Running-left calf burning

ltfitz89

Hey y'all. I have recently started C25K and I was doing ok until yesterday. I started running and my left calf started burning. When I'm walking is fine but when at soon as I start running it starts burning. What do I need to do to strengthen my left calf do this stops? It's weird because it's only my left leg not both. Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Purplebunnysarah

Have you been fitted for proper shoes?

MeanderingMammal

ltfitz89 wrote: »

Hey y'all. I have recently started C25K and I was doing ok until yesterday. I started running and my left calf started burning. When I'm walking is fine but when at soon as I start running it starts burning. What do I need to do to strengthen my left calf do this stops? It's weird because it's only my left leg not both. Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.

My first thought would be some form of calf stress, possibly related to increasing activity. Do you routinely wear shoes with a significantly raised heel? If you do then the increased load from running shoes might have an effect.

The other potential cause might be a muscle imbalance.

How far into C25K are you, and how much training activity do you do otherwise?

VUA21

Three major reasons & solutions.
1. Shoes. Being fitted for proper running shoes can make such a huge difference.
2. Strength. Stronger leg muscles make running so much easier. Incorporate calf strengthening exercises twice a week or so, it'll take a few weeks to notice the difference, but even if this isn't the case the worst thing that happens is shaplier legs.
3. Hydration. Sometimes, lack of hydration and salt can lead to muscle cramps/soreness. Rare, but can happen.

Cherimoose

Try stretching your calf for 30+ seconds right before you run, and a few times throughout the day too. Only stretch your left. If it helps, your calf is tight (common). Post an update.