Achy legs!

[Mummy23]

I’ve not posted here before... I have been ‘running’ for just over a year now...graduated c25K last March 😁 Managed 10k before Xmas and have been slowly increasing distance since then.... half marathon entered for September (everything crossed it still goes ahead). I ran a little over 12k about 10 days ago, I’ve run 5 or 6k every other day ish since and set out to do a little over 13 today. I completed it, but from about 8K my quads and glutes were very sore! I’ve had ‘heavy’ legs before, but nothing like this... I drank lots of water yesterday and haven’t run since Friday. Any clues on why I hurt so much today?! I’m sorry if I’ve missed something obvious!!

[Decker Ultramarathon]

It may have to do with your nutrition and/or sleep quality going into the run day. Having said this, some days are just more difficult than others especially as the distances increase. There are so many factors - weather, stress etc. Other days you have deep reserves of energy. The only other things I can think of are maybe stretching a bit before and after? Have you tried massage rolling at all? I found it helps soften the muscles for the days to come after hard runs. Many runners swear by it, others, not so much Also a hot shower does wonders as you likely already know. Rolling or stretching after the shower is a bit easier on the muscles too, I find.

[MadDave in reply to Decker]

Decker’s right in that you’ll need to do more stretching when you increase the volume. Another way to get stronger leg muscles (they’re sore because they’re not used to it) is to run more often for up to 5-6k say 5 days a week, then once a week around 10k. Adding some elevation will help strengthen the calves (if you can). If I hurts too much when running reduce the distance and build it up gradually. Hope that helps?

[Mummy23 Half Marathon in reply to MadDave]

Thank you. Stretching is definitely something I’m not good at doing... I think I’ve learnt my lesson! I will also try and increase how often I run, I think I still have the C25K mindset of making sure I have a rest day between each run.

Elevation is not a problem here... half a K in any direction means a hill!!

Stay safe

[Mummy23 Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Hi. Thank you so much for your reply.

I will try a massage roller I think! I’ve found that you can get one from Amazon... lots of time for online shopping these days!

Stay safe

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Mummy23]

I have a smaller travel version that cost around $20 I think - lots of time to shop around like you say!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

How're your legs feeling now?

Sometimes runs just feel hard and we can't pin it down to anything in particular. Sometimes it's because we're coming down with something.

It may just be a cumulative effect of increasing distance. During any HM training it's good to have a cutback week every 4 or 5 weeks - reduce your distance for a week to give the legs a chance to test, then pick up where you left off 🙂

[Mummy23 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thank you! I hurt a lot the day after the run...which my husband found very amusing! But a walk that afternoon helped lots and I have run since...one of those days I think.

Stay safe