Phew, managed it! I was concerned my aching legs wouldn't get me round; they've been stiff since the first run two days ago. I struggled to get up and down stairs this morning! But once actually out on the warm-up walk and then starting a run they seemed to loosen up enough. I think walking the kids to school through the woods behind us (about a 20 min walk down and up hills each way) helped get the legs going too. They ache like blazes now though!
This was also the first trial of my new cheapo running shoes - all of £11. They have splendid bright pink stripes down the sides - didn't look quite like that in the pic online! Perhaps they'll keep me running quicker to escape the glances Seemed comfy enough though and certainly lighter and more flexible than the walking shoes I ran in the other day. I realise they're not going to be the best in the world but I didn't want to spend a fortune just yet and they've got to be better than nothing, right?
Any hints to avoid or lessen or work off aching leg muscles? Especially my calves it seems. Or is it simply a case of they need to get used to the running over a few weeks and tough it out in the meantime?
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It's normal to ache with new exercise to which your body is not accustomed. Go slowly on the sessions, no need to hurry or push at all!
Always take your rest day but do some other exercise, e.g. Walking, swimming, cycling, whatever as long as it's not running 😃
You should really try on your running shoes! Be sure to do that next time, and they need to be at least a half size bigger to accommodate swelling feet which happens on your runs
Good luck with the programme. Hopefully you will lose the niggles as you progress 🙂👍🏃♀️✔️
Thanks - yes I did try them on round the house yesterday and they felt comfy enough - I think they'll be fine for the next few weeks and, assuming I make it that far, I'll invest in a decent pair at that point. A Christmas present to myself I suppose!
If you get yourself a decent pair of shoes, go to a proper running shop. They’ll get you on a treadmill to assess your gait, and recommend the most appropriate type. I’m so glad I invested in mine- they cushion my feet really well!
the warm up walk is usually enough before the run, but some gentle leg stretches after your warm down walk while your muscles are still warm are a good idea.
You can find the link to the stretches on the nhs livewell site that Oldfloss has given you below.
Don't stretch cold musles you could pull something.
Understood! I'll make sure I have time post-run on Friday to do a bit of stretching. Hope nothing goes PING, snapped my achilles 15 years ago, that wasn't very fun! So I'm always quite nervous about pushing tendons too far.
Go slowly and try to land lightly.. kissing the ground with your feet!
Make sure your shoes are okay... they are the best piece of gear that you have, apart from you! Lots of bargains to be head.. and the shoes can prevent many aches and pains
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Seemed comfy enough though and certainly lighter and more flexible than the walking shoes I ran in the other day. I realise they're not going to be the best in the world but I didn't want to spend a fortune just yet and they've got to be better than nothing, right?
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