So what made such a difference in one week? I wasn't really sure until I ran across an article from the Running Times about Heavy Legged Syndrome. The cure stated by the author for heavy legged syndrome in that article was a long slow run. The day after my 10k I had gone for a long slow run, and it was slow. It took me over two hours and 15 minutes to get done with a thirteen mile run when normally I am done in under two hours. They don't really give a specific or scientific reason why it works other than heavy legs seem to come from over training and the remedy is to oxygenate your body with longish runs.
"Home is where you find comfort. It's where you go to sleep, to rest. Your long aerobic run is your home base. It's where you go to feel comfortable."
Of course other article talked about how heavy legs are the result of over training and the only cure is rest. I had also taken it pretty easy the rest of that week with an elliptical workout and a light interval workout. Me being a woman I am susceptible to anemia, so really there could be multiple causes or reasons why I had heavy legs. I found it interesting though and it seemed to have worked for me coincidence or not! I have also read about how that time of the month can affect performance too so maybe there was some of that going on. I don't know that I have been over training so hmm. Things to think about I guess.
What do you do when you have heavy legs?
Linking up today with Jill over at As I See It for Fitness Friday Bloghop
I have experienced that heavy leg feeling in the past... For me it was when I was running every day, and not having a rest day in between runs.
ReplyDeleteI go for a slow but SHORT run...4-5 max
ReplyDeleteI love your new header!!!
That is pretty interesting! I have always thought rest would have been the best cure, but the long slow run makes sense too!
ReplyDeleteMaybe my legs will feel super after my long slow 20 miler this weekend. :) I hope so! (but am not counting on it!)
Oh I love that you brought up this topic and I completely agree with the article. I have been struggling with the exact same thing lately and the day before my last 5k I did a very slow 14 miler and ran the best I had ever ran. Training hard all the time is a recipe for disaster. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletePeppy, zippy legs are nice to have! Still playing around with how to get those, but recovery runs are great, I think. Also, tapering from high miles seems to work well. I don't think we can expect super feeling legs - and speediness- everday. You seem to have found some things that work for you, though!
ReplyDeletenew follower via fitness friday! would have never thought a long run would do the trick- not to find out what's considered 'long enough'
ReplyDeleteI will be trying this out the next time I feel the need for fresh legs! Thanks for sharing
Heavy legs usually lead me to try rest. If that doesn't work, then speedwork is what makes me feel better. After I run a long race (like a 50K)I feel SO slow for weeks after. The only way to snap out of it is to run fast to "reset" my body. Other ultra people say the same thing, so I'm not just a freak :)
ReplyDeleteI have no idea what to try - all I can think of is rest, or to just take it easy on runs. Seems like your body is just overloaded, and needs a break I would guess.
ReplyDeleteI have been having a BAD case of heavy legs this week! good thing I have a long 7 miler this weekend. I will oxygenate.
ReplyDeleteI believe a slow run is the way to go when you have heavy leg syndrome. After my marathon last year. My legs were sore and tired, but I got out the next day an tried to do a slow 3 miler. It hurt to start but once I got to going it really started to loosen up my sore muscles.
ReplyDeleteso i didnt even know this existed, i love what I learn from you :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I was running 10 miles in the insane heat today, I sure felt like I had some major heavy leg syndrome. The thing that usually cures it for me is going to any type of jog in cool weather and taking a day or so of rest.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Ooh, so I guess I am running slow this weekend! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by today. Just looking at your personal bests and wow! You are a beast!! 5k in 21:01!!
ReplyDeleteapril@Party of Five
I'm followin you now, too!
I never really thought about it, but it seems like rest would be the best. I guess I will have to try a long slow run next time! But what if my heavy legs are ON my long slow run!? Hm.
ReplyDeleteYou are super fast. I am trying to get under a two hour half...my race is also in three weeks! Eeeek!
Ugh. Heavy Leg Syndrome is actually a real thing??? :) Isn't it funny how sometimes you just have your off days and your legs feel like bricks?
ReplyDeleteMy remedy would be to rest or cross train... maybe cycling or yoga. And an epsom salt bath!
p.s. I LOVEEEEEE Body Rock! She is my idol- when I first happened across it, I was like what is this?? Then, she kicked my ass. HARD.
I find that my legs will lighten up somewhere between 4 and 8 miles. If it continues past 8, I head home call it a day!
ReplyDeleteToo many tempo/speed runs in a row causes heavy legs for me. I usually go for a slow run, or cross train with something else.
ReplyDeleteI get heavy legs every once and again and sometimes I do opt for an extra day off for rest. That usually does it. Haven't been to your blog for awhile, so I'm not sure how long you've had the new header pic up but I really like it. Cool pic!
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower! Love your sweet blog! can't wait to read lots more!
ReplyDeleteI agree that the long, slow run helps my legs feel less tired. I did 20 miles today and I'm less tired than days I do 6-7 miles of track repeats.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I did a slow run last week and it really really helped...hmmmmm on to slomething?
ReplyDeleteGood to know! :) Thanks for linking up for Fitness Friday
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Heavy legs just seem to happen out of nowhere with what no rhyme or reason to when and why. It could happen one day but not the next. I guess I don't really give it much thought. Now you have my curiosity peaked. I'm sure there will be googling this in my day today.
ReplyDeleteI only have one running skirt. The good and bad news is now it's too big but when it fit I loved it.
Thanks for sharing that info on the long slow runs. That sounds like a great idea. I hope it wasn't a coincidence and that it continues to work for you!
ReplyDeleteThis works!!!!
ReplyDelete