New runner and whole body hurts

vlc1979
vlc1979 Posts: 227
edited September 28 in Fitness and Exercise
Is it normal when beginng a runnign regime similar to C25K for everything to hurt? Legs are an obvious.. However, for me it is my lower back and neck that are far worse then my legs,

If so, how long does this last?? I am not quitting cuz I am signed up for a 5 k in 7 weeks.. However, I might have to cry a few times.. :)

Replies

  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    I would say it's relatively normal. Could be your running shoes, are they new/old/ in between? As far as the lower back, this may sound embarassing, but do you stick your butt out or lean forward when you run? If yes, try straightening your back. This could probably put similar strain on your neck.
  • ashlinmarie
    ashlinmarie Posts: 1,263 Member
    Try using an ice bath, or running a bath of super cold water and soaking. I was skeptical, but tried it last night on my legs and they feel much better today! (not great, but I can walk which is a major improvement).
  • mlemonroe2
    mlemonroe2 Posts: 603
    it get better! i'm on week 5 of 52k and i am not nearly as sore as i was in the beginning!
  • phenrichs
    phenrichs Posts: 102
    Oh yeah! Your core has to work much harder to keep you upright while running than it does while walking. This also means your neck is working harder to keep your head steady so you can see where you are going.

    I had this too but only for the first couple days. Now I am only sore if I run hard and that is mostly legs, thighs, butt, and abs.
  • amberlee2011
    amberlee2011 Posts: 129
    I tried the couch25k last week and my inner thighs hurt! I was so surprised by that lol. I only did it once last week and so I need to get with it this week. Keep up the good work!
  • jrich1
    jrich1 Posts: 2,408 Member
    It was already mentioned but take a look at your running shoes, if its your shoes, it could be sending undo shock though your body, might not hurt investing in a good pair.
  • dietnfit
    dietnfit Posts: 9 Member
    You should feel alittle soreness as you develop your muscles. However, you shouldn't really be in pain. Definately invest in a good pair of shoes.

    As far as lower back...work on your abdominals and core as they support your lower back. I have a lot of lower back issues as well, running can be hard on your back...but a strong core can help support your spine and reduce your pain.

    As far as your neck...i would suggest a visit to a chiropractor...hopefully one that is sports oriented. I am not a huge believer in chiropractors. I have been to one for my lower back issues and have never found relief. However, I was having a lot of pain in the base of my neck/shoulder especially after a long run and he did a manipulation and I walked out of the office pain free and it hasn't hurt since.
  • danger_kitteh
    danger_kitteh Posts: 301 Member
    I had similar problems (and occasionally still do) when I first started running. Sore neck can be from holding your upper body too stiff, try to be more fluid with your shoulders and arms. Lower back try not to tip forward from the hips. Lots of warming up before you start to really move (including shoulder/arm exercises) will help. Stop to stretch it out too if it gets too much to work through (roll your shoulders, do some lunges or quick warrior poses to open your hips). Strength training will also help you in supporting your upper body - lots of core exercises (bridges, planks etc)
  • shelld70
    shelld70 Posts: 106
    When I started my calves and knees were killing me. But the more I work out and run, the more my body gets used to it. Listen to your body and don't push too hard. I have heard that in running you are going to hurt and you are most likely going to have injuries occasionally. Keep it up! You are doing great!
  • vlc1979
    vlc1979 Posts: 227
    Thanks everyone for the great information!!

    My shoes are about 2 weeks old. Got them from the running store (same place I am in a "running club" with)

    I figured it has a lot to do w/ core weakness as I have been sitting on my pudgy butt for too long!

    I am gonna keep going and hope it gets better...

    Last week was only the first week of the 8 week program...
  • Elle_Jamaicangirl81
    Elle_Jamaicangirl81 Posts: 418 Member
    definitely watch your form while you run.

    i found this video... it helped me out quite a bit. my calves dont hurt as much now

    http://video.about.com/running/Proper-Running-Form.htm
  • ALW65
    ALW65 Posts: 643 Member
    I was also new to running when I started C25K and I'm on w4 now. I highly agree about the shoes. I did go to a running store and got some good shoes (and even a pair of the running socks just for fun-they don't bunch up or slide down) and it's made a world of difference. Also I can't tell from your photo, but if you have much of a chest think about a really good support bra that locks things into place. I have to wear and Enell bra and really think about running with my head up and shoulders back rather than hunched over. That helps me a lot with the back soreness. As for the legs, I know the experts now say static stretch after you work out instead of before, but if I don't stretch out all my leg muscles before I run I hurt more and tend to get a little crampy in my calf muscles. Finally, I didn't get a "stitch" in my side for the first 2-3 weeks, but the last 2 I have. This week seems to be stitch free - I'm not sure why that is.

    I'm glad you're planning on sticking with it. That's another reason I invested in the shoes, socks and a heart rate monitor.l I figured it would add motivation. Work and some mild asthma have messed with my progress so it's taking me twice as many weeks as it should, but that's okay - I'm getting there slow but sure! Hang in there and we'll both be posting our times for our first 5K before long!

    Also, there was a great thread yesterday about weight loss and running. I can't stick to 1200 calories generally, and running this program give me an extra 320 I can 'eat back' :bigsmile:
  • sprinkies
    sprinkies Posts: 309 Member
    the first week i started running my body was in incredible pain. my legs would hurt so badly i couldn't sleep, my arms hurt, my abs hurt, my back hurt, heck even my ribs hurt! about three weeks in my body started to adjust and now nothing other than my legs hurt after i run a long distance (9+ miles) but anything up until that i'm good.
  • RainDodger
    RainDodger Posts: 8 Member
    Its possible too that your are tense as you are running, try relaxing a little?

    I am hoping to complete week 3 of C25K today, but I'm doing it on the treadmill. Anyother 5Kers out there want to add me, I can use the encouragement.

    Also, I've heard that chocolate milk after a run and bananas are good? not sure....

    Congrats on registering for the run and best of luck!
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