Newish Starter Legs Sore

[conkers1]

Hi, Im Neil.

I started get running app last week and have now done Week 1 4 times. I plan on doing each week twice so that hopefully i'll find stepping up a little easier. I'll also be very happy if i can run 5k without stopping in 18 weeks instead of 9..

I have also been taking 3 days rest instead of 2 because I dont feel rested enough after 2 days, in fact i find it difficult after 3 days rest, as if my muscles still havnt repaired properly..

Ive had a problem with my calves and feet when running, they get really sore and tight, I have put this down to crap running shoes (ive just ordered some good ones so hope it helps), or it could just be that my muscles need more work to get them into shape.. Also im a few stone overweight so it could be my weight putting pressure on my legs and feet. Is this a common problem? Sore lower legs and feet in first week or 2?

Anyway, im glad to be here and plan on staying for the full 5k duration. Thanks.

[Gareth111278]

Hi Neil,
I'm Gareth , i'm also new to this I too am a bit over weight & I had trouble with my calves etc at first, good shoes WILL help!

I'm on week 3 now. I've just done the program without repeating weeks & only ever having one rest day between runs BUT I did walk quite a lot & have an 'on your feel all day job'.

I found oddly that the longer runs on week 3 allow me to get running better, I can get a good rythem going & get used to moderating my pace, I never belived them when they told me 'it gets easier', but it does.

I think you are doing 100% right taking it easy BUT don't worry about pushing it & going back a week. there's no shame because you have got off your sofa to improve your health. Nice one!

[starknut]

Getting fitted for new running shoes is a great idea. A good pair of shoes that are suitable to your stride is very important!

How much water do you drink? I've found that being even a little dehydrated, not even enough to really feel thirsty, is enough to make me cramp when I run. The difference between a well-hydrated run and a slightly-dehydrated one is immense.

Do you eat enough protein? It's so important to get enough protein, because it helps build muscles. Maybe also eat more carbs the night before a run, too: carbs are fuel! A nice baked sweet potato is one of my favorites. I could eat one just about every night, I love them so much.

The first weeks are a struggle anyway, no matter what. So good for you for sticking with it!

[conkers1]

Thanks for the reply Gareth.

I do think good running trainers will help a lot, I don't actually find the runs tiring, I don't break a sweat and I don't really get out of breath, its just my calves, feet and legs get sore half way thru.. So I'm hoping that if I solve the leg problem either with new trainers, or just time to build the muscles up, then I hope to be off running like Forrest gump!

I'm actually looking forward to my next run, so fingers crossed the trainers help!

[conkers1]

Thanks too stark nut, it's possible I'm slightly dehydrated so I will consider this as well..

I do have lots of protein and carbs, always have hence me being overweight as I never usually burn it off!

[Gareth111278]

Another thing I never believed was the 'natural high' thing. But from week 2 I started to feel really good , relaxed, 'loose' in my back & legs, it's hard to explain but you know you feel great!
Just keep at it, you will get to 5K!

[conkers1]

I got new trainers and went for my 5th run yessterday, the trainers definately helped, much more comfortable! My legs stil hurt but not quite as much.

Ive done 5 runs of week 1 now and it doesnt seem to be getting easier, is that normal?

I may just go on to week 2 and try my best to complete it, maybe i need to step up and push harder

[Gareth111278]

I'd say yes, push onto week two, I found that I only really got comfy when running 3 minutes or more.

The voice [Claire?] tells you on your longer runs to just slow your pace if you get tired.

Give it a try on week two & see how it goes.

Gareth

[conkers1]

I will go onto week 2 tommorow, i do feel better mentally after the first 5 runs

Im gonna do it, try my hardest. Im sure ill be ok

[starknut]

I got new trainers and went for my 5th run yessterday, the trainers definately helped, much more comfortable! My legs stil hurt but not quite as much.

Ive done 5 runs of week 1 now and it doesnt seem to be getting easier, is that normal?

I may just go on to week 2 and try my best to complete it, maybe i need to step up and push harder

If you can complete the all the runs in week one (not saying they have to be EASY, just completed), give week two a try. You might be surprised! And I definitely agree with Gareth, once you start the longer runs, it's much easier to find your "zone" where you don't notice your legs hurting, or the sweat, or the general feeling of blah.

Week two is, I think, one and a half minute runs? Remember, it's hard, but you can do anything for a minute and a half. I tell myself that all the time, especially during a loooong run.