Why are my muscles sore?

Question

I just started cross country practice yesterday for the first time in almost a year, as I haven't run since the end of last season; only a few times over the summer. After just one day, my body aches, particularly in my legs (right were the joints are between my leg and my groin); the only way I can describe it is my muscles are sore.

Am I not stretching enough? Am I not doing the right stretches? Is this a normal sensation? How can I ease the aches and keep my body in tune so I'm not sore all season? Any adivce would be appreciated.

Answer 1

It is just your muscles getting used to an activity you have not done for some months . After a few runs this should ease off . If you want to avoid this then you need to run every week at least a couple of times and don't leave gaps of a few months  

Answer 2

You haven't used those muscles in ages

u just had a good work out... hence they ache, they haven't been used like that in quite a while

proper stretching can flex them beforehand so they are slightly more relaxed and not stiffened but some soreness you have to expect when u exercise after a long break

"no pain, No gain"

Answer 3

If you just started practice, then you can expect to be sore.  It will ease with time.

Answer 4

What you are experiencing is called DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness), and it is very normal.   It is actually something that happens when you use those muscles in a way that you haven't for a while. It also happens to people who lift weights.  Even if the do lift often, if they change things up and do more than usual they will feel sore.  The soreness is the body's way of recuperation and preparing to get stronger.  

While stretching is a good idea, it is also important that you have a good warm up and cool down period.  They will help with the soreness, but you can't completely get rid of it.  The pain will go away in 24-48 hours, and shouldn't be as bad after some of you other practices.  So work through a little pain, and you will find that you don't experience it later unless you do something like run lots more than you are accustomed to.