How do I stop this leg pain!?

[Bonn-fluff]

Finished week 1 now onto week 2 however the pain I’m feeling in my legs makes it impossible to run even power walk! Don’t know what I’ve been doing wrong as I have stretched and warmed up and warmed down? I am a bit overweight but am not new to sport just new to running. Someone please help as want to do W2R2 today

[Iwantadog]

If you're having pain despite stretching you should probably see a doctor about it. I don't think anyone on this site can diagnose you.

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

I think you may be running too fast and maybe your foot placement is off. Also ensure you’re drinking enough water on rest days as well as run days.

I swear by the Japanese slow jogging technique - m.youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2...(Not working as expected?) It’s a low impact style of running and the short film covers foot placement. You may well be heel striking (running how we walk) when you should be landing on your mid foot.

You shouldn’t be feeling this much pain - so take a couple of days rest and try again nice and slowly. If the pain continues, you could see a doctor or sports physio. But this slow running technique should really help.

[Bonn-fluff in reply to DiscoRunner]

Amazing thank you so much, I will try that and see how I go!!

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

Hi, well done for starting the programme! A few things to look out for:

- hydration, are you drinking enough water even on the non run days?

- speed: you are probably going too fast, slow down. Personally I didn’t do brisk walking just walking at the start

- foot fall: do make sure your feet fall under your body and not in front

- footwear: does it have cushioning?

- surface you run on: paths are really hard, if you can run on compacted earth or anything else, it might be easier

- keep breathing

It’s bound to ache a little when you start. Make sure you have 1 or 2 days rest between runs.

Also what do you do for a warm up? I walked for 10 minutes rather than 5 and the stretches you do should be dynamic stretches rather than static ones.

Good luck

[MarkyD Graduate]

You don't describe the leg pain, where it hurts, what makes it hurt or give any details to help us support you. But I'm willing to bet that the pain is in the front of your shins, it hurts to walk and run, but goes away when you walk slowly and/or get back to your house. If so: shin splints.

This is all about your running gait. Take shorter, more nimble steps when you are running, trying to land your foot gently. If you search this forum for the word "Assassin" you will find more information.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and includes advice on minimising impact and stretching.

Enjoy your journey.