My poor legs!: Could I ask some advice from all... - Couch to 5K

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My poor legs!

8 Replies

Could I ask some advice from all you experts out there...

I am on wk 7 of C25K, but a week ago I had the run from hell (driving rain, puddles, accidently turned off my app, ran too far, cried!) and ever since my thighs have been agony. I tried to run a gentle 25 mins last Monday, but it isn't getting any better. Any helpful advice for this novice...?

8 Replies
Pianism profile image
PianismGraduate

So sorry to hear of your leg problems... I also suffered during (and after) C25k but have now learned to manage my issues.

The best way forward rather depends on what the issue is, however. Do you think you have injured yourself/pulled a muscle or is it muscle soreness (DOMS)? If you suspect an injury, please do go and see a medical professional to get proper advice.

If it's just soreness, I recommend walking or swimming... low impact activity that gets your blood flowing and eases up your aching muscles. I found that sitting still wasn't half as good as swimming for easing my soreness.

I do hope you find some respite. Please let us know how you get on.

in reply toPianism

Thank you for your support and advice. I don’t think it’s an injury, just pushed myself a little too hard (in temper 🤪)!!

Pianism profile image
PianismGraduate in reply to

Well, it's very easily done, especially when you're trying to push yourself to complete the programme. I'm also a big advocate of stretching and strengthening - should have mentioned this! :)

Oh I sympathise! Aching muscles is dreadful. I agree with Pianism that you should rule out an injury and perhaps visit the doctor.

If you feel it isn't a muscle injury, it could be that you are suffering from over-training? I had to space my runs out from week 7 as I wasn't recovering quickly enough between runs due to an on-going problem with muscle tightness. On the advice of my phsio-Pilates instructor I built in some strengthening non-impact exercises (bike in the gym for the same length of time as that week's run), so that I kept the cardio going. My run schedule changed to: run - rest - bike - rest - run - rest (repeat). It made all the difference. Unfortunately I'm now on the injury couch (W9R1), but I intend to go back to this pattern of training when I am fit again.

Good luck, I hope you find something that works for you.

in reply to

Thank you, this group is a wonderful support to me and you have given me sound advice, I really appreciate it.

in reply to

No problem! I know how frustrating it can be when things get in the way when you are so keen to keep the momentum going. Make sure you keep well hydrated as dehydration can play a big part in how well your muscles feel. I know it sounds a lot, but that 2-3 litres of water that IannodaTruffe recommends is really crucial. Also make sure you stretch after each run. I once forgot as I had to dash off to do a mum-taxi errand and then I suffered afterwards!! Yoga stretches and Pilates are great if you can build that into your schedule. Let us know how you get on. 😊

notquiteretired profile image
notquiteretiredGraduate

hi Tracey1961puffedout, well done sticking with the programme despite your aches n pains😳👍

out of interest, do you stretch before you start your warm up walk and after you finish cool down walk? just that as the running durations increased I started doing a few of these and it really helped me minimise any aches, not completely but given I am 58 and up till now not an excercise fan its understandable your body aches

good luck😊

in reply tonotquiteretired

Hi notquiteretired. Up until now I have just used the walking as my warm up and cool down, but I have now printed out some stretches and will use these too. I have also been advised to use a foam roller, ordered one today! Thank you 😊

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