The problem of aching legs…: Hello all I’m 6... - Couch to 5K

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The problem of aching legs…

Kellan38 profile image
Kellan38Graduate
9 Replies

Hello all

I’m 67, and previously completed C25K three years, and am just trying to start it again. Very sadly, my fitness has gone down to the point where I need to completely start again from the beginning, which I something I did yesterday (Tuesday) and have my next run scheduled for tomorrow.

I didn’t have too many problems with stamina, nor with my breathing, but suffered from very aching ‘heavy’ legs despite the fact that I was only running for a minute at a time.

In ideal circumstances, I’d simply pop in the bath to relax my legs, but I don’t currently have one, and have to rely on my shower.

Could anyone suggest how I could get round this, please? I really want to complete the course again, but am worried that the problem might put a stop to it all this time.

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Kellan38 profile image
Kellan38
Graduate
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9 Replies
Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate

Welcome back !It might be worth another read through the programme guide .

healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

You mention "Heavy legs'"

That's a classic symptom of dehydration .

You should aim to be drinking 2.5 to 3 litres a day !

Even on rest days .

This is all covered in the guide .

Also stretching after your runs will help .

Enjoy the programme

Kellan38 profile image
Kellan38Graduate in reply toInstructor57

Many thanks for this advice, Instructor57. I’ll make sure I have plenty to drink before I head out on my run tomorrow, and I’ll be very interested to see if that helps.

Many thanks again for your advice,

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate in reply toKellan38

It can take a day or so to get your hydration level up , I'd start straight away !

This also may be of interest .

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate

As Instructor says, drink plenty of water, stretch after and rest in between, maybe take a couple rest days, there is no hurry

Kellan38 profile image
Kellan38Graduate in reply toSueAppleRun

Thank you, WillowandSola, I’m grateful for your advice, and I’ll try to use all the help I can to get this right…

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Hello ! Good to see you back with us, ( yes I am still here, still banging in about, slow and steady)!

You have had some great advice, which I am sure you will act on.

There could be any number of reasons why your legs feel heavy, from lack of sleep, to poor circulation,. It is really important to realise that having not run for a while, you do need to take it gently, give yourself time to return to running and for recovery too !

Now as a more seasoned runner :) you do need. as do we all.to put in some rest day exercise to keep the running body fit, and with you a bit of extra for those legs.

The great hydration will/may help, but there are exercise to strengthen your legs.

This is a link to lots of exercise and many for the parts of our legs!

healthunlocked.com/strength...

It's a great idea to repeat C25K, many of us have and are repeating it, for different reasons. I repeated myself and re graduated 2021!

If you pop across to Catch-Up Corner, you will find a few folk there repeating the plan.

Slow and steady will be the way and you do need to listen to your body and work our what it needs!

Looking forward to watching your progress.

PS

I am 72 now:) So I do count myself as aa seasoned runner too :)

Kellan38 profile image
Kellan38Graduate in reply toOldfloss

That’s a really encouraging post, OldFloss, thank you very much. I’m really encouraged by the very helpful replies that I’ve received, and I’ll stay around this forum for encouragement and to chart my progress along the way.

I have another run scheduled for today, so I’ll be reporting on my progress again tonight. Watch this space for more!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toKellan38

Sounds really good. Please do pop into Catch up Corner..its a great place to share.I've just posted this week's!

Kellan38 profile image
Kellan38Graduate

Hello again, all

I’ve been out on my second run today, and am happy to say it really went pretty well. I took all your advice and had plenty to drink beforehand, and the aching legs weren’t as bad as the other day. I’ll be spending a bit of time on the ‘Catch Up’ forum tonight, and am looking forward to hearing how everyone else is going on…

Thank you again for all your help thus far, and take care.

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