Aching legs

[De48]

I’m due to do my 2nd run today although I’m still feeling like my legs won’t take me (still aching) from the first ! Do I run through the pain or go tmro instead ?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Never run through pain, run slower than you did the first run, better still, give yourself a few days off running until the pain goes.

[De48 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Ok thanks !

[DylanTheRabbit Graduate]

Hello, De48. It's really normal to feel achy and stiff after starting a new exercise. If that's what you're feeling I would suggest you try your run as planned to see how it feels. Just make sure you are going slowly enough to have a conversation, you'll probably loosen up a little when you get going. That achy feeling will improve over the coming weeks.

If you have pain from an injury that's not just muscle aches then you may need to rest.

If you decide not to run, consider walking your running route to keep the habit going. That's what I did when I took a few days off.

Good luck 🤞🏼

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

As suggested.. do not run through pain. Make sure too, you are warming up well and do take a peek at the S and F forum, to get in some exercise to help the new running legs:)Try too, to land lightly... I call it kissing the ground with your feet ! Yes, I know it sounds daft, but it does work...

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Don't run through pain but aches are to be expected, as explained in the guide to the plan. Keep moving on rest days and stretch after every run.

Stretching immediately after every run, nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/h... while muscles are still warm and supple, pulls out contractions, avoiding carrying tensions into the next run and also improves recovery by improving blood flow, as recommended in the guide to the plan.

Many people do not hold their stretches for long enough or put enough effort in. Hold post run stretches for 30 seconds and make sure the pull is strong enough to be on the verge of discomfort.

[Teddybob Graduate]

Do you stretch after the run I found that it stops almost all the pain

[Jilldiamond Graduate]

Hiya. I’m sure you are but just in case ..... are you drinking enough beforehand? My legs felt like lead on my first few runs but much better now I’m at end of week 4 and drinking more water. Good luck!

[Lockdownpositive]

I feel exactly the same after my first run yesterday. I'm going to try some stretching on my rest day today and go for a walk. I think it's to be expected a bit. Good luck!