I started the couch to 5K and today should be my second shot at jogging. My quads are still really sore. Should I run or give them another day? What can I do to prevent them from being this sore...or do I just need to toughen up? Please help, thanks :-)

stretching before and after running is important. you can try running again, but if the soreness gets even worse, then you need to stop for a week or so and go easier on them next time. bad shoes can also lead to a lot of pain but not usually in the quads.

Stretch! But don't stretch before working out. WARM UP, then stretch, and THEN work out. Stretching cold muscles before warming up can lead to pulled/torn muscles. Also ALWAYS stretch after your work out.

You're going to be sore in the beginning.. but you will get used to it. I say toughen up... keep goin! Unless you get shin splints... be careful with those! When my shins hurt I would switch out the treadmill for the elliptical. It was a lot less stressful on my legs.

Good advice, thanks

The soreness eventually goes away. Within a week or two. You might get a little sore every so often, but it will never be as bad as the first time (unless you quit it for a good amount of time.)

If you feel too sore to run, take an extra day. I find that running helps a good deal with soreness. An extra day rest makes your next couple runs a lot easier too I've found.

Thats good to know, thanks. It was hard as hell, but I look forward to doing it again. I haven't felt that proud of myself in awhie :-)