I did my first run on Tuesday and have been aching from the waist down since. Decided to give myself a couple of days rest before doing run 2 tomorrow morning. I obviously expect to be aching initially. I just want some reassurance that that part gets easier? 😅
Aching!: I did my first run on Tuesday and have... - Couch to 5K
Aching!
![Hbb1502 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/c8f81045e321cba9aba7ffdafbb959fb_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
![Hbb1502 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/c8f81045e321cba9aba7ffdafbb959fb_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
![AlMorr profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/f7a060d33970e6649631d36c85a1e2cf_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Congratulations and welcome to the forum Hbb1502 on starting C25K with run 1 of week 1, you as are very wise in having a few days off before you continue with run 2, most people have some pain somewhere in their body after starting any form of exercise after a long break, when you are ready continue with run 2 of week 1, drink plenty of water the day before you run and run it a little slower than you ran run 1😊
![RunRunRun13 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/2879d449173743dc11acdae103d49624_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Well done on starting C25K ! Lots of water each day and especially the day before you run, also stretch before and straight after a run (while your still warm)...you will be amazed at how much you progress you will make. It does help as I used to ache when I first started. Take two rest days if you feel you need it and slow your pace down. Good luck ! 🏃🏻♀️
Do I have to do the stretches as soon as I’ve stopped running or can I do them after the 5 minute walk?
![Oldfloss profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/105fc46b2ead0530d0e1540d94760674_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Please check out the post for Newbies.and rest assured....aches and pains are expected...your body does wonder what's going on?
So relax and know that if you follow the plan...slowly and steadily, that you get stronger. Every run, every week...stronger and more confident.
Welcome!
![UnfitNoMore profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/bf3916744e07dfa78163762b71830be2_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Very well done getting started. The aches are because you pushed your limits... the good news is your limits will get bigger... the slight downside is you’ll be running longer each week, so some aches will remain. Be proud that you’ve got them... they’re a medal of honour for increasing your fitness level. At some stage in the plan they will reduce or even go away. I graduated late last year and I can run 5k+ with no aches... I do a long run every couple of weeks and get aches... I do a speed session the next week and that also gives me some aches. My other runs don’t. So, when I’m sitting here aching I just smile and think “I did that”
Enjoy your journey.
![IannodaTruffe profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/3f4bb9be0d77359f644e07c022a99698_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Well done.
The guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... gives advice on minimising impact and stretching after every run which will help.
Most of my aches disappeared by about W5.