Starting out

[Elizajay22]

Did my first run today- felt ok doing it oh dear, soreback tonight 😂 I don't feel old, is my body telling me I am? Anybody else had same ?

[Ashleev Graduate]

You've probably just used different muscles than you're used to (even though legs do most of the work) or might have been tense and have tightened up some muscles that are now less than pleased? Have a warm bath or shower and see how you recover. An ache is ok, but actual pain is not. Especially in your back.

Might also be worth trying some basic stretches - yoga cat and cow is a good one!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Nope.. your body, (like it was for many....), is saying... "What the heck are you doing !"

Warm up very well.... then as slow as you like... really slow...try , and it is hard, to land very lightly!

Stretching after the run will also become part of your runs.. try these... many of us used them on rest days alongside this programme

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

Just relax.. you are not alone... persevere and just enjoy this new pathway

[Wizziewood]

Hi Elizajay, welcome to our world!

Well done for getting started. As Ashleev says, you are using different muscles and very likely are quite tense when you're running.

Make sure you are running really really slowly, trying to run too fast will make you tense up. Walk for longer on your warm up walk if you're not ready to run and after the warm down do your stretches. You can repeat the stretches later in the day and on rest days. And listen to your body.

Always take at least one rest day and trust in the program and you'll get there.

Back in February I was in your shoes, approaching 60 and had never run in my life. I graduated in April and ran my first Parkrun on May 20th the day before my big birthday ... and I'm still running!

So I know you can do this. Keep posting to let us know how you're getting on, there's a lot of support and advice to be found on this forum and the people are wonderful. I couldn't have done it without their support.

Good luck! Keep running, keep smiling and keep posting!

[Sarah_lou18 Graduate]

I did my first run yesterday too. Not in pain but certain parts of my body are complaining this morning lol! The back of my legs under my bum, top of my thighs, my shoulders. I'm usually more stiff in day 2 - I fear for tomorrow 😂

Keep going - we'll get through it together

[Techbinns]

Well done for starting. As an unfit 62 year old woman I am now in week 9. I am amazed I am able to run for so long! I had an injury that stalled me, but when I felt pain free I restarted and carried on and it is well worth it. Good luck