Running on the flat

jprender

Hi guys and gals,

I'm new to running, just started about 2 weeks ago.

I am running some routes around where I live and I am finding that my calf muscles and achilles tendon are a bit sore to say the least.

The thing is, because I am new to this lark, I don't know if the routes I am running are a bit too tough for a beginner. To me, it seems like there are a lot of climbs on my way around and I am wondering should I actually drive somewhere and run a route that is a little flatter. Could the hills be what is causing my muscles to ache ?

Here are my runs in the last week or so :-







Lowest elevation = 6m at 2km
Highest elevation = 17m at 3.57km








Lowest elevation = 8m at 3.25km
Highest elevation = 23m at 0.85km








Lowest elevation = 8m at 1km
Highest elevation = 18m at 5.25km









Lowest elevation = 6m at 5.90km
Highest elevation = 17m at 1.70km




So, do you think running flatter courses would ease my pain, or are the above routes pretty much par for the course.

That last run yesterday was only my 8th run since I started, so I know that my times are pretty rubbish. I'm a 38 year old guy, carrying about 2 stone more than he should, and I haven't done anything remotely resembling exercise in about 10 years or so I would not be the most flexible lad either, but have been stretching at every opportunity.

Completing a run is a success in my eyes

Swanner911

Hi jprender,

Fair play to ya that's good consistant running, looks like you've got the bug!

However you really need to listen to your body ( something I still struggle to do ) I've had several injuries ( injured now) and generally if I had dealt with them when they first started to niggle then I would have saved myself a lot of time and heartache.

You may need to do more "cross training" and give your Achilles and calves a break from running more often. The hills definitely stress your legs more than the flat so get yourself onto flat soft ground if possible and or do some cycling, swimming in between to give your running muscles more rest if you can.

I've had Achilles tendonitis and it takes ages to shake off so I'd urge you to be cautious with that one.

SnappyDresser

As you are new to running you will have the odd ache and pain at the start as your body adjusts. I think that you are also doing a little bit too many km at this stage. You are new to running so I would be doing 20 mins max for the first few weeks. Gradually one day a week increase the time 25mins then 30, 35 etc. I see that you jumped to 45mins very quickly which is too much. Make haste slowly. As regards the elevation they are not much to be honest and if you run in Ireland you will have to get used to running hills, especially if you plan to enter races etc.
In addition try also running a few times a week on grass or sand something that I always do and I have been injury free for years.
If you are interested in racing and checking your progress try joining the BHAA which caters for all standards.... www.bhaa.ie

donothoponpop

jprender wrote: »

To me, it seems like there are a lot of climbs on my way around and I am wondering should I actually drive somewhere and run a route that is a little flatter. Could the hills be what is causing my muscles to ache ?
...

That last run yesterday was only my 8th run since I started, so I know that my times are pretty rubbish. I'm a 38 year old guy, carrying about 2 stone more than he should, and I haven't done anything remotely resembling exercise in about 10 years or so I would not be the most flexible lad either, but have been stretching at every opportunity.

The steepest of those runs has an average gradient (for the uphill parts) 1:62, so you can discount the hill theory. Any muscle fatigue is more likely caused by the details in your last paragraph- as the weight comes down, the muscle stress will come down also. The post above mentions the very good advice of running on grass often, (I assume you have a decent pair of runners), but you're not doing anything especially stressful, even at this early stage. Keep at those paces/distances for a few weeks, and you'll know when you can start running longer/faster. Best of luck.

iceage

Good going mate! Keep up the good work. Nothing wrong with that pace. Spend more time on your warm ups, and then warm down. Friend of mine walks for up to 10 mins after every run and finds it really helps with calfs etc. pay particular attention to you ankles, lower legs. great effort.

jprender

Thanks for the advice all.


There are a few places that I can run on grass close to where I work. I'll have to start bringing my training gear with me now and do some running when I finish.

So, the runs should be easier with time and a bit of weight-shifting. That has certainly given me a bit of focus.