Week 6 run 3 , first 25 minute run under my belt. And all was well. Did my usual 5k walk on rest day (walking 5k everyday is what I did until started running couch to 5k). A couple of hours after that walk started to feel legs stiffen slightly.
Ran my second 25 minute yesterday and stupidly chose a route that has a slight hill at the beginning of the run. Struggled up that, but happily finished the run.
This morning went for my 5k walk. Walked slower as usual as feel stiff. The question is should I carry on running? I don't really want to stop.
I am stretching before and after runs and yesterday did the knee strengthening exercises on the nhs website that I found through this forum.
Thanks for any help/advice. Have a great run everyone
Written by
Birra1
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Thanks. I have just read your 2year run post. Great stuff. And I see there is hope for me starting to run at the age of 58. Hopefully, I will be writing the same sort of posts in 2 years time. Thanks for the advice. And CONGRATULATIONS 👏👏👏
I sometimes get stiff after runs, especially as the distance has increased.
As Instructor57 says, if you’re not in pain you should be ok to run. Just make sure it doesn’t feel worse or painful during a run. If it does, please stop.
But I often find that the run loosens everything up nicely.
If yesterday was the first day that you tried the knee strengthening exercises, could you maybe have overdone them slightly which explains the extra stiffness?
As someone with very limited natural flexibility, I have to be very cautious with any new exercises that my enthusiasm doesn't do more harm than good! I find the static stretches when my muscles are warm work much better for me than the dynamic pre workout ones.
Thank you. Actually, I think I am beginning to feel a little less stiff as day has worn on. Im interested to see how I will feel after tomorrow's run. ❤️
It is not unusual and there may be many reasons for the stiffness. just follow the great advice., given below!I was very stiff on my run this morning, despite stretches and a warm up Dismantling a large 8' by 4' shed. and storing all the sections in the most awkward places has taken a toll. I still think I am 32 and not 72!The gentle run however, did sort me out
Just try to relax... do those stretches, get the hydration right and slow and steady as you go!
When I wake up I'd often as stiff and creaky as the old biddy that I am. Then I run and transform into a spring chicken 😂Seriously though, if it's just a gentle ache because your body is reminding you that you are asking more of it than usual you could maybe take a paracetamol to ease it, providing you know there is nothing sinister to worry about (caution, I am not a doctor so please follow medical advice if in doubt)
I just wanted to add to this that taking a paracetamol after you run is fine to ease some stiffness but it's not a good idea to exercise after taking pain killers. They can stop you noticing signs that something isn't right with your current run and stopping before injury occurs.
Apart from all the great advice above, when we get back we have a hot bath, the warmth soothes the aches/stiffness and if we don’t we feel it later or the next morning.
That sounds lovely. I have to take a quick shower as I run at 5.30 or 6am to fit it in before work. Too tired to go running after, unfortunately. Happy running 😊
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
When do we actually get to running 5k? 
swollen fingers when running?
Embarassing behaviours when running
Newbie runner - Any advice for running when it's dark? 
