Is it normal for you muscles to tighten and cause discomfort after running?

[Devias-]

I took my 2.4KM test two days ago and failed. Hardly surprising. I've always had the problem of my leg causing me discomfort after or during an arduous run. I would find it hard to even lift my leg an inch. It would take a week or more for the soreness to go away. According to this chart [http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8c/Skeletal_muscles_homo_sapiens.JPG], it's called the gastrocnemius. I always feel my muscles tighten after a short, though admittedly strenuous, run.
I might have to retake the test next week, so I have a few questions..

Q1: Is this normal?
Q2: If not, what can I do to prevent this from happening while running?
Q3: What kinds of discomfort should someone feel if they're straining themselves?

 

[Thaluikhain]

Er, I'd be wary of taking medical advice from a bunch of randoms on a gaming site.

Having said that, I'd advise looking at some medical sites, or preferrably consulting an actual doctor.

 

[Count Igor]

Well, it taking a week seems like a lot, but..
Everyone gets it.
If you strain your muscles, they'll feel tight and painful for anything from an hour to a few days. It happens to everyone.
So yeah, it seems to be a more extreme case of a normal occurance.

Edit: Oh, if it's a very exhilarating run, far longer/harder than normal, and you aren't the fittest guy, then the general soreness and ache could last for a week. Enough for you to notice, and maybe inconvenience you.

 

[fletch_talon]

Do you stretch before running?
I'm no authority on anatomy, medicine, physio-therapy or... anything really.
But it seems like maybe you need to do more of a warm up so your muscles are prepared for the coming activity.

However you sound like you know what you're about so its probably a stupid question.

 

[Lilani]

Sounds like you just overworked yourself a bit. Be sure to drink plenty of water all throughout your run, and be sure to do some sort of warm-up and stretch afterward. For a warm up you can just stretch or do a little walking. That stretching is good in the long run, too. Much later in your life when you aren't running 2.4KM anymore, you'll be less prone to injury because you'll be more flexible Your tendons and cartilage will be more likely to stretch than to break.

 

[Devias-]

Er, I'd be wary of taking medical advice from a bunch of randoms on a gaming site.

Having said that, I'd advise looking at some medical sites, or preferrably consulting an actual doctor.

I'm not asking for their advice. Just wondering if this was common. I don't think it is. Thank you for the advice, I might consult a doctor. I can't have this every ******* week.

Well, it taking a week seems like a lot, but..
Everyone gets it.
If you strain your muscles, they'll feel tight and painful for anything from an hour to a few days. It happens to everyone.
So yeah, it seems to be a more extreme case of a normal occurance.

Edit: Oh, if it's a very exhilarating run, far longer/harder than normal, and you aren't the fittest guy, then the general soreness and ache could last for a week. Enough for you to notice, and maybe inconvenience you.

Thanks.

Do you stretch before running?
I'm no authority on anatomy, medicine, physio-therapy or... anything really.
But it seems like maybe you need to do more of a warm up so your muscles are prepared for the coming activity.

However you sound like you know what you're about so its probably a stupid question.

No, I don't. Sounds like a good time to start. That's most likely the cause. Thanks.

 

[Seriphina]

Do you run regularly?!
I did a run recently after a long period of not running and walking was uncomfortable for about 5 days... but it sounds normal, i wouldnt go looking into medical disorders just yet. I imagine it's just a lack of warm up and stretching and if you have pushed yourself you are bound to feel the burn for a while after.

 

[Devias-]

Sounds like you just overworked yourself a bit. Be sure to drink plenty of water all throughout your run, and be sure to do some sort of warm-up and stretch afterward. For a warm up you can just stretch or do a little walking. That stretching is good in the long run, too. Much later in your life when you aren't running 2.4KM anymore, you'll be less prone to injury because you'll be more flexible Your tendons and cartilage will be more likely to stretch than to break.

Good advice. Thanks.

Do you run regularly?!
I did a run recently after a long period of not running and walking was uncomfortable for about 5 days... but it sounds normal, i wouldnt go looking into medical disorders just yet. I imagine it's just a lack of warm up and stretching and if you have pushed yourself you are bound to feel the burn for a while after.

Not really, but I reckon I should start. I'm in shape, but maybe I should get fitter. Military service in five years!

I remember back when I was younger, whenever I pushed myself, something on the lower left of my torso would generate discomfort and threatened to explode if you went too far.

 

[Woodsey]

My understanding is that after a decent exercise session, its normal for your muscles to ache for up to 48 hours after, and anything over 72 is worth you going to see someone about it.

Depends on how regularly you run, whether you warmed up properly or not, etc.

I did a set of crunches the other day that stayed with me for 2-3 days; felt like I'd been punched in the ribs and the abdomen several times over.

 

[A Pious Cultist]

Muscles being sore and hard to move (tight) is an extremely common occurance if you work them more than normal (such as during heavy, or heavier exercise). I'm really suprised you havent encountered this before in your life.

If you're a member of a gym then ask a trainer, alteratively you could see a doctor if you really think it's stronger than it should be. Have you been doing warmups? threeish mile run is gonna major strain on your leg muscles if you havent.

 

[gellert1984]

sore bones

Yes its normal in an inexperienced runner, you need to stretch before and after running, also don't dive straight into your highest sustainable run speed, jog a little first to let your body warm up, 5mins is the recommended period iirc.

How badly did you miss your target? If you missed it by a lot, you probably wont pass when you retake if you only have a week. Try drinking a sports drink and warming up before you go in for your test, that should shave a few secs off your time.

 

[Devias-]

My understanding is that after a decent exercise session, its normal for your muscles to ache for up to 48 hours after, and anything over 72 is worth you going to see someone about it.

Depends on how regularly you run, whether you warmed up properly or not, etc.

I did a set of crunches the other day that stayed with me for 2-3 days; felt like I'd been punched in the ribs and the abdomen several times over.

Ha! I understand how you feel. I had my fitness test several days ago. I did 45 sit-ups in a minute and felt as if my waist was missing. I wonder if it gets better if you do it regularly?

Anyway, appreciate the advice. Thanks.