Running vs walking

[SMxxx]

Hi all so a question. I’ve been doing couch to 5k for a while. Still on week 5 run 2 but have had to repeat a few as I’m very overweight but really pleased with my progress. My breathing is greatly improved and I enjoy it. However, I’m finding that I seem to be able to run but walking - even it’s just around the supermarket is a strain on my legs and I am in agony afterwards. I have had ongoing leg pain for a while which the Drs still haven’t diagnosed, apart from “you’re overweight” which I’m not buying as I can run for two lots of eight minutes 🤷🏻‍♀️ Anyone else experience this it’s driving me mad now!?

Thank you

[Dadthefish Graduate]

Hi SM - I too am very overweight and am on week 7 so not too different I guess. I have been getting quite a bit of pain in my legs, shins and calves when running and have been advised to buy a decent pair of running shoes instead of the cheap pair I have as these can make all the difference because of the way the cushioning in the sole is designed and the support etc. I have bought a good quality pair today so hopefully this will do the trick. I wonder whether this would help you with the pain you’re getting when walking if you were to wear a similar pair not only when you’re running but also around the supermarket etc. to minimise the impact. There are also cushioned gel insoles you can buy for your shoes that similarly will reduce the impact of repeated footfall from walking. Just a thought.

[Markco93 Graduate]

Leg pains of various types are not uncommon for people starting running. The fact it occurs when your not running could well point to some muscle soreness. If you look at the FAQ posts (over on the right hand side under pinned posts if your using a browser to access the site), there are some great links to stretching exercises, and strength and flexibility routines to try on non running days. A routine of dynamic stretches before running and static stretches afterwards should help. If you haven’t done already, getting good shoes may help as you start running for longer, I think I bought my first proper pair of running shoes at about week6.

Enjoy your running, sounds like you are making real progress, so keep up the good work.

[Beads Graduate]

Morning! Try to identify where in your legs the pain is. Running used a different motion and different muscles to walking. Running you're pushing yourself along, basically with your weight over or in front of your foot. When walking you're pulling yourself, so your foot lands in front and you're pulling your weight from behind and over it. I occasionally get knee pain while walking, in the dodgy knee (age, probably a touch of arthritis) due to the pulling action, there's never been any problem when I run. Once you identify whether it's muscular or joint and where it'll be easier to convince the doc it's not just weight related.

Also what dadthefish says, do your walking shoes support you properly? Problems with how the feet land can cause affects further up your legs, ditto how your hips are and whether you're twisting will affect how your legs feel.

[Hidden]

You might need to get stretching those legs for a while, you can find stretches on YouTube.

[LittleSallyRacket Graduate]

You might want to look at your footwear. If you run without pain when you’ve got your trainers on, but struggle with walking in your normal shoes, that could be a factor.

I run fine in my proper trainers. But when I walk round the shops in shoes like Converse or ballet flats that have no cushioning or arch support, I get calf pain.

[SMxxx]

Thank you. It is pain in the muscles rather than joints. Dr said restless leg syndrome but I don’t think it’s that either. Driving me mad. I’ll try the stretches and flex & strength thank you for that tip. And saving for trainers