Want to run but can't get past pain

yeneewss

Hey there. Started running several times in the last few years. Then I can't get past the pain thing. I mean. I only ran 2.5 miles on Wednesday, but the first time in ages. Stretched a lot before I went out, stretched a lot when I got home and drank a lot of water, which I know for sure helps, both before and after. It's now Friday and my leg muscles are killing me and I don't feel like I can get back out there til they stop hurting. Of course, I know that by then, my legs will get sore again because I have left it too long between runs. A friend says you run on the day following your run so your legs get used to it but that's not possible at times for me as I have three kids and a husband who works shifts so sometimes I am on my own. Do I run through the pain, take painkillers and run, or rest until they are not sore and run? Or should I just give up altogether??? Maybe it's just not for me and I won't listen to my body which is saying give up?

--amadeus--

Never ever run through pain. Pain is an indication that there is something wrong and you should go to a doctor or physio to get it sorted (rather than letting well meaning people on an internet BB give you advice that could be very dangerous!).

However discomfort and stiffness is pretty common, especially at first. It's mainly DOMS and it will get easier.


(Mod bit - folks I don't think the OP isn't looking for medical advice so I'm leaving it open for now but you all know the rules...!)

tergat

yeneewss wrote: »

Hey there. Started running several times in the last few years. Then I can't get past the pain thing. I mean. I only ran 2.5 miles on Wednesday, but the first time in ages. Stretched a lot before I went out, stretched a lot when I got home and drank a lot of water, which I know for sure helps, both before and after. It's now Friday and my leg muscles are killing me and I don't feel like I can get back out there til they stop hurting. Of course, I know that by then, my legs will get sore again because I have left it too long between runs. A friend says you run on the day following your run so your legs get used to it but that's not possible at times for me as I have three kids and a husband who works shifts so sometimes I am on my own. Do I run through the pain, take painkillers and run, or rest until they are not sore and run? Or should I just give up altogether??? Maybe it's just not for me and I won't listen to my body which is saying give up?

yeneewss,

Don't despair, this is normal when you havent ran in a while. It will ease out as your body adapts to the training. Your leg strength is weak at the moment thats all, but it will improve with training.

Try to use some x-training methods such as swimming and aqua jogging where time permits between running days. Also try to get sports massage if you can this will help a lot to loosen up the muscles and freshen up the legs.

Give it time be patient, have a slow patient build up with your running and it will come in time. Add a bit more eack week, train dont strain.

Best of luck.

Tergat

yeneewss

Love you guys! I know it's not really pain, muscle discomfort I guess. Will keep on truckin'.
Thanks.
Me.

Munster_Gal

I now how you feel. I'm the same if I do anything more than 3 miles. I just take one day off and then start again. But if the pain is really severe you should probably rest. Don't want to caluse yourself a permanent injuryt

dna_leri

yeneewss wrote: »

Hey there. Started running several times in the last few years. Then I can't get past the pain thing. I mean. I only ran 2.5 miles on Wednesday, but the first time in ages. Stretched a lot before I went out, stretched a lot when I got home and drank a lot of water, which I know for sure helps, both before and after. It's now Friday and my leg muscles are killing me and I don't feel like I can get back out there til they stop hurting. Of course, I know that by then, my legs will get sore again because I have left it too long between runs. A friend says you run on the day following your run so your legs get used to it but that's not possible at times for me as I have three kids and a husband who works shifts so sometimes I am on my own. Do I run through the pain, take painkillers and run, or rest until they are not sore and run? Or should I just give up altogether??? Maybe it's just not for me and I won't listen to my body which is saying give up?

Definitely listen to your body, but you need to hear if it's saying rest or give up or run more slowly the next time. My suggestion is rest until the pain has eased. You may also find its better to take it easier on your next run, maybe even walk a bit, then run a bit - its ok for beginners to do this.

If you don't push it too hard, you may find your recovery time shorter which means you can get out again sooner and actually improve more quickly.

messygirl

Just started running myself (up to 2.5 miles walk jog woo hoo!) The best advice I got was to walk the route first and when you are feeling ok just jog for a minute or two and then walk for about 5, walk jog (don't get out of breath take it easy and enjoy it), and eventually you will get fitter and your body will adapt. (I can do my 2.5 miles in 35/40 minutes walk/run andI just listen to my body and if i feel a stitch I just slow down, which I am VERY proud of considering I couldn't run to the bus stop without a stitch ) You are starting off from scratch so take it easy and don't rush anything. I also started cutting out tea and coffee (down to 2 cups a week from 3 or 4 a day) and you really notice the difference!!! Keep drinking water, try pilates or something to build up your core strength on off days (Check out instructional lessons online and do them on carpet and bingo, free workout! Leads to flatter stomach and doesn't work your legs as much) and don't go running 2 days in a row. It's ok not to run if you are tired or muscles are killing you, but if they still aren't ok I would try a very gently walk just to try and loosen them up. Also have you gotten fitted for shoes properly? If you are dying after 2.5miles go a shorter route (that's what I do and I feel great for going out but not dying from muscle pains) If you get fitted (I'm not saying you SHOULD do this, just what some people do which is considered against running ethics) you can get the brand name and type and try them on in the shop and order them online for cheaper.Don't give up yet, keep taking it eay and BUILD to it! My boyfriend is doing the marathon and does a 10k in 45minutes

Ger the man

Just listen to your body - and dont give up! Im running just over 2 months and love it!

littlebug

I hear ya. I've tried to alternate runs so in any given week I've one run on a track, one on the treadmill and one on the road. Road definitely takes more of a toll than the others. My worst pain was after a new route which involved a fair bit of pavement. If you can find any alternative routes with softer surface it might help.

ultraman1

yeneewss wrote: »

Stretched a lot before I went out,

maybe do a little walk to warm up first

ntlbell

maybe don't run as far?

i started off with .5 of a mile and built up over months

yeneewss

Thanks for all your advice. Can do 2.5 miles comfortably. Friend had me going to 3 miles which I find hard. However, she has tried to introduce me to a group who meet and run together but I feel that this is pressure to keep up or not prove I am better than them. Preferred it when it was just the two of us, but this group suits her and she likes it, so will probably stick with it. So I am back on my own now, trying my best. Muscle discomfort, more than pain, is easing, depending on how much I stretch, before, after and during. Cutting out coffee may help. Gave up tea a long time ago and I know it's helped me generally, as has giving up white bread (gives me horrible cramps now). Will keep going and do as best I can without putting pressure on myself. Not planning on a marathon or anything but would certainly like to improve gradually. Friends' husband says running is "never fun", but I disagree. I used to be able to get the rhythm of music and pace together and forget about the breathing, the muscles etc. and just run. Want to get back to that point. Thanks again everyone for replies. You are great!