DOMS stands for delayed onset muscle soreness, aka the pain you feel a day or two after exerting yourself in a hard workout. DOMS will likely be part of your life if you're new to running — oh, the quads — but you can also experience it after an intense run or cross training in a new way. The pain is caused by microtears in the muscles you worked, which create inflammation and tender spots. Active rest, like walking or swimming or casual cycling (read: not a quick pace nor a ride with lots of hill climbing) can help by just getting blood flowing to the sore areas. If you're really feeling it, NASIDS, like ibuprofen, can help too. Here are more tips for dealing with DOMS.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kat Borchart