Still jog despite soreness?

Motivated_Mom_4
Motivated_Mom_4 Posts: 87
in Fitness and Exercise
I posted a few days ago about my jogs at 5.0 getting more challenging than easy at doing it for 2 miles every other day. Last night, I was able to do my 2 miles at 6.0 and had better endurance. Kind of out of nowhere since I had been struggling at 5.0 but whatever. Anyway, jogging at 5.0 wouldn't cause me any soreness in my legs the next day, but after my 6.0 stint last night, I am def having some soreness and stiffness. I made sure to stretch before and after as well as a slow warm up and a cool down like I always do but am still sore. So...since I like to jog/run every other day, should I still jog tomorrow if this soreness and stiffness continues? Should I not jog again until the soreness is gone? Maybe reduce my distance or speed? Just not sure how to handle this. I don't want to risk injury but I also am afraid to get off track with my jogging by skipping an extra day or two. Help!

Replies

  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    Muscle soreness in general does not mean to stop exercising. In most cases, once the soreness is there, the "damage" is done and further exercise won't make it worse (within reason). If it is too uncomfortable, you can reduce the workload, but I don't think you are doing enough (from a soreness standpoint) that continuing to exercise will be harmful.
  • aj445
    aj445 Posts: 183 Member
    Depends on how sore you are. If you're still fairly sore do your run but do it at 5.0 or 5.3 something easy. More of a recovery run. The other option is to cross train.
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    You weren't very specific about what is stiff... As someone else said, muscle soreness is probably ok but if you're got joint pain I'd take it easy. Either way, a rest day doesn't mean you have to completely skiip working out. If it's joint pain, I'd just walk. If it's muscle soreness, take it down a notch and maybe do walk/run intervals.
  • ValerieMomof2
    ValerieMomof2 Posts: 530 Member
    If it's just general soreness, get out there and warm up and see how you feel. Often, you'll find that exercise actually helps with mild soreness. Be sure to drink plenty of water and do a good cool down and stretch well after each run and you'll feel better. I still get sore after my runs, but I get out there and let my body dictate what I do. If the warm up makes you hurt more, change things up and walk and do upper body stuff
  • mfoy94
    mfoy94 Posts: 228 Member
    Still work out, but listen to your body. Maybe do a less intense jog, or a shorter one if your muscles are screaming at you!
  • Motivated_Mom_4
    Motivated_Mom_4 Posts: 87
    I apologize about being vague as to the soreness/stiffness. It is mostly in my right knee and a little in my left. My ankles and hips feel fine and my actual muscle soreness is minimal. The knee pain is noticeable, but not to the point to where I'm limping or anything. I feel it when I start walking around after sitting awhile and when I finally sit after doing all my housework. I definitely felt it when I got out of bed this morning. I always be sure to warm up and cool down. I just figured going from 5.0 to 6.0 made me sore and I should be fine to proceed as normal tomorrow, but I would be devastated to injure myself and have to stop jogging/running, it's my favorite form of cardio. I do have to walk my daughter to school tomorrow which will be 2 miles at a casual pace so I suppose Ican see how I feel after that. I normally do my running in the late evening when my kids are all asleep. Thanks for all of the insight and suggestions. I will try and control my eagerness to keep my routine and listen to my body and not push through major pain if it gets worse. I guess worst case scenario I will just do upper body workout...
  • aritchey1977
    aritchey1977 Posts: 65 Member
    I wear knees braces/support to help my knees. A friend of mine who runs (fast) over 50 miles a week told me about them and they have changed my life. The pain in my knees is so much less now. I got mine from wal-mart in the pharmacy dpt for $20 each. They are ACE brand and they have a sleeve you put your leg through. I am jogging 3-4 times a week and the pain in my knees is minimal.

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