Sore legs / something good?

[_PBH_]

This week will conclude two months of rowing for me. I continue to improve my performance on nearly each row - whether that be a little quicker pace, a little further distance, a longer (time) row, or better heart rate. I feel like I'm making progress. I should probably stop looking at things (like weight) every day.

Anyway -- I rowed for 45 minutes on Saturday. I try to keep a 2:18 pace (or close to it) at around 18 SPM. I watch my HR and hope to see it stay in the 150's for the majority of the row. By 36:00 I start watching the distance, and my HR starts to climb. I can't help but see the distance and start thinking "I can pull a 10k if I push it...". So I did. I pulled hard for the last 5:00.

I spent the rest of the day working on my ATV. That evening I notice my legs are sore. On Sunday I notice that my legs really are sore! My quads, hams, glutes, and calves are all sore - probably quads and hams mostly. I rowed again this morning (Monday) for 30 minutes, 2:18 pace, 18 SPM, HR <160.

anyway -- I'm kind of rambling. I'm guessing that on that 45 minute pull, I probably went a little too hard to finish it up (HR did jump up to 185)? maybe that's not a bad thing? Being a little sore should probably indicate that I'm making myself work - right? I'm finding that getting up at 4:50am to row is just part of the routine. March is next.

[Dangerscouse]

Yep. I think if they are a 'good' sore then you're working harder and it's a good sign, especially as you must have focused on pushing with your legs to speed up rather than pulling with arms / back.

The tangible increases in pace, distance HR are all very worthwhile tracking. Weight isn't in my opinion, but that's just me.

Well done on the progress. Keep on pushing for more

[JerekKruger]

Sounds like a classic case of DOMS, particularly the fact it felt worse the next day. Nothing to worry about, it'll pass soon and continuing to exercise is one of the best ways to speed the recovery. The good news is you probably won't get it next time you push hard like that.

[lindsayh]

yes I agree sounds like DOMS to me and that is good not bad as it happened the next day not at the time.

[_PBH_]

The symptoms certainly point to DOMS.

It's already going away. Don't get me wrong -- I'm not complaining. Sure, muscle soreness isn't pleasant, but it's also not a bad thing to notice.

[JerekKruger]

Indeed, it's a very different pain to, say, aching due to having a fever and whilst still uncomfortable is almost enjoyable

[Citroen]

It's less than pleasant on day two on the ski slopes with another six days ahead of you.

[_PBH_]

It's less than pleasant on day two on the ski slopes with another six days ahead of you.

Heading out on a 15 miler day-hike on Thursday. No trail -- pure bushwhacking through the red-rock canyons (and sand dunes!) of the south-west. I'm guessing I'll be feeling some leg strain when (if?) we make it back to the truck...

(lost signal on a bear collar. Going to see if that's because the bear found a nice cave to hibernate, or something else wrong. )

[Dangerscouse]

Indeed, it's a very different pain to, say, aching due to having a fever and whilst still uncomfortable is almost enjoyable

Yep. Apart from intense legs doms when you struggle to walk up stairs etc, I love it

[Parky]

I've posted this before and I'll probably post it again.
Get yourself a Power Plate or Vibro Power and you will find it an ideal way to massage your aches away.
I advised Anth to try it and he seems to use it regularly on his daily workouts. Anth, please update us.

[_PBH_]

legs are sore again today -- but that's because of the 13 miles of hiking yesterday with my 10lb pack. Up and down, up and down, up and down through sand washes, in and out of scree sandstone canyons, across windblown sagebrush covered sand dunes, and up and over redrock ledges.....my legs are beat!


This is exactly why I've started rowing. And, I have to say, I think it's helping. Most notably on the recovery. Pushing up a sandy hill where you go two steps forward, but lose one step to the sand, gets those calves and quads burning and your heart bumping. But the recovery at the top seemed to come more quickly. Just in time to take on that next hill / wash / dune. I love this!



(are pictures allowed / appropriate? I'd love to share some pics of the hike...)

[Citroen]

Stick pictures on https://imgur.com stick the BBCode Imgur creates on here.

[_PBH_]

Here's one:



You can look at a few others here:

https://imgur.com/ifqdQTe
https://imgur.com/1DaTktV

[_PBH_]

two more:

https://imgur.com/kZRiJYD
https://imgur.com/7rBlEfF

[H2O]

(lost signal on a bear collar. Going to see if that's because the bear found a nice cave to hibernate, or something else wrong. )

Check if you are inside the bear.
A very beautiful area with no civilization in sight. Something hard to get in the densely populated countries in Europe.