Today is a run day. I’m on run 3 week 2. My legs are a tiny bit achy but no pain really . Can I run with slightly sore calves?

[AJayTee]

I’m enjoying the running but legs are very slightly achy. I really want to run today will I be ok?

[Krazycatlady Graduate]

I am no expert and unsure on whether to run or not but also at W3 my legs started to ache

And I was told to stretch, stretch and stretch

(Lightly before as your muscles are not warm and most definitely after ! )

In the nhs C25K website there are guides to stretching and a flex and stretch guide to do in your rest days xxxx

Carry on the good work x

Just about to do W8R1 !

[AJayTee in reply to Krazycatlady]

Thanks xx

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Do you have a choice about where you run? If so, I'd suggest:

getting off a hard surface, keeping your calves warm with full length leggings or knee socks and the gentlest possible pace.

[AJayTee in reply to GoogleMe]

Yes I can run on grass would that help? I’m enjoying it so much I don’t want to stop but don’t want injury either. X

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to AJayTee]

Well, I can only describe my experience of 8 years of running and no injuries* - I almost never run on roads, pavements, tarmac, and avoid running more than a couple of times in succession on trails before a softer surface (my favourite is woodland paths, roots and all).

It's not a recipe for speed though and grass can be quite hard work.

*I tripped in rhododendron brashings recently and have the scars to prove it, and early on a bramble ran after me, grabbed me by the ankle and threw me to the ground. But none of the usual stuff.

[AJayTee in reply to GoogleMe]

Thanks x

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

If you read the guide to the plan you will find links to dynamic stretches for pre run and static stretches for post run......they are not the same thing.

If you do thorough post run stretching, strengthening exercises and hydrate as recommended, then those ahces will soon disappear.

The best thing for an achey muscle is to work it.......sitting around is not good.

Do not run in pain, but aches are part of the territory for new runners.

[AJayTee]

Thanks x