Question about leg pain

Okay, so I’m assuming this will amuse some, because I’m not a triathlete. I don’t run. I am a category 2 road racer, so honestly I’m only on here for the FS wares and such. That aside, A friend asked me to go run with him the other day as he’s training for a little 5k run at the end of November, so I said “sure”. He canceled, but another friend who rides with me, and is known to be a good runner, asked me to go on a “Sunday stroll” with him Sunday after church. I haven’t ran since 03’, but he said it’d be fine as I’m “a cat 2 so you should be perfectly fine”. WELL HE WAS WRONG! I ran 5 miles with him, keeping up with him the whole time, and we even dropped another good runner that was with us. Problem is, I “overran” my abilities I believe, and now I can hardly walk, lol. What’s the best way to get rid of this leg pain? I rode my trainer for 1.5 hours last night, but this morning I hurt worse. Should I take it easy today, or go run a mile-ish to work it out?

LOL! Tincture of time will work out DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness). A hard run will hurt the quads/calves a lot more than a hard century huh! No real evidence to suggest anything that will “speed up” this process, but you can try a good massage, the stick, acid buffers, etc.

I figured that would be the deal, lol…I am walking like an old person right now…I’m trying to “make” myself walk normal to try and work some of it out, and am massaging my legs every little bit. Guess I just gotta wait it out.

I would suggest an ice bath and massage. The ice will help to reduce all the inflammation in your muscles, joints, etc.
Riding is the best way to loosen the muscles so get in some easy spinning, no running just yet.

Unless you are coming up on a deadline for a running event you are targeting, then DON’T run any more until the pain is gone. Just cycle.
Being a CAT 2 cyclist means that you were more likely to get hurt than a couch potato…and your runner friend should have known this. He might have been trying to hurt you. (can you say practical joke?)

Your cardio system is in shape enough to do that run and more…but your legs are as used to running as the 400lb 60 year old down the street. Big mistake.

When/if you restart running, limit yourself to 1 mile per day the first week, then if you feel OK 2 miles per day the next week…and gradually increase in that fashion. It takes longer to train your bones/tendons to become stronger than it does muscles or cardiovascular system.

VERY good information my friend! I learn something every day! I do understand that I’m definitely not in any shape to run as compared to cycling. I don’t think he thought about it hurting me like that, as he’s a good friend who wouldn’t do something “just for kicks”. Regardless, if I wanted to jump in the occasional 5k run locally, would running at least once a week for only a mile (on top of the 20ish hours a week i’ll be riding) help me by way of future “running encounters”?

VERY good information my friend! I learn something every day! I do understand that I’m definitely not in any shape to run as compared to cycling. I don’t think he thought about it hurting me like that, as he’s a good friend who wouldn’t do something “just for kicks”. Regardless, if I wanted to jump in the occasional 5k run locally, would running at least once a week for only a mile (on top of the 20ish hours a week i’ll be riding) help me by way of future “running encounters”?

Yes it would. After running 1-2 times per week for a month you will be able to handle the stresses of running 5k races with no problem. You can put in 2-3 miles 2 days per week and use your cycling to provide most of your cardio fitness. You should have no problem then running 20-25 minutes for 5k (depends on your age and overall athleticism).