Following the jubilation of completing my first 10K run whilst training I am brought back down to Earth by reality…
I was a little stiff in my back last night and this continues in my legs, calves, feet and back this morning.
At first I want to blame my new LunarGlide+4 Nike trainers as they do feel different from my Asics and the run felt different… I don’t however remember being this seized up when I started running and was out on the road with my common Reebok gym shoes. Back then the pain I had was always in my legs and especially my calves whereas his is a more spread out set of symptoms.
If the articles I read about running are correct I think the problem I have is Lactic Acid. You are supposed to cool down effectively after a run to avoid the build up of the acid in your joints which can cause pain and discomfort.
I always cool down and I always stretch after running. Yesterday however I sacrificed some of my cool down time – and more importantly the last bit, just so that I could break the 10K mark.
I did walk shortly after my final burst of running but it was not enough and I am sure this is why I am suffering now…
Believe me I won’t do that again – regardless of where I am running and in whatever conditions I will be sure to complete a full five-minute cool down walk in order to avoid this painful Lactic build up.
You live and learn don’t you!
*Of course this may have something to do with me new shoes or it might just be that I ran more yesterday than I have ever done before and I am simply adjusting to the extra strain I put my body under… What do you think?
Keith Tomlinson Photography 
I must admit I never stretch at all either before of after. I guess that’s why my first km is often my slowest as the bits loosen up. I do try to stop the run a few minutes before reaching the house so that I can cool down as I walk back.
The recent longer runs on Sat mornings resulted in a bit of stiffness but nothing major. My issue is with fatigue. I need to be more strategic about eating before and after the longer runs as I tend to crash a couple of hours after. Nearly fell asleep while visiting Andrew’s mum yesterday!
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Ahh that’s not a good sign. I always walk for five minutes before and after and round off with stretches. That seems to help and unnecessary aches and pains.
I usually have some liquorice and some juice to when I get back just to keep my system going.
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One word for you, cherries. I believe they can help. So get yourself some cherry juice (and a couple of paracetamol!)
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Ahh excellent advice thanks for that John. I have actually had some Berry Zero Isotonic drink and juice this morning so a couple of paracetamol will be added now to help. I’ve done some back stretches too and I hope it all helps.
Thanks for the advice.
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