Sometimes you get it wrong, but it ends up being positive.

[Realfoodieclub]

For the last three weeks I have had new niggles in my legs, both of them and in different places. I have a few health things that can cause muscle and joint ache so I was beginning to think one of those was causing a problem or change in temperature but neither felt quite right, I just could not put my finger on it.

While on my run I had a eureka moment!

They are digging up roads left right and centre where I live so getting into the park has become a bit difficult. Three weeks ago (no I didn’t put 2+2 together) I found a new route into the park. It causes 10% of my run to be off road.

In the past I would not of attempted off road because my ankles would go over on the first bump but over the last year my physio and the wonderful Oldfloss have got me doing strengthening exercises for my ankles so when I went off road I forgot that I could not do it and basically proved that I now can because of all the extra work I have been doing. The aches are down to new muscles being activated in my legs to keep me upright.

I do feel like a bit of a numpty taking three weeks to work it all out 😂. But all in all a very positive thing to be able to do now. 😀.

Happy running everyone

Rfc xxx

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Yay! Welcome to the full body workout.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

I know, tell me about it 😀.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Nice one, T.

We can all listen to our bodies, but it generally takes quite a long time until we understand the language.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

It is really positive thing to know I can do it now. The work has paid off 😀.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

It may have took you a few weeks to work out what your new aches were the point is you now know and it's nothing to worry about. Great story and good luck 😊😊

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Thank you, not quite ready for the scrap heap yet 😂. Rfc x

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

After a summer of trail running, I ran a 10k on the asphalt yesterday and my ankles, shins and feet were so tight last night. I can run 15-20 k on trails and not be stiff but 10k on the road and I am. It really is amazing how each impacts our bodies differently. In early summer I slowly build up my distance on the trail, it looks like I need to do the same thing on the ashphalt. Who knew? Seems like a no-brainer but it wasn't to me 😂

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

It has really surprised me after 6 years of running who would of thought I haven’t activated every running muscle possible 😂. We live and learn. I am surprised going back the other way you still felt it, must be completely different muscle usage.

[SaskAlliecat Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

The terrain on my trail runs are quite steep and technical so there is a lot of hiking built in and short quick steps whereas I ran the 10k nonstop yesterday. I suspect I overstride a bit when running on asphalt as well and was bad and wasn't doing my hip strengthening exercises despite being diagnosed with weak medial glutes in the spring. So that is my plan this fall and winter, to work on improving my running form and strengthening my legs/hips so they are more balanced with hope that when I run on asphalt the niggles can be kept at bay 🤞

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Sounds great, to protect my hamstrings I have to run and speed walk with a very short stride, that has helped a lot, keep going with your exercises, they really make a difference 😀. Rfc x

[SaskAlliecat Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

When I did my walking marathon a few years ago, I perfected the nice quick short stride and my legs did great. Now to try and carry it over to my running. That has been a bit harder, but I'm more motivated this year and will actually do my exercises 😇

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Great to read of the results of the strengthening work... often it’s hidden by the lack of injury!

Happy running

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Can’t praise strength work enough, for some it the simple difference to be able to run or not. It is so worth it 😀.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Wow.. well done you... ! It is so different and such fun too... !

Watch out .. there are going to be some new foot and ankle exercises up next week on S and F next week!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Brilliant, I will keep an eye out for those 😀. Xxx

[SaskAlliecat Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Oooh good to know! After my run yesterday my ankles were so tight so was researching some strengthening exercises for them as well. Time to be more consistent with my strength training. I'll keep an eye out for them!