Sore muscles: I did my first run on Sat, is it... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Sore muscles

Creaky_newbie profile image
8 Replies

I did my first run on Sat, is it wise to run today Mon even though I still ache a bit? It's nothing horrendous, just not v nice. Reading around it seems to be considered OK, but what would you lovely folks say? I don't want to lose the momentum,nor do I want to make things worse.

Thanks in advance 😃

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Creaky_newbie profile image
Creaky_newbie
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8 Replies
Tony1978 profile image
Tony1978Graduate

Week 6 here, certainly not the owner of the best piece of advice. Just expressing humble opinion.

Read the FAQ section first. Make sure you get the meaning of running shoes, and more important, you get a deep understanding of what ‘conversational pace’ means to you. I did not do it at the right time, and regrets followed soon after.

Then give it another chance, trying to apply what you’ve just red. If it hurts, stop and seek for further advice.

MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate

Aches are just your body's way of reminding you 24 hours a day that you are a runner. Nothing to be worried about. If an ache continues and escalates into a niggle, start to increase your rest days. And if a niggle turns into pain, then consult a specialist (ideally a sports physiotherapist).

Well done for getting started...

Jogunlikely profile image
JogunlikelyGraduate

If it's just an ache then carry on with the program. Ditto everything MarkyD posted.

Listen to your body. If at any time you think you need an extra rest day then take it. This is about building endurance so that you enjoy running, it's not about finishing in 9 weeks.

Congratulations on joining the program. You've done the hardest bit by starting Keep up the good work 👍👏👐

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

The aches are normal... and as you progress they decrease. Now I only get them after my long run... and a couple of days later the best thing for them is a regular slow run. Keep your legs loose on “rest” days, just don’t run.

Creaky_newbie profile image
Creaky_newbie

Thanks to each of you, it's great advice and I really appreciate it. I actually had to run for a bus this afternoon, and seriously - ow! So I think I shall be waiting an extra day or so before I start running again.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

The best way to deal with aches is to stay active.

Enjoy your journey.

robew88636 profile image
robew88636Graduate

Since you have just started, the body is not accustomed to running. Try going at a slower speed than your last run but if the pain persists take rest. Also, do some knee exercises everyday so that they dont bother you in the upcoming weeks. Also, stay hydrated.

Happy running.

Polarbear43 profile image
Polarbear43

I’m a week 1 newbie to & will do my 3rd run this week. At 61 & a little overweight with an arthritic spine I’ve always wanted to run but never had the courage...have to say, mainly too embarrassed to be seen running outdoors!!! Always been active though whether it be aerobics, gym, Zumba, clubbercise but gave it all up at 58 after twisting my knee. Resigned myself to the fact my exercise life was over....until this week!!! I’ve left a day between each run & ached all over on the first rest day, less so yesterday but it felt just like after an intense class or gym session. This seems normal to me as it’s not direct pain. I also run with one of my dogs & they don’t expect any rest days in between so we have a gentle walk on our rest days which probably helps.

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