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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to give up on running?

73 replies

getlostdailyfail · 08/05/2016 21:39

So I started running last week, I did a bit of walking and then run, I probably did it for around 10 minutes.

For the next 4 days I've had horrible pain in my legs and around my waist.

AIBU to give up on running? :(

OP posts:
lolalament · 08/05/2016 21:44

That's actually a sign you need to do it more. You will get aches and pains at first, but as you get used to it it does get better.

MumOnTheRunCatchingUp · 08/05/2016 21:45

You'd give up that easily?

HelenF35 · 08/05/2016 21:47

Well done for managing that much when you are just starting. I couldn't run 5 yards when I started! I've been out due to spd and another injury so just starting again but at my peak fitness I could run 10k in just over 50 mins. You can do it. Do a little more every time and you will get there. Aches and pains are par for the course in the beginning.

PurpleDaisies · 08/05/2016 21:47

Have you tried the couch to 5k programme? It's a nice gentle introduction. It isn't realistic to expect to start running and immediately be able to go for a long time.

longdiling · 08/05/2016 21:47

What kind of pain? It could just mean you had the wrong trainers/went too fast/didn't warm up or stretch properly. Are you doing a proper couch 2 5k sort of program that eases you in slowly?

Tiopyn · 08/05/2016 21:57

Unfortunately aches and pains are normal when just starting out, or any time you raise the level of a workout.
Of course actual injuries are possible, in which case stop for a while (you'll know the difference if you get an injury), but it's more likely just over exertion.

As others have said, easing into it is a good idea, and I found the couch to 5k programme pretty good too.
You also need to make sure you warm up and cool down. I've seen it recommended to loosen up a bit and walk for a few mins before starting (no stretching), then another few mins walk followed by some stretches after the run.

Runningupthathill82 · 08/05/2016 22:06

You would seriously give up that easily?! Come on, OP. Just start gradually and take it slowly.

When I started a walk/run programme a few years ago I was so unfit I actually threw up after "running" for two minutes. Now I run marathons. If I'd stopped every time it hurt I'd still be that unfit person. And I'm so glad I'm not!

MrsMook · 08/05/2016 22:09

Another recommendation for C25k. Until I did it, I'd never managed more that 3 minutes without painful stiches and cramps.

It does get easier. It often does feel like work, but you realise you can achieve more with the same effort.

cinnamongirl1976 · 08/05/2016 22:34

Don't give up...the feeling of getting - and being - fit is amazing. It is really hard at first, and even when you've been running a while you still have days where you feel your legs are made of lead. But you also have runs where everything just clicks and you feel on top of the world. It is an amazing and very happy feeling Smile.

I have been running for about 11 years and I love it because people with zero sporting talent but lots of determination (like me) can take part in the same event as the sporting elite. I was in the bottom ability set for games at my school, and so far I have completed 2 marathons and about 9 half marathons. But I really hated running at first. Don't give up!

UnderTheGreenwoodTree · 08/05/2016 22:35

I would think that the pains around your legs and waist are telling you that you just just used those muscles and they are way out of practice. You need to do it more, but build it up sensibly, and build up stength and stamina in those muscles. Try C25K, and have a nice bath/shower afterwards.

Wolfiefan · 08/05/2016 22:38

Try intervals. So walk. Then run. Then walk. Short intervals. See couch to 5K.
And stretch and warm up and cool down.
Have rest days in between running.
And decent trainers. Definitely worth it.

CalleighDoodle · 08/05/2016 22:40

Another C25k graduate here! Follow the programme. It works. But you need some motivation!

Decent trainers make a difference. Also make sure your laces are tied properly. And just keep going. Youll be doing 10k runs by autumn.

ghostyslovesheep · 08/05/2016 22:43

no - yabu

get decent trainers

stretch

be prepared to ache

Stretch

if needed pay for a decent sports massage

I run - last Tuesday I ran after a 4 day break due to illness - my back hurt, my ankle joint hurt and my legs ached - ran again Thursday and Today with no issues at all

exercise makes you a bit achey

steppingout · 08/05/2016 23:23

Another vote for c25k here. And doing the warm down stretches afterwards. It's been a good way of easing in. I've also been trying slightly different things each time in terms of stride length and foot strike (I was getting some knee pain) and seem to have found something that works too. Muscles are definitely sore afterwards but nothing that feels worrying.

FeliciaJollygoodfellow · 08/05/2016 23:50

I'm starting the final week of Couch to 5K and I'd say stick with it.

The first run I hurt my hips, second run my knees. Now I just make sure I do some hip and knee circles before I start and I'm fine.

Original poster
getlostdailyfail · 09/05/2016 00:00

Thanks everyone! It looks like I need to get the couch to 5K app and get started.

OP posts:
Rosebud05 · 09/05/2016 00:02

Have you got decent trainers that fit properly?

manicinsomniac · 09/05/2016 00:05

Depends. If it's just the pain and you otherwise enjoyed it, YABU. If not, YANBU.

I think running is the most boring form of exercise on the planet. Take up dance instead. Or join a team for your preferred sport. Loads of fun so you don't notice how hard you're working.

Littlefluffyclouds81 · 09/05/2016 00:28

C25K isn't an app, you download podcasts. There are apps that call themselves C25K but you have to pay for them, the NHS podcasts are free.

slinkysaluki · 09/05/2016 04:40

I started running with the couch to 5k programme, I worked up to running around 8 miles. I went to a running shop and had a gait test to get the right trainers after suffering from agonising shin splints. It's important to stretch properly but not before you run, jog to warm up first then stretch. It's a brilliant feeling, I like to run in the woods with my dogs. Keep going !

slinkysaluki · 09/05/2016 04:55

Forgot to mention doing the local park run is good training when you have worked your way up to 5k

Lolly86 · 09/05/2016 05:44

There are a few free couch to 5k apps as well. I'm on week 7 of it using a free app. Was using he free bbc one but it kept losing my progress so now have an American one! I hated running and am now running for around 25mins at a time and loving it. I never thought I'd say that. Have also entered ballot for marathon next year Shock

DaisyFranceLynch · 09/05/2016 06:27

Another vote for the C25k app. I downloaded the free NHS one which has a very reassuring woman called Laura giving you encouragement. Finished a few weeks ago and have tried to keep running a few times a week - I have just been for a 5k run round the park before work, something I could not have imagined doing at the start of the year.

I waited until I had finished before buying decent trainers, because I wanted to see if I would stick with it. But running in cheap old trainers really hurt my knees and I wish I'd made the investment at the start of the programme.

SnakeWitch · 09/05/2016 06:51

The NHS c25k app is available on Android, it's iPhones that need to download the podcasts. I love it, I can run for 20mins now which was unthinkable a couple of months ago!

DaisyFranceLynch · 09/05/2016 06:55

Snakewitch I'm on an iPhone and managed to get the app - maybe it's a recent thing though? I think originally you could only get the podcasts.

The app means you can listen to your own music at the same time - I don't think I'd have been able to do it without a soundtrack.