Is it normal to have a dead leg?

[sarahsarah]

I finished w2r1 this morning and I've had a bit of a dead left leg ever since. Am I doing something wrong or is this a normal thing?

Any advice on how to prevent it for the next run? thanks for your help

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Try doing some gentle stretches after your run. Also check your shoe laces, its a simple thing but I was tying mine too tight and it caused me to have pins and needles in my foot/feet. I put it down to the circulation going through the legs/feet with more force than it would normally due to the increased exercise. It settled down once my body got used to the running motion though. Hope this helps.

[Alaiyo Graduate]

Oldgirl gave good advice about the shoes. (On that topic, are you wearing proper running shoes? Not doing so could cause all kinds of discomfort and weirdness.)

Also, you could have limited circulation due to tightness in your hips and around the piriformis. Google "piriformis syndrome" to get tons of info. It is generally treated by stretching, particularly by bending one knee and putting your foot on your other knee. Then bring to your chest.

[sarahsarah]

Thank you so much for your helpful advice...I'll certainly try the stretches tomorrow!

I wear Nike 'training' trainers, I don't think they're specifically for running - I didn't realise not having proper running shoes would make such a difference. I think I'll have a little look on Google - see if the stretches help. If the dead leg continues I'll invest in a nice pair of running shoes

[Oldgirl Graduate in reply to sarahsarah]

Try the stretches and losen off your laces a little bit. Many people don't need really expensive trainers if their gait is not over or under stated. But it won't hurt to get your gait checked out once you are running longer distances. Hope it settles down for you.