Question for joggers/runners

[luckywife]

I definitely can't put myself into the catagory of being a runner, but I'm trying to get started. On Tuesday I jogged for close to 25 minutes and felt really good the whole time. This is really my first time doing that type of exercise, I typically stick to aerobics, but want to try something new. Anyway, by Tuesday night my legs were starting to hurt so bad I could hardly walk. Today they are STILL sore, the worst muscle soreness I think I have ever had. My DH put some Icyhot on my legs last night and even him just lightly rubbing them hurt like crazy. My question is, is that normal after jogging? I did some stretching before and after but I really feel that I'm not doing something right. I wanted to jog again today but since my legs are still a little sore I figured I should hold off. Any opinions someone could offer would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[ohMom]

luckywife -- i'm going to move this over to the Events/Competition board where there is more chatter among joggers/walkers/runners or what have you

is it your quads (front of thighs) or hamstrings (back of thighs)?

personally I would not do any exercise that hurt! this may be your body's way of saying "whooo there....not so fast" and though you are aerobically fit to do cardio for 30 mins, your leg muscles aren't ready. a walk/jog program might be a better way to ease into jogging. i know i've seen ones that progressively transition from walking to jogging through walk/jog intervals

 

[3DisneyKids]

Sounds like you did too much too soon. Because you have been doing cardio, you had enough stamina to do the 25 minutes (which is GREAT, by the way, so good for you!) but you didn't have the muscle tone to do the 25 minutes since running uses a different set of muscles than aerobics.

My suggestion--if you want to start running, then follow a program that lets you build up to that time and distance (and also prevents injury). There are two very popular programs used by folks here. The first one is couch to 5 k. This gets you from nothing to running a 5k in 9 weeks. Here is the link:

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml


A similar program is the Galloway Method, by Jeff Galloway. He has several books out that you can purchase, or if you just to a basic google search on him, you will get the basics of his program.

The other big name for beginners is John Bingham aka The Penguin. Again, he has several books out and/or you can just google him and get an idea of what he recommends for beginning runners.

Good luck!

But for now, just rest those sore legs. And when you feel up to it, start with a planned program and you will not get sore like this again.

 

[amykab]

I second the Couch to 5K program. I completed this awhile back and since then have gradually been able to increase my runs to an hour with maybe just a couple of walk breaks, depending on the day. I also love Bingham's marathoning for mortals books.

FWIW, I started pretty much from ZERO activity when I did C25K. It was rough for me to run a quarter mile, let alone 3.1!!

 

[luckywife]

Thanks ohmom for moving my thread to a better place

I've heard of Couch to 5k Program so I think that's what I'm going to try since I really am interested in running. Or at least giving it a try. I kind of figured I did too much too soon since that was my first time out of the gate, so to speak. The legs are much better today, but I agree that starting with some kind of program to build myself up is the best thing to do. There is no way I could continue jogging or running knowing my legs were going to hurt like that when I was finished.

Thanks for the advice and website links

 

[bunnyfoo]

Just wondering if you were fitted for running shoes ... when I first started running this year, I wore whatever running shoes I had at the time. They were really worn out and I don't think they were the right type either. Anyway, I ended up with knee pain - but soon as I got shoes with better cushioning the pain went away.

You can also try icing the parts of your legs that are sore. I find that always helps.

Good luck with your running!