W1 R2

[Toughport]

So today is the day for my second run, really enjoyed my first and thought it would be something I could easily stick to however come this morning I have no motivation at all and my legs are still aching. In my first run I managed to cover nearly 4km and yesterday's 'rest' day I still completed 13,500 steps. Is it normal to still be aching or am I pushing myself too hard?

[Whatsapp Graduate]

I am amazed that you managed to cover 4k in your first run/walk interval exercise. I can only imagine you must be sprinting rather than jogging, to get that far in such little bursts of runs.

So slowing down may be a good start. When you do these jogs imagine you are setting out for a 30min jog and adjust your pace to something you think you will be able to sustain for 30 minutes solid.

Another issue may be footwear. Nice, well-fitted running trainers only.

Aches are normal, but you may be pushing yourself too hard. A 'rest' day is just a non-run day so other exercise is fine. However, if this is something you started at the same time as the running, rather than your normal routine, you may be pushing too much.

Take an extra rest day from running. Don't run on pain.

[Duracellqueen Graduate]

If you covered nearly 4km in your first run maybe you're going a bit fast? You don't have to go out every other day either. I took 3 days to recover from the aches of my very first run! I would give yourself another day and see how you feel.