Ouch, my thigh....

[Buster52]

Just entered week 4 run 1 today and half way through the first 5min had a sharp pain in the outside of my right thigh, like I had stuck a knife in there. Tried to run it off, but couldn't. Gutted, now have to rest it and see if it recovers, just hope I don't lose momentum.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on dealing with injury, minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[Buster52 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I now think I know what I did wrong. This twinge started last week, on Friday and prior to that I had run for two consecutive days, Tues and Weds as I had missed my Monday run. confused??? In short I didn't take a rest day in between and I think that might have done it. Haven't run for many years properly and am seriously overweight, so will R>I>C>E. for a couple of days and see where I am this Friday. Thanks for the support.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Buster52]

When you run, the impact creates microtears in your muscles, which repair and strengthen on your rest days, not while running. Without rest, repair and strengthening are compromised and injury risk increased.

Rest days are essential for new runners.

[Buster52 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Got it now, and the shame is if you don't you will stop for longer. Just keen to get on, but too keen is damaging...

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Buster52]

Too much too soon is one of the commonest phrases uttered by physios treating new runners.......stick to the plan.