Muscle discomfort

moana · 01-30-2006, 10:30 PM

Lately when I run, my quads burn afterwards for a long long time. I tried running less, like today i did 3 miles and this was about 6 hours ago, and still, my thighs are on fire right now. Is it my diet? Should I be taking more anti oxidants, I mean, I noticed that if I run every other day, my performance drops a great deal. If I give myself a 2 days break in between, I can run about 5k. But this burning scks. Any ideas?

ODB · 01-31-2006, 07:09 AM

What is your current running routine? Distance, time, are you doing sprints or HIIT? How often are you running (I wasn't sure from your post if it was every other day or every third day)?

moana · 01-31-2006, 12:05 PM

I usually do 1 long run per week, about 5-6k, without pacing myself.
I tried doing every other day, but i felt weak. So i'll rest for 2 days and on the third day i'll go for a shorter run, about 3 miles on a 7:30 pace. I'm not very disciplined, whatever hits me i'll go for it. Fartlek training is my favorite, i do it everytime i run... towards the end. The hardest miles for me are the first 2, then it's easy but, like i said, i go home and my quads burn a great deal.

ODB · 01-31-2006, 12:21 PM

A 7:30 pace is pretty quick. You may want to try a few at about a 9:00 pace and see if you are still having the same issues. If it works you could slowly build back up to the 7:30 pace. You may want to ask in the nutrition section about your intake. Not my specialty unless you count speed eating! Good Luck.

BamaDave · 01-31-2006, 02:34 PM

Are you running on hills?? I know a lot of people have quad problems due to downhill running.

I'd be pretty surprised if it's your diet. I think ODB is right and you may be running with too much intensity when your legs aren't really ready for it yet. Fartlek training is really good, though. I imagine you'll experience less and less of this pain as you adapt to your running schedule.