New runner - legs not lungs are the issue

My first mile can be hard, like my legs are fighting me...but then I settle in and they realize I am not stopping When I first started though, I would have to keep stopping and starting because they were so tired. I think it just takes time for your body to adjust. Keep at it!!

I walked slowly then picked up my walking speed over the course of two months. Then I started running. It was a slow and natural way to get my legs toned to handle the running. Just a suggestion. :flowerforyou:

I've had this issue, and relate it to the fact that I was carrying around too much extra weight that my legs just couldn't handle. Just keep losing, and keep doing the cardio. Your legs will catch up to your lungs.

I'd suggest a few things...
1) make sure you are getting enough water... I am chronically dehydrated and suffer weak legs a lot... but when I actually drink enough water, I don't end up feeling this way at all
2) enough rest! Your body needs adequate rest to power the muscles... if you get enough sleep, you'll have more energy to continue
3) work the leg muscles... add in some squats and calf work into your routine... even adding in some skipping will help.. I started doing boxing (which does exactly this) and I've gained a half minute on my pace! I used to struggle to maintain a 10 min mile... now I am easily under and working toward 9.5 min miles... (yeah, no speedy gonzales here, but it's great for me)

It's counter-intuitive, but I've always heard that if your legs are getting tired, then you're not breathing in enough oxygen. And if you are struggling to breathe, it means your legs are not strong enough. So, it sounds like your lungs actually are where you need to improve. Good luck!!

I found I had to do week 1 a few times before moving on to week 2. Don't go too fast and have a hot bath to ease your achy legs. It gets easier the more times you do it. I try and run on the grass verges we have at the side of the paths to be a bit easier on the knees! Good luck

To get a lactic acid build-up you must be exercising at 50-80% of you maximum aerobic capacity, or peak oxygen intake. This can only be sustained for a few minutes, and given that you are reasonably fit, is definitely not the level of effort you would expect in week 2 of C25k. Here's an article on two general causes of muscle pain, have a look if anything sounds suitable: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=why-does-lactic-acid-buil

I'll be devil's advocate here and say that distance running may do you more harm than good in the long run. Not having the proper stride, shoes etc can put a lot of strain on your joints, especially if you're pounding the pavement.
Why not try interval training on a grassy surface -- fast paced walking at 6km/h with bursts of sprinting, either on flat ground or up hill for more intensity. You will burn more calories, and have far less stress on your joints from the repetitive pounding of jogging. Then mix it up by using biking to increase your endurance, as it won't create the same stresses on your joints.

I just wanted to say thanks for posting this. I just finished week 1 and had the same concerns.

It's counter-intuitive, but I've always heard that if your legs are getting tired, then you're not breathing in enough oxygen. And if you are struggling to breathe, it means your legs are not strong enough. So, it sounds like your lungs actually are where you need to improve. Good luck!!