Aching legs!

[angie31964]

So I did my wk1 first run Sunday morning. I have really achey legs today. Should I wait til Wednesday before trying again for run 2?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations on starting C25K and welcome to the forum, yes you can have a few extra days off, but not too many, no more than three, when running, don't go too fast, drink plenty of water the day before you run, with very warm weather on the way, that is more important than ever, try and run as early in the morning to avoid the heat of later in the day.

[angie31964 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thsnk you. I definitely agree that early is good. I never get runners who go out in the midday sun!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to angie31964]

They say it might get to 32C/90F or above in parts of England later in the week, France even hotter, up to 40C/104F in Paris.

[angie31964 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

I feel weak when it gets hot so will be avoiding the hot part of the day.

[Meedeb Graduate]

Welcome Angie! I was so stiff my first week, heavy legs. As AlMorr says keep hydrate and some - really slow it down too. Stretching after each runs really helps. Happy running 🏃‍♀️

[angie31964 Graduate in reply to Meedeb]

Thank you. I didn't stretch and I am not at all flexible. I must do that!

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Welcome along, Angie ! Most people take 1:1 too hard and fast. Slow and steady is the way. Relax and enjoy your journey x

[angie31964 Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

Thank you. Maybe I did. I am going to look at Niko Niko for sure.

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to angie31964]

Have fun out there x

[MuddledGardener Graduate]

Hi Angie! Welcome and well done for starting! Have a look on YouTube at the video on Japanese slow jogging. It will revolutionise the way you run, and will make things a whole lot easier for you. It was a game changer for me, as I really struggled with the first run. Thankfully I got to watch it before my second run, and the two runs couldn’t have been more different. Good luck!

[angie31964 Graduate in reply to MuddledGardener]

Thank you. I saw something on here about that so like you, I looked it up. Very interesting. I will try that 🏃‍♂️😀

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to angie31964]

Go for it, and good luck. Drinking is always important, but more so at the moment.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

You get what we call normal aches and pains... Your body wonders what is going on. Take as many days as you really need. Follow the plan and do the stretches after your runs which are linked in the post for Newbies...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Slow and steady as you go and do also check out the post on hydration now that the weather is getting warmer.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

[angie31964 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you for the links. I will have a read now. Not looking forward to the hotter weather so will definitely be going out early (and I avoid running/limping by people 😂).

[Hazel10 Graduate]

I am better running once my body has been up and about so maybe run afternoon? Try not to fixate on anything, just keep going. A couple of days in between is absolutely fine, it has to fit in with your life. Try and relax - you are at the start of a fabulous journey, such a satisfying thing to do. Good luck Angie, you are going to be a runner!!!!

[angie31964 Graduate in reply to Hazel10]

Thank you 😁 I am thinking about the heat and the fact more people are out and about. Trying to sneak in and out of the house in my gym gear to run locally. We don't have much street lighting round here so once it is dark, it would be a nightmare.

[Allymally1 in reply to angie31964]

I was and am to a lesser extent about this now on week3. I think though I am walking as I leave and return, they may think I’m out for a walk!

[Hazel10 Graduate]

Haha - get that, I was worried about being seen but now realise that people see me and think wow! Heat is worst since I started so water and slow. Am excited for you!

[angie31964 Graduate in reply to Hazel10]

Thank you 💕

[Cherico]

I can completely empathise. I did my first run on Sunday and couldn’t manage to 60s jog as the pain in my calves was awful. I ended up doing half the runs. I was due to go out for my second this morning but my legs still haven’t recovered. I’m thinking I’m going to do a week of walking first then try the first run again.

[angie31964 Graduate in reply to Cherico]

That is probably a wise thing. I plan to go out tomorrow morning and do what I can. Anything is better than what I did previously- which is zero, zilch!

[Cherico in reply to angie31964]

Same here. I’ve not really done anything for the last 10 years, I have started few times but each time the pain in my calves has beat me. This time I’m determined to beat it.

[scouse55mouse Graduate]

I definitely agree with MuddledGardner, Japanese slow jogging is fantastic for the unfit or for older bones. I’m 55 and it was recommended to me right at the beginning and it’s worked wonders for me. I haven’t experienced any aches or pains and I’m due to do W8:R8 tomorrow and I know I’ll be able to do it. Occasionally I’ve had heavy legs but I know it’s because I haven’t drunk enough water the previous day as it’s not a problem when I’ve drunk plenty. Give it a go, you’ll be surprised at how much easier it makes it for you. You’ll still get out of breath and burn calories and it does feel odd to start with but it works! Good luck with it xx

[angie31964 Graduate in reply to scouse55mouse]

I will definitely try the slow jogging. I plan to go early tomorrow morning. Thanks for the advice.

[Lifluf]

Well done for starting. Very important to find an extra few minutes at the end to stretch. It might seem OTT to start with but it's worth it.

[crazycatlady1986]

I'm totally with you about the pain I started Friday, I've now done 3 runs so far and this morning I woke up ready to go again but as its rest day I went for a brisk walk instead xx

[angie31964 Graduate in reply to crazycatlady1986]

Very tempting to try to do two days in a row, until you get out of bed and realise your legs are killing lol.

[Runsome Graduate]

Hi angie31964. The normal aches and pains in the legs should subside as they get used to it. I was puffing, wheezing and and had really achy legs when I started the c25k🥵 The best advice I followed from this forum was go slow then slow down a bit more and that should see you through ok it worked for me good luck on your new adventure 👍😀

[angie31964 Graduate in reply to Runsome]

Thank you. For my second run I decided to go slower, and consequently I don't have any pains today.

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to angie31964]

Excellent! It’s never a bad idea... unless you’re doing the 100m sprint! 🤣

[angie31964 Graduate in reply to MuddledGardener]

😂🥵💤🏃‍♂️

[Runsome Graduate in reply to angie31964]

Excellent! I worked with most importantly get through the c25k and worry about pace later😀

[angie31964 Graduate in reply to Runsome]

Good philosophy!

[LizBlower]

No. Get use to it for a short while. Just get a bath as that normally helps. Stretch.. only small stretches. I'm just on w5 R3 and it was only yesterday that my legs no longer hurt.

[angie31964 Graduate in reply to LizBlower]

Well done! I hope to run early tomorrow morning before the sun bakes the earth too much. That will be Wk 1 run 3!