw

Well done... and always listen to your body...it is your best guide:)

E-Clair profile image
E-Clair in reply to Djraw

Did my second today and I'm fine apart from stairs too...and if I sit for longer than 20 mins then my legs go really stiff!! Glad I'm not the only one going through it tho 😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Aches and niggles are normal for the beginning of the programme...warm up well and keep it slow and steady.. stretch well after the exercise too... :)

Strength and Flex may be useful for you on rest days too:)

nhs.uk/livewell/strength-an...

Try to land lightly and relax as you do the runs...rest up with some exercise and go out on Monday.

You will know the difference between the normal, 'what ever are you doing to me? 'signals from your body and real pain. We never ever ignore real pain :)

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Try these stretches after each run. nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

If you have not done this level of exercise before then the aches are inevitable. Anything you put into a pain category may need further investigation. Have more than one rest day between runs if you need to, the runs will still be there.

Well done on making a start.

E-Clair profile image
E-Clair in reply to IannodaTruffe

Did the stretches after the run I managed to fit in today...I will know tomorrow if they helped lol. Thanks

Djraw profile image
DjrawGraduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thanks for this !

Djraw profile image
DjrawGraduate

Not aching at all after my second run yesterday- can't believe it!

E-Clair profile image
E-Clair

Feel a little but nothing comparedone of last run!! Your a star. Thanks again!!

E-Clair profile image
E-Clair

Compared to not comparedone lol

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