“My Legs Feel Like Bricks”: 5 Things Every Runner in a Training Block Knows

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You signed up. You printed the plan. Now it’s the morning after the longest run of the week, and the stairs look a lot taller than they did yesterday.

If you’re in a training block, you already know these five.

1. The stairs are the real hill workout

Your watch says recovery day. Your legs are making a stronger statement.

2. Tuesday’s easy run isn’t easy

Tight, tired legs carry over, and the next run feels harder than it should. Then it happens again the next week.

3. You own more recovery gear than running shoes

Running shoes, foam roller, compression socks, bottle and Lumivé laid out

Roller. Socks. Bottle. Bag. And you’re wondering if one more thing could possibly add anything.

4. Skipping a run feels worse than sore legs

Runner on a rug after a run with a foam roller beside her

Nobody wants heavy legs to derail the plan. Consistency is the whole point.

5. You’ll try almost any post-run ritual once

Ice. Elevation. That weird stretch from the group chat. If it fits the routine and doesn’t cost you a run, you’ll give it a go.

The ritual to try next

Runner holding Lumivé above the thigh, red light on the leg

Lumivé puts red + near-infrared light in a panel that fits in one hand. After your run, hold it near your legs, press the button and put your feet up. Keep rolling and stretching too.

Add it to your post-run routine

  • Lumivé panel and USB charging cable: $69.99
  • Optional 360° stand for $11.99 if you want your hands free
  • Free US shipping and 30 days to request a return
Get Lumivé
What Lumivé won’t doIt isn’t intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and we can’t promise how your legs will feel. Individual results vary. Have an injury or ongoing pain? See your doctor.

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Try the post-run ritual