Aching

[Shelley2310]

I did my 2nd run of week 1 yeasterday. Today my thighs and shins are killing me. Should I ache this much? I’ve got a very high pain threshold.

[Now-runner_NeedsAttn Graduate]

Starting to run comes as a bit of a shock to your body so protesting muscles are to be expected. Stretching after you've finished with help, as will a foam roller but your body should only ache rather than hurt, if it's really hurting then you are trying too hard and running too fast. As I was told "Don't try to run, you're only trying to train in order to run."

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Maybe you are going too fast Shelley, if you 🏃 run a little slower perhaps the aches in your thighs and shins won't be so sore, it's just your body reacting to your new fitness regime. I think you should have two days off before you run the third run of week 1, that will give you a slightly longer rest to recover 😊

[Flyingred Graduate]

In the first few weeks your body certainly lets you know that you're making new demands on it. Waiting an extra day before your next run would be helpful – it will make a big difference in the stiffness fading away.

However, if you haven't run for a long time don't expect to do what you could when you were 13 or so! Go as slow as you can, just breaking into the slowest jog and take it from there. The important things are: 1) build a habit and discipline of getting out and following the coaching three times a week and 2) do whatever it takes for it to be enjoyable – which means taking it slow and easy. It's not supposed to be penance and suffering for all your years of inactivity! Good luck and keep going!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Aching is normal, some pain is normal. You put little tears in muscles each time you run, they heal and strengthen in the rest periods, a lot of the aching is that process.

[Shelley2310 Graduate]

Thanks all, I’ll see how I feel in morning if still bad I’ll run Sunday 😊 I’m actually away and still planning to do run 3