New Runner Question: Aching Back and Ab muscles

Hemis_mom
Hemis_mom Posts: 193 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I started the couch to 5k last week I did 3 work-outs last week and did my first workout of the 2nd week today. My question for you runners out there (new and old) is: What can I do so my abs and back muscles don't hurt so bad after my runs. I used to run in high school (cross country and track) and I remember my legs hurting but never my back and abs. It is very painful. I am 5'4 and weigh 177 pounds (I was much skinnier in high school). Any thoughts or suggestions would be helpful I want to stick with it but the back and ab pain is really dragging me down. Or maybe just a how long does it last.......would be helpful to help me push through.
Thanks
Kendra

***Sorry for the double post****

Replies

  • WillWorkout4Food
    WillWorkout4Food Posts: 94 Member
    I am with you. I was a sprinter and remember my legs turning to jello before my back would ache, if ever. I, too, am interested in any a response and suggestion. I am 5'5 174 and the thought of running is almost annoying when I think of the achy back I have to look forward to.

    FYI, my upper back is where I feel the deep pain and, at times, it stops me in my tracks.
  • mrschappet
    mrschappet Posts: 488 Member
    like with any type of exercise form is very important when running.. head relaxed and "normal", shoulders loose and low.. arms at 90- degrees... torso lifted,think tall when running :-) hope this helps
  • jesswiggin
    jesswiggin Posts: 15 Member
    I agree.. making sure you have good form will help with the back and the ab aches and pains.. I also spend some time in the gym doing core strengthening excersises. I've found that if you don't strengthen your lower back/abs you can't hit peak performance. Best wishes!
  • mrschappet
    mrschappet Posts: 488 Member
    I am with you. I was a sprinter and remember my legs turning to jello before my back would ache, if ever. I, too, am interested in any a response and suggestion. I am 5'5 174 and the thought of running is almost annoying when I think of the achy back I have to look forward to.

    FYI, my upper back is where I feel the deep pain and, at times, it stops me in my tracks.


    I'm guessing that you are keeping your shoulders tensed up when you are running .. try to keep them loose and low and keep your arms at as much of a 90-degree angle as you can.. when you start to feel the pain you have experiencing, drop your arms and shoulders shake them out and then return to running form i mentioned. ... hope this helps
  • shellbell1993
    shellbell1993 Posts: 315 Member
    It could be you need to strengthen your core muscles, your posture and how you place your feet while running...are a few things I can think of right now! I find if I am not paying attention to my form and not combining ab work into my routine, my back really pay for it later.
    But I also just found out I have Degenerative Disc Disease recently (so the constant neck and back pain I have is something different then just weak ab muscles) I am sure if you balance your running with stretching and abs (epecially core work) Planks, ball work etc...you will find you have less pain as time goes by.

    Hope this helps and maybe someone else might have a better answer :)

    Good Luck
    I type to slow,people already said most of this advice already LOL
  • Hemis_mom
    Hemis_mom Posts: 193 Member
    Thanks for the answers I guess I will have to ad some core work in to my routine!!
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