New to running....
leojsivad
Posts: 124 Member
My thighs feel like someone took a meat tenderizer to them.
I assume I'm using muscles I haven't used in a while.
Anyone else experience this?
I assume I'm using muscles I haven't used in a while.
Anyone else experience this?
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Replies
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Yes
It gets better. Are you stretching after your runs? You should stretch after running. Are you doing any cross-training on days you don't run?0 -
I felt the exact same way after my very first run. Try shortening your stride. What's happening is that you're taking too long of a stride and are using your quads to PULL you forward. Make your steps more under you instead of in front of you. You'll notice a huge difference. Also make sure you're stretching adequately before and after your run!0
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Yes, and it gets better. The meat tenderizer comment made me laugh out loud.0
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You could also experiment with a foam roller. It's a "good pain" but it helps. You can pick those up any sporting goods store.0
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You should also ease your way into it, don't try to go all out when you first start. Try a couch to 5k program, or something similar. Build up in intervals.
And stretch (or foam roll) after you run.
Also, make sure you are wearing good shoes, and not just good ones, but good ones for you. Go to a running store and have them fit you for shoes.
It does get better. Before you know it, you will be running marathons.0 -
Lots of resources for new runners. Look at the c25k (couch to 5k program) and the book Training Programs by Jeff Galloway. I started running years ago and it was difficult at first, but I am loving it more and more every year.0
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Not only is it important to stretch after a run,but also before you run....It will get easier...0
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I felt the exact same way after my very first run. Try shortening your stride.
Was going to post the same thing. That made a world of difference for me. Google, "Good form running". Now Ive also read you dont stretch cold muscles. Walk 5-10 mins, then stretch, then run. Ive also read if you have to warmup to stretch, why would you stretch then? lol I just do an easy stretch before I start and attempt to do a good one afterwards if Im still alive.
http://freew67.blogspot.com/0 -
What 35andrunning said.......exactly the same thing my husband told me. I recently started the Couch to 5K program, I am on Week 2. Since said husband went to college on a track scholarship I have to assume he knows what he is talking about
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Yep. I'm relatively new to it too, but I've fallen in love with it. It never gets "easier", you just get BETTER.0
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You could also experiment with a foam roller. It's a "good pain" but it helps. You can pick those up any sporting goods store.
Yes, it's a "good pain"....like having a baby.0 -
Yes! But a week later it's already much better. I'm new to running, too. Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred is what got me into shape for running without me even knowing it!0
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^ this ^You should also ease your way into it, don't try to go all out when you first start. Try a couch to 5k program, or something similar. Build up in intervals.
And stretch (or foam roll) after you run.
Also, make sure you are wearing good shoes, and not just good ones, but good ones for you. Go to a running store and have them fit you for shoes.
It does get better. Before you know it, you will be running marathons.0 -
Yes. Everything will hurt for a few weeks. Then it gets better. After a while, a few months or so, you will run far with no pain at all.0
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INCREASE YOUR PROTEIN!
Use a rumble roller.
Stretch.0 -
I really wish I could see the look on people's faces the first time they use a foam roller.
I found it to be the equivalent of some type of medieval torture. (BUT... it works).0 -
Do some yoga stretches. If your thighs hurt Children's Pose and Half Way Up pose are a god send.0
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Stretchy stretch stretch!
Also, drink plenty of water to help flush out the lactic acid. 0 -
Thanks for all the tips!
I've done Turbofire and a little bit of Insanity, but running has made me more sore than both of them lol0 -
I would for sure get a foam roller...that thing is a god send!!! It hurts like crazy, but you know its working0
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What kind of shoes do you wear? I just recently got New Balance Minimus. I was having a major problem with shin splints. The shin splints are almost gone now. The Minimus shoes are amazing! You should look into it if you want to keep running with no pain. Also read the book "Born to Run". It's an excellent story and very interesting.0
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Bump. Sometimes it happens to me (if i run more then 2 miles, my legs, especially my thighs get really sore).0
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Shortening your stride can also help prevent shin splints, achy knees, and sore heels. The idea is to stride so that you land more to the middle of your foot rather than heel first. The mid-foot strike takes a lot of the pressure off of the leg joints and allows your foot to move and flex more naturally.
