Too sore to get a good workout?

Following the advice I have read on here, I switched my excersise routine two weeks ago.  I used to do 5 days of cardio and two of those days I would do just one set of weights.  Now I am trying to get more out of my workouts by not combining them- so 3 days cardio (45 min) and 2 days weights (45 min).  Well it must be working because lately I've been too sore to run at all for cardio!  Yesterday I could not run for more than 5 minutes and I was so disapointed.  I LOVE the running high, and I ended up walking at different inclines for 30 minutes and the elliptical for another 15.  I got my 45 minutes in at least but I feel like I didn't get a good enough workout at all.  I am assuming my body will eventually get used to my new lifting routine- but what do I do in the meantime?  Run Day, Weights Day, 2 rest days, run day?  Or maybe I should just push myself because then my body will get used to it faster... or maybe I'll be sore forever???     

I think it's time for you to redefine your goals and to create a workout plan that will help you acheive those goals.

The soreness will get better.  Your body has to get used to it.  That includes muscles, nerves, tendons and ligaments.  That a lot of stuff.  Don't worry in a couple of weeks you will be wondering what you are doing wrong cause you don't really get sore anymore  lol

I have also notices that drinking a protein shake after a weight session helps decrease the soreness a little and don't forget to stretch every day

Um... I thought it was implied that I had redefined my goals and hence created a new workout plan just two weeks ago?  My goal is to lose 10 pounds (after losing 20), although now I am focusing more on building muscle so even if I don't lose much weight at least I will be more trim and fit. 

Also thanks for the sympathy and protein shake tip agana!   

It was the part about focusing on muscle building and not weight loss that I missed.  From the above then I would recommend having your off days be the days immediately after the weight training days to allow for recovery.  I'm sure others will have different opinions.

Greenpea88: I highly recommend that you should also have a second look at your diet. I made a big mistake in the past few months by adding weight training to my workout routine without adding anything to my diet. Now, I have lost some muscles and feel a bit weak. I have to deal with that. so my advice to you is to add protein, increase your cals a bit and don't be afraid to do that because you burn a lot of cals. good luck.

I have 3 suggestions....

First, like others posted here, make sure you're getting protein (at least 20g.) within an hour after your weight training.  Your body will need it to repair the muscles you just worked.

Second, make sure you get good rest.  I agree with the previous post that you should take your rest days on days immediately following weight training.  As your body becomes more acclomated to the routine, this might not be necessary, but for now, it seems advisable.  Also, your muscles don't grow when you work them.  They grow when they repair themselves, so give them the time to do so.

Last, make sure you're getting enough water.  I typically drink up to half gallon before during and immediately after a good workout.  That's a lot, but you can see where I'm going.  In order to get the good stuff to your muscles and the bad stuff out, you need to have good hydration.  If, by chance, you get a headache the day after a workout, it's a slam dunk that you're dehydrated.  It won't always happen that you get a headache, but its a great indicator.

Hang in there.  It'll get better.

Michael

Like has already been mentioned, add protein, get enough water, and REST as needed.  Having said that, I add the following recommendations:

1) Glutamine -- it helps muscle recovery and protects joints.  My personal trainer swears by the stuff, and I find that it really does make a difference.  I get berry-flavored stuff at GNC (it's powdered) and throw it into a protein shake immediately after a workout

2) Give your body some time to adapt to the new workout schedule.  Your muscles won't be as sore once they get used to the increased strength training.

3) Cross-train!!! -- running is HARD on the body.  In fact, a lot of doctors tell people to NOT run.  Personally, I couldn't stop even if I wanted to, but I do not solely run for my cardio the way I used to.  If you find you're too sore to run, take a spinning class or spend some time on a stationanry bike or the elliptical.  It actually ends up making you a stronger runner overall because you're training different muscles.

4) Listen to your body.  Part of weight training is stripping the muscles down so they can build back up stronger.  If you over do it, you aren't letting the process happen as well as it could be.  If you're too sore to do cardio, then take a day off.  The world isn't going to end.  Chalk it up to a recovery day, go for a leaisurely walk, and enjoy yourself!

If you have access to a sauna or whirlpool I suggest using one or the other.  It really helps with muscle soreness.  If you don't have access to either of those a nice HOT bath will do wonders for you.  The soreness does get better in time.  I might also suggest an extra day of rest from working out.  Pamper yourself somehow. The great thing is it does get better the more you do it.