Running: Muscle ache!

leanneakaliz

I could really use some help from you runners out there.
I have been running for about a year now but had a 2 month break a little while ago due to completing a 10k race and damaging my feet through blisters.

Ever since I began running I have always suffered with muscle ache especially in my calves. Every time I run after about just 200m my legs would already be aching. I have had my shoes specially fitted about 8 months ago but im beginning to think I should maybe go back.

What could be causing my legs to be so achey ? It is extremely annoying as my fitness levels would let me continue but at the moment I am running no more than 2.5 - 3 miles due to my legs hurting so much.

I only run mon, wed, sat to try give my legs recovery time between runs.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

RunConquerCelebrate

Do you stretch before and after your runs? Proper stretching could help with the pain.

mreeves261

You could go back and have your shoes rechecked but I think maybe it's a form problem. I recently started researching different books, videos, methods etc for working on form. I settled on 1 book in particular and after reading the first 70 pages of so the 3 or 4 tips I have gotten to have help tremendously! Research different methods, Good Form Running, Chi Running, Perfect Running Form..... If you Google it you will find TONS of information. That's where I would start.

leanneakaliz

I do stretch both before and after.

Thank you I will look into that

ERMBSN

I had the same problem. Mine turned out to be a potassium issue. Eventhough my blood test showed a normal level. The level was low for me. So I added a few bananas to my daily diet. After about 3 days the pain was gone and has not returned. Check with your doctor first before adding more potassium. Too much can be a real bad thing. Hope this helps.

leanneakaliz

Thank you I might mention this to my doctor next time I see him

AMNimlos

You should try foam rolling (or use the Stick) and also try compression socks to help the muscles recover better.

lesser717

How many miles do you have on the shoes? Running shoes should last between 300-500 miles in general. Maybe it's time for a some new shoes!

twinmom_112002

Does the ache go away? My legs always protest through the first mile and then they give in when they realize that I am not stopping.

leanneakaliz

The aching comes and goes during a run but its more there than not lol. I definitely have not done 300 miles in them.

DangerJim71

Lots of good advice already.

I'm 42 and something always hurts when I run. Literally takes me 2-3 miles just to get loosened up where some of the pain goes away and I feel good

SLLRunner

I run three times a week for 3-4 miles, sometimes more, and I have been running seriously for ten years and on and off since I was in my twenties.

It sounds like you have the shoe fit down. Make sure you stretch before and after, drink plenty of water before, during, and after your run.

guessrs

I'm sorry to tell you but this is normal. For me it eventually went away with two things: couple years of running and weight loss. Suddenly, one day I was like how come my calves are not burning anymore esp the first two miles.

TMLPatrick

I get that same problem occasionally and it is hard to predict when it will happen. Maybe upping potassium intake would prevent this. I think that I might try that...