Running the next day after working out legs

[lyra]

Not sure if this is the correct section to put this question in but it has to do with weights and I'm a girl

I was wondering about running after doing weights with my legs. Everytime I go to the gym (3-4 times a week) I do about 2-3 miles of cardio on the treadmill before weights: be it fast walking, jogging or running (whatever I feel like mainly). Well yesterday I did that one machine where you lay on your stomach and push up with your leg. Then today I went to the gym again and after jogging for 10 minutes my right leg began to feel a little weird. Like a little sore and I was going to trip or something. It didn't go away and I was worried that I might really trip so I just did a brisk walk instead. Now this could either be from the weights yesterday or from horseback riding earlier today since I did more trotting without stirrups than usual. So I can't say for sure which one it might be from but I was just wondering what other people do as far as running the next day after doing weights with their legs? Do you go ahead and run the next day? Or do you wait a couple or more days before you do? I don't want to do too much and decrease gaining muscle in my legs.

~Nicole

[Fitlitious]

There are a couple of things your can do:

1) lift before you run, which warms up your legs. Be sure to stretch before running.

2) lift after you run. You want to make sure your legs are warmed up, but also stretch properly.

From what I gathered, you used the leg curl machine. This machine works your hamstrings. If the back of you legs felt tight, then you may have lifted too heavy. I would start out at a low weight, but higher reps. You want to build your hamstrings. There is nothing worse than pulling your hamstring. Trust me...I used to be a huge runner, it's painful and messes up your workout plan.

As far as running the next day, yes you can. Depending on how heavy you lift, you should be able to run. Grant it, you may be somewhat sore in the morning, but make sure you stretch your legs. Also, running can also make your legs hurt, depending on the incline, speed, and duration of your run. If you become tired and your formation slacks, your body is going to pay for it--especially in the legs.

Good Luck

[standAPART]

Sounds like your hamstrings were sore. Not uncommon for someone with poor hamstring eccentric strength to be bummed out. I suggest you take a rest day after a leg day in the gym. As you become stronger and more conditioned, your body will be able to take the extra work.