Thigh soreness

[sarahgregory]

I played hockey for the first time in 12 years last weekend. I am reasonably fit. I walk and cycle however haven't ran like that for a long time. I felt OK for a couple of days - a lot better than I thought I would. However by the 4/5 day the front of my thighs are very sore and tight. I tried to play again at the weekend and they are very tight and I found it hard to run.

Should I continue to play and work my muscles or should they be rested. I did stretch beforehand and warmed up and warmed down. If I now stretch that muscle it does hurt.

[Heidi]

It is usual to experience some discomfort after playing a sport like that if you haven't played in a long time.
The question is, is it more than just that?
I would recommend lots of stretching and some deep tissue massage.
Maybe you should build up to playing a full match as well! Start playing only half a match or something until you get a bit more used to it!