Running help needed

31 replies

EchoElephant · 30/05/2020 15:00

Up to about 10yrs ago I used to run a lot, about 4 or 5 times a week. And I'd race in a couple of half marathons a year.

But then I had knee problems, so I gave up running and took up other sports that aren't high impact.

With lockdown, I haven't been able to do my other sports, so I thought I would go back to running. My knees are fine, it's my legs that are giving me problems. They just feel like they don't want to run!

I've been running 2 or 3 times a week since the beginning of March, maximum of 5 miles. And every time my legs feel very heavy and it's an effort to keep them moving. I feel like I'm dragging tonne weights around.

I warm up and stretch before every session but that doesn't seem to make any difference.

Has anyone got any suggestions, thanks?

OP posts:

Didntwanttochangemyname · 30/05/2020 20:34

I used to put a banana on my bedside table at night, eat it as soon as you wake up, then get up, dressed, etc and hopefully 30-40 mins will have passed and you'll be good to go!

Original poster

EchoElephant · 30/05/2020 18:57

I can't run any slower or I'd just be walking.
Today I managed 3 miles and it was a real slog. I thought after 3 months it would be getting easier.

I have tried little bursts of speed, which seem to kick start my legs into moving better. But that only lasts for a short time.

I think I need to try eating something before I go out. I have to run at 6.30/7am before work. So getting up earlier to eat would be a struggle!

OP posts:

Bienentrinkwasser · 30/05/2020 16:34

It’s just run fitness. If I were you I’d run slower, possibly shorter distances, more frequently. The first few weeks after any break are always a slog for me. My legs just feel like they have nothing to give. It gets better over time and you start enjoying it more.

Didntwanttochangemyname · 30/05/2020 16:31

What and when do you eat before you run? If I run first thing without eating anything (usually a banana) about an hour before I go then I feel like I'm made of lead.

Original poster

EchoElephant · 30/05/2020 16:16

Possibly not drinking enough water. I run first thing in the morning, so I do have a big drink before I go out. Maybe I need to allow more time before the run to have a drink and something to eat

Not anaemic

My stride length is quite short

OP posts:

flabbyflabbyflabguts · 30/05/2020 15:38

Are you drinking enough water?
Could you be anaemic?
Are your strides too long?

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