To a Portland or Vancouver Fit Coach,

I was installing flooring in my basement on Tuesday. When I woke up Wednesday morning, my thighs were very sore. It hurt to walk down the stairs. I believe the bending up and down all day Tuesday, about 8-9 hours, really made my thigh muscles work in a way they were just not used to. I had postponed my Tuesday run for Wednesday. Due to the soreness, I couldn't run even a block. It is now Thursday and I am still extremely sore in the thighs. I tried to go running this mornnig, but it hurt. I am worried about the benchmark this weekend since I have not been able to do two out of the three weekly runs.

What should I do? Do I rest my thighs again for another day? Does too much resting hurt my training? I'm just worried about Saturday's 15.5 mile run. Any advice?

Thanks,
Diane

Diane,
At this point, I don't think missing a few weekday runs is going to crush your training.

Slow stretching, epsom salt bath, elevating the legs. You basically toasted your quads. Give 'em a chance to come back and you should be able to make a better decision by Friday night. It's usually the second day-after when things hurt the most.

Doug

Diane,
My first season with Portland Fit, I was working with a personal trainer at the gym. The Friday before the first time I ever did 10 miles he put me through a leg workout. Kept saying I would be fine doing the 10. I woke up the next morning with the most painful quads I could imagine but I was determined to complete the 10 miles, which I did. The quads never felt great but I remember saying when I was done that they didn't hurt anymore than they had before I started.
Just my two cents,
Deb

Thanks for the advice. I'm still unsure about tomorrow's 15 miler. I don't want to miss it, but I also do not want to increase my quad soreness. I guess I'll know by tonight. What's the worst that could happen with my training if I miss tomorrow's benchmark?

Could you run it Sunday or Monday? Sometimes activity helps the best in regards to sore muscles, it helps bring blood to the area and flush things out.