Pain while/from running

daydreams_of_pretty

Hi everyone. I have been working out consistently for over ten weeks now doing cardio and strength training. For the first 7-8 weeks most of my cardio was walking, though I also played some tennis (I played in high school and have periodically as an adult) and did some high impact aerobics.

I began jogging occasionally during my walks and started to feel the urge to start running again. I decided to start out slow, with a goal of 10-20 minutes at a time of running and walking. I also don't do it everyday because I'm trying to slowly build until I can run for a solid 30 minutes and can begin training for a half-marathon (I did one in 2011).

Until yesterday, I had not had a problem with this plan. Yesterday I decided to do a short run. Before the run, I walked for 25 minutes at about 4 mph because I didn't plan on running longer than 20 minutes.

As soon as I started to run I started to feel pain in my calves, but not in the usual location of shin splits (which I've experienced before, having played tennis/previously been a runner). It feels like it's in the muscle in the back of my calves (both), as well as on the insides. I have extra pain near the front of the inside that might be shin splints, though it feels different from every other time I've had them. Actually, I had them my first week on MFP after playing some aggressive tennis two days in a row.

At first I thought I was a bit sore, but ended up limping back home. It actually hurt so bad that I wasn't completely sure that I was going to make it back up my driveway on two legs. Afterwards, I stretched, drank some water, and ate a banana. This morning I expected to be all crippled, but I'm just mildly sore. I can walk fine and everything.

The lack of pain this morning also made me doubt shin splints because every other time I've gotten them I've limped around for a few days while they healed. I can tell that if I tried to run today (which I won't) that the pain would return, but I'm not sure what's up.

I don't think I've progressed too quickly considering that I've been slowly ramping up my exercise goals