aches

[Sweder]

Yup.
To expand on that, I find my legs start complaining just about the time I realise I need to get changed to go out. They moan and groan when I tie up my laces, and they wail uncontollably when I open the front door.

Like you, though, I find the aches and strains dissappear after a mile or so (after around 15 minutes). I suffer most in the mornings after a run the day/ night before.

I had an interesting experience on holiday in Dorset last Summer.
Waking one morning in my caravan in Ringstead Bay, I was inspired by the beauty of my surroundings and the gentle sea breeze, pulled on my runners for the first time since FLM 04 and jogged along the beach for a mile or so. I climbed a steep cliff and continued along the clifftops for a further couple of miles, finishing a 5 mile round trip, by which time I'd worked up a nice sweat (sorry, nasty visuals). I nipped into the sea to cool off, and spent around 20 minutes splashing about and floating in the salt water before showering and relaxing on the beach.

Next morning, when I had every right to expect severe pain, tightness and the certain knowledge that I'll never do THAT again, I awoke - with not a single twinge, anywhere. I reckon there's a fair bit to this ice-bath malarky as deployed post-match by the Rugby boys, but I'll be dashed if I'm going to start all that in January.

Ultimately I think if you remember that you cannot stretch enough before or after a run, and follow the advice therein, that will help. Suprisingly few amateur runners take anywhere near the required time to stretch properly, especially post-run. So I'm told by 'them' (those that run a lot).