Leg Pain.....does it ever go away?

[Mazzy106]

Just managed to completed Week 4 Run 3 but oh the leg pain!! The last five minutes or so, despite going slower than a snail, both shins and calves we’re so damn painful I almost gave up! I’m stretching like a woman possessed so I’m not sure why I have so much leg pain...is it my age I’m 59 or is it weak leg muscles that I have to build up over time? I’m worrying now, how on earth can I run for 20 minutes solid in Week 5, if I can hardly make it to 5 minutes in Week 4? 😬

[Whatsapp Graduate]

The pains are all part and parcel of starting running I'm afraid. If it gets too much take an extra day or two to rest between runs. Look on the NHS C25k website as there is plenty of good advice on there around all aspects of running, and specifically on pains caused by running: nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

[DawnRun]

I think it does go away in answer to your question. It does get better.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Hi Mazzy, that doesn't sound good. This is supposed to be enjoyable. Is this something that happens every run?

Have you got correct footwear..could you be dehydrated, does it hurt when you are walking as well as when you run. Does the pain just wear off or last a few days?

You think it might be weak muscles, there are leg strenghtening exercises you can do, but think first if anything else is the issue. Take some rest days.

A few people on here have suffered with shin splints, I'm not sure what that's like and its best to seek medical advice if you feel something is amiss.

Take care😊x

[davelinks Graduate]

Hi, no, age has nothing to do with the pain, it's probably due to lack of excercise over the years like a lot of us. There will be some niggles when starting out which should improve as you get fitter, but if bad pain persists don't keep trying to run through it, you'll only make things worse..so rest up..

The cause can be a one of a few things, but as a quick one, what is the condition of your running shoes like? Are you flat footed and overpronate? If so, then you need good cushioning shoes, best to have a gait analysis and fitting carried out at a good running shop.

Let us know how it goes please..

Keep posting..😊

[Mazzy106]

Thanks guys.....the pain does wear off a while after I’ve stopped running. As for the footwear I’ve got four pairs of good trainers to-date but I must admit non are really that comfortable! I’m certain I’m not dehydrated as I drink lots so maybe it’s just weak muscles through lack of exercise or age?

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate in reply to Mazzy106]

It might be worth you popping into a good running shop, take your trainers and having gait analysis like Dave suggests. Its free.They will film your footfall on their running machine ( only about a min ) and see how your foot strikes the ground. You may neef extra support if you overpronate.

They may suggest some proper running shoes which will be comfortable. (Ask for older stock to keep the price down)

I do hope this gets sorted for you...running is actually fun and shouldn't be so painful.

Good luck and keep posting as Dave says.😊x

[Cliff_H Graduate]

Just to reiterate what Dave said, if you haven’t had it done go to a running shop and get gait analysis done, having shoes that are for your gait and the confidence that someone with knowledge to do so has helped select them is very important.

I had loads of aches and pains until I found the right shoes, once I did I managed hundreds of pain free kilometres. My trusty ASICS have finally given up the ghost and the reason I knew this was the aches and pains started to return.

Good luck!

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to Cliff_H]

Same here with my beloved Brookes, i have had to move to my new shoes full time....... must go get another pair, i love a spare pair.....just in case👍🏼