Calf pain...

Julie7741

So... I've got a pain in the calf!! It is not excruciating, but usually starts about 5 minutes into my run, persists throughout, and stays sore for the rest of the evening. It's always in the same spot- low, like at the bottom of the muscle, but not at the ankle.

I don't think it's torn, or anything like that, but it feels very tight when it gets like this. I usually stretch before, and stop and stretch when it hurts. I'm pushing through it right now, but I've pulled that calf before and I don't want to do that again!!

Does anyone have suggestions for how to further help? I don't want to stop running if I can avoid it.

Thanks-
Julie

rduhlir

It is your muscle adjusting to the new implacts. Happened to me for the first month. Go slow, take one extra day of rest if you need to. Compression sleeves help me too.

likitisplit

One C25ker months and months ago had to stop and stretch during the "walk" breaks instead of walking because his calves seized up. It was a brilliant solution, he successfully completed the program, and I learned an important lesson from him: I am not afraid to stop a run and stretch for a few minutes if I need to.

Another solution I'd recommend is magnesium gel. It's like an epsom salt bath in a lotion. Rub it on your calf after your evening shower. It'll relax your muscles and make it easier to stretch out your calves.

Finally, warming up was key for me. I do walking lunges (10 each leg), high knees, butt kicks, dynamic calf stretches and leg swings (front/back, side, circle in and circle out)