Aches and pains

[Jasminflower59]

Morning all. I am about to embark on Week 3 after successfully completing Weeks 1&2. But i have not stopped aching in that whole two weeks. Im 59 and have never run before. I was hoping it would produce a more energetic me with more stamina. But i didnt envisage these aches lasting this long. Its my knees, my shoulders and arms, my calves. When does it stop? Does it stop?

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

I did find it hard at first as I was very unfit and often just had to lie down afterwards. But it did get easier - not the running but the recovery. And I felt more vim & vigour probably around week 5. Are you running too fast - and moving your arms too much? Some lovely person (to my shame I cannot find who it was) posted a film that really changed my running for the better. Search Japanese slow jogging movement on youtube and you’ll find a great short film showing the technique of low impact running. Using this method I’m now at the stage where I’m adding time to one of my 30 min runs, and going to try a 40 minute one tomorrow! When I think back to the start of this journey (early November) I’m staggered at my progress. So slow right down and see if you can adjust your running style - a key lesson for me was realising that my run could be much slower than my brisk walk. x

[Jasminflower59 in reply to DiscoRunner]

Thanks. Yes i did look at that slow running video and i do that. My 30 yr old daughter who im doing it with thinks its hilarious. But i dont care. Its meant i can keep going without giving up after 30 secs!

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to Jasminflower59]

Exactly! Without it I’d be really struggling.

[Chris141 Graduate]

It does get easier. If you have never run before your body has to get used to it. Plenty of advice on here about not trying to go too fast and low impact running, which will greatly assist your aches and pains when u master that.

[Chris141 Graduate]

Well done though for getting out there. You will eventually feel the benefit so be proud of yourself and keep at it!

[micey2 Graduate]

Exactly what discorunner says, I’m 58 and I found the very best thing I did was to buy some good running shoes after a gait analysis. I don’t go fast just a steady jog, have to say I did have aching legs while I was running at first but they aren’t too bad now once my brain has stopped fighting with my body about what it can do🙄🙄 good luck

[O505k Graduate]

Well done for making a start, as you get fitter you will feel the benefits. As the other responses say:

. Run nice and steady

. Have a decent pair of running shoes - the best advice is to go to a specialist running shop. They will be very supportive.

. Make sure you take the rest days.

. Treat yourself a nice relaxing hot bath (Epsom salts work a treat on aches and pains) or a sports massage.

Happy running.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Most new runner's aches and pains are caused primarily by the impact of running, so do all you can to minimise it. Slow down, avoid heelstriking, keep footfall under your body not out in front, run on grass or treadmill and wear proper running shoes fitted after a gait analysis done at a specialist running.

Stretch after every run as linked to in the guide to the plan and do strengthening exercises on your rest days.