Sore legs: causes and remedies

http://www.yourrunning.com/forum-sore_legs_need_advice

Q: I have been training off and on for a 5k (that's in a week from today) mostly running 1.25 miles each time. (My neighborhood loop is that long and it's easy)I am about 60 lbs overweight, and the 1.25 miles have never done much damage to me except wind me. But, the last two times I have gone, my legs (knee and below) have gotten very sore and weak. I have not done anything different than all my other runs. What is the problem? What do I need to change/take?

simon says:
My first thought would be shoes, too. You may have worn yours out. Even if they look OK the cushioning has probably gone. For first-aid, soak your legs in ice. Or water as cold as you can stand it.

lgrem says:
Your problems could come from a number of areas. My first advice to you is to make sure that you are running in quality shoes. Good shoes can make the difference between a good run and a painful run. I suggest you go to a specialty running store for some professional advice. Shoes bought at sporting goods store are still quality shoes, but if you require a stability shoe and are running in a neutral shoe (for example), you may not be helping the problem. Go to your local running store and find out the type of shoe required for you particular run style. It may cost a few dollars more, but if you find a good shoe that fits you well, it is worth the cost. I ran in four different kinds of shoes before I found a pair that I am really comfortable in.

Also, keep track of the miles on your shoes. After 300 - 350 miles, they begin to break down and this can also cause problems.