W2R2 Slow, Slow Hip Hip Slow

[Ladyvickster]

What a cold but stunning day for a run! I have an issue where I seem to tense up in the warm up walk. There is something about being asked to do a brisk walk that makes me clench the muscles in my legs. Today as I approached the first run, I had a really achey hip/buttock and was worried I make it through. However after a couple of sets it had gone and felt fine by end of the run. So any tips for walking briskly but in a relaxed way anyone?

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

I try not to think about running ! Admire the scenery, hum a little song, make up a shopping list, whatever. Just don’t go along gritting your teeth and thinking about how in 4..3..2..minutes you’re going to have to move differently 😄

[happysouls Graduate]

I'm usually pretty stiff when I set out. I have started doing a good round of warm up exercises before leaving the house for my 5 minute warm up walk and I make sure I don't walk it too fast. I walk up a little hill at a cautious steady pace just to let my body adjust carefully as I feel really breakable! I have also started wearing tracksuit bottoms over my leggings at the moment because it is so cold and I have so many issues with aches and pains in my ankles, legs, bum and hip! I tend to be fine as soon as I'm running and these things seem to have helped me. Maybe you're walking too fast and could slow down and walk a little longer if that feels right. Happy running! I hope it gets better!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

This article about warming up may be helpful runnersworld.com/beginner/a...

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Great job. Clenching the buttocks on the walk and run can help apparently (I’ve read the advice and never tried it... it’s on my to do list) so maybe try that and see if the legs loosen. You made it though, another run down, well done.

[Pianism Graduate]

The warm up advice feels very important to me... I've actually taken to walking to my local park and THEN starting the 5 minute warm-up. It's a very steep hill down to the park and somehow this doesn't seem to warm me up at all - using different muscles I expect.

[Ladyvickster Graduate]

Thanks for all the advice, really helpful