Extra protein after your run is also great advice. I often grab muscle milk following my longer runs, especially if my supper is an hour or more away. Getting that protein immediately after your run allows the body to get started rebuilding and restoring the muscles after their hard workout.0 -
Welcome to the jungle.
As a fairly new runner (started in Feb 2010) I can commiserate. A few pointers I found along the way:
- Start slow. It's easy to think you should go flying out of the gate doing 5:00/miles. You're better off to start with a slow jog and work your way up. It's also much more enjoyable rather than sucking wind after a quarter mile sprint.
- By doing the above, your strides should shorten up so you're taking relatively short steps initially. Plenty of time to lengthen your stride later
- Lots of water up to 2-3 hours before your run, it'll help with leg cramping
- Stretch a lot. I still don't do this. Stretch before and after.
Best of luck. I've found it to be life changing, I don't feel right on days I don't run. It's one of the few times during the day I can truly call my own, and the feeling of accomplishment to hit a personal best for distance or pace is great.0 -
What kind of shoes do you wear? I just recently got New Balance Minimus. I was having a major problem with shin splints. The shin splints are almost gone now. The Minimus shoes are amazing! You should look into it if you want to keep running with no pain. Also read the book "Born to Run". It's an excellent story and very interesting.
Side note: a shoe that works wonders for one person, may be the worst shoe in the world for you.
Shoes are very individual, and you should make sure you get one that works for YOU!0 -
What kind of shoes do you wear? I just recently got New Balance Minimus. I was having a major problem with shin splints. The shin splints are almost gone now. The Minimus shoes are amazing! You should look into it if you want to keep running with no pain. Also read the book "Born to Run". It's an excellent story and very interesting.
Side note: a shoe that works wonders for one person, may be the worst shoe in the world for you.
Shoes are very individual, and you should make sure you get one that works for YOU!
The way minumus shoes work is they promote a mid to ball foot strike, keeping you from a heel strike,which causes horrible foot,back and knee problems. A heavily cushioned shoe restricts your foot from naturally going into a mid foot strike. When you land on your heel you land heavily. It's very hard to land light footed on your heel. I've tried.
These shoes should work for most people. Look into it first and prove it for your self. Happy running!!!!!0 -
C25K (couch to 5K) is a reasonable way for new runners to ease into the sport without injuring yourself.0
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What kind of shoes do you wear? I just recently got New Balance Minimus. I was having a major problem with shin splints. The shin splints are almost gone now. The Minimus shoes are amazing! You should look into it if you want to keep running with no pain. Also read the book "Born to Run". It's an excellent story and very interesting.
Side note: a shoe that works wonders for one person, may be the worst shoe in the world for you.
Shoes are very individual, and you should make sure you get one that works for YOU!
The way minumus shoes work is they promote a mid to ball foot strike, keeping you from a heel strike,which causes horrible foot,back and knee problems. A heavily cushioned shoe restricts your foot from naturally going into a mid foot strike. When you land on your heel you land heavily. It's very hard to land light footed on your heel. I've tried.
These shoes should work for most people. Look into it first and prove it for your self. Happy running!!!!!
Oh I am a big fan of minimal shoes, but if someone had recommended them to me when I first started, I don't think they would have worked well for me.
I am now in love with my very first pair of Vibrams, and I don't think I could ever wear a heavier shoe ever again.0 -
oh yeah! sometimes when I don't run for a few days & pick it up again, I would feel that way the next day! but it gets better.. you won't feel it as much.. & you know that you're working your muscles out!! 0
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And I think what he means by experiment with a foam roller is, don't run with it like you're in a light saber fight, but use it to lay down on AFTER your run. Essentially, you'll be on your back, rolling your hamstrings against the foam.You could also experiment with a foam roller. It's a "good pain" but it helps. You can pick those up any sporting goods store. 0
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