Mentally beneficial

[Rachelcanrun]

After another tough work week (I work for the nhs , it’s Groundhog Day!) i really didn’t think I had a 25 min run in me but knew mentally I needed it. I’m glad I pushed myself to complete it but I’m just wondering, is some leg pain each run inevitable? No matter how much dynamic stretching and post run stretching I do, I always get lower leg pain. I’ve had gait analysis and got new trainers, so is it my technique, the fact I run on pavement or just my body getting older?!?

I’m ok the next day so I don’t think it’s injury. Interested to know who else experiences the same?

[welsby1967 Graduate]

It could be your water intake is too low the day before your run - you should be having at least 2 litres x

[Rachelcanrun Graduate]

Thanks Welsby1967 Maybe that’s something to look at 👍🏻

[Mike_Bravo Graduate]

Hiya Hedgehog well done on getting out there and getting the run sorted, I know it's easier said than done, especially when you've had long days at work. Are you in week 6 or 7 then? Graduation isn't far away at all! 👏🙂

You're right welsby1967 great suggestion! 🙂 Hydration is important, certainly before exercise, but I wonder if the leg pain is in your shin area(s), or in your calves? If it's the former, you might have what's known as shin splint, which you get from taking too-big strides when you run. I had mild discomfort in my right shin the other day after a run that resolved within a day or so, which was just that. The post that's linked in the FAQ page with more information is here:

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

I hope this is helpful and wish you all the best with your upcoming runs 😊

[Rachelcanrun Graduate in reply to Mike_Bravo]

Thank you Mike_JB I’ve just done week 7 run 1. It’s on the inside of my lower leg prob couple of inches above my ankle. I did wonder if it’s shin splints but I barely shuffle around yet alone stride 😂

I know I have very tight calves and weak ankles (physio told me post 10k run couple of years ago when I was fitter!) so maybe I just need to increase the stretches and incorporate some yoga on my rest days. Really don’t want an injury to prevent me from running now I’m back into it.

[Debston Graduate]

Why don't you try a softer surface to run on and see if it makes a difference? I try to avoid running on pavements and stick to footpaths and woodland trails most of the time.