Running improving, but spasms in back & legs - why?

[MrsRossPoldark]

I'm starting to run a bit quicker than usual, now that I've joined a club, as a vet (I'm 51). My times are getting better and I ran a quick 2.3M in 21:20 yesterday(that's fast for me, believe me!), while my son was between events at an athletics meet.

recently though, I have been getting up in the morning with such a painful back that I feel its about to 'go' and I get spasms down my hips and right leg that are so bad they make my legs wobble momentarily. What is going on? I am ok once I'm up and going but it takes me ages to warm up & feel easy.

I cycle to work,walk my dog and run 3/4 times a week. How come I can run fine, but feel so stiff every morning, and what's causing the spasms? I took my son into town the other day and had to keep telling him to slow down as my leg kept going into spasm.

feeling stiff/achy the next morning isnt so unusual MrsR, I often find certain parts of me feel a bit battered the day after running, usually my ankles but it wears off when I'm up and about.
As long as it's not getting worse over time I wouldnt worry too much, maybe do a few yoga type stretched in the evening when you are loser just to maintain good range of motion.
Doesnt have to be anything major, perhaps 5 or 10 mins of simple stretches.

Were the spasms cramps?
(hamstrings can be very prone to cramping!)

Also you could try a foam roller to use, I use mine in the evening and it helps. There are videos online to show you how to use them. And if course make sure you have the right shoes. As for the spasms, I'm not sure what that would be and maybe a visit to a physio might help. Is there a coach at you running club who can review your running technique?

Defo not cramps. As a regular runner of >30 years experience I hope I can tell the difference!

As for the stiffness, it seems to be worsening as I get older! I feel fine once up & about and it's not th same as the stiff achenes you get free a hard run?

I have a yoga mat & some DVds my sister got me, so maybe I just need to find the time, or stay stiff?!

...after a hard run...