Running Legs?

haleyhawkins
haleyhawkins Posts: 37 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Ok...
I have been having this weird problem for a while now and I can't figure it out. I have been running for just over 2 years now. Lately, every time I start running, I get what I am calling "running legs". They totally lock up and I seriously cannot move them. It's not just that they are sore or anything. I cannot move them at all. It almost sends me into panic mode! Any idea what is causing this? Any idea how to prevent or help it?

Thanks!
(PS...please don't tell me to eat a banana. I can't)

Replies

  • xsmilexforxmex
    xsmilexforxmex Posts: 1,216 Member
    For clarification - are your muscles just getting tight and preventing you from moving them (not necess sore, but it's a muscular problem?), or do you literally lose the ability to move your legs from a neurological issue? Numbness/tingling/loss of sensation? Loss of bowel or bladder control?

  • haleyhawkins
    haleyhawkins Posts: 37 Member
    xsmilexforxmex wrote: »
    For clarification - are your muscles just getting tight and preventing you from moving them (not necess sore, but it's a muscular problem?), or do you literally lose the ability to move your legs from a neurological issue? Numbness/tingling/loss of sensation? Loss of bowel or bladder control?

    Nothing neurological! It's just a muscular issue. It's crippling thought. Literally!
  • brittyn3
    brittyn3 Posts: 481 Member
    Your muscles and ligaments could be extremely tight before you warm them up. Maybe try walking at a brisk pace, do some stretches, and then start running. Depending on where I am in training, I have IT band issues. I also have arthritis in my back from my competitive days - I have to take extra care to warm them up. Until it is, I feel like I'm running with legs made out of wood.
  • xsmilexforxmex
    xsmilexforxmex Posts: 1,216 Member
    Okay! I was concerned.. lol. Maybe this? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2288441/Unable-run-step-It-brain-body-tired.html But that's more fatigue than legs getting tight.
    Honestly, it sounds like you might need to do a dynamic warm up and stretch more after if you aren't already. It could be an electrolyte thing too depending on how you eat - could try a propel or vitamin water or fruit/vegetable about an hour before running like cucumber water or watermelon.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,974 Member
    Muscles would lock up normally due to cramping from dehydration. Do you have a high sodium intake and drink very little in liquids?

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  • pondee629
    pondee629 Posts: 2,469 Member
    haleyhawkins wrote: »
    Ok...
    I have been having this weird problem for a while now and I can't figure it out. I have been running for just over 2 years now. Lately, every time I start running, I get what I am calling "running legs". They totally lock up and I seriously cannot move them. It's not just that they are sore or anything. I cannot move them at all. It almost sends me into panic mode! Any idea what is causing this? Any idea how to prevent or help it?

    Thanks!
    (PS...please don't tell me to eat a banana. I can't)

    If you really can't "move them (your legs) at all". You should immediately have someone carry you to the nearest emergency room for examination and/or treatment. Assuming that you are overstating the condition somewhat, do your legs loosen up at some point allowing you to use them, or perhaps, finish your run? What did you do allowing them to loosen up? How did they perform after the loosened up? Are you warming up prior to your run and this happening?

    You really can't move your legs at all every time you start running?

  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    haleyhawkins wrote: »
    xsmilexforxmex wrote: »
    For clarification - are your muscles just getting tight and preventing you from moving them (not necess sore, but it's a muscular problem?), or do you literally lose the ability to move your legs from a neurological issue? Numbness/tingling/loss of sensation? Loss of bowel or bladder control?

    Nothing neurological! It's just a muscular issue. It's crippling thought. Literally!

    So you get on the treadmill or you get to the end of the street and go to start running and.... you can't move your legs? So you just stand there, or fall over? How do you start moving?

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