Running newbie - Calf TIGHT.

bharr228

Hey, everyone. I'm 33y.o., 5'11", 160. Recently stopped smoking and have been walking/jogging off and on for months now, so I figured I'd try the C25K out. I started this workout and my shins were killing me and assumed it was my Reebok Reflex (too tight and definitely worn out) . I got a pair of Asics gel-lyte 33 and decided to try again. Now, the problem seems to have shifted to my calves and I can't even "go" on the treadmill for as long as I could. After only about 15 minutes into the first workout, my calves couldn't get any tighter. My legs always seem to be tight and I definitely try stretching and have been using a foam roller to no avail. I am beginning to think I'm just not cut out for this. I'm starting to get very frustrated. I am walking at a speed of 3. 3.5 is a brisk walk for me...I started out running at 5.5-6, but bumped that down to a 4 to see if that would help. So, even with 3 walk and 4 jog, I can't do it because everytime I try it seems like I'm going to get a Charleyhorse (sp.? - hahaha). I think what is most frustrating is that I don't seem to be getting winded at all and smoking for 15 years, I figured that's where my problem would be...I feel like I could go further and faster if my calves would cooperate. I'm thinking it may be the shoes, but like I said my old ones seemed to be causing shin splints. I would like to be professionally fitted at a running store, but since I live in BFE (middle of nowhere), the closest running store is 2 hours away. Any pointers or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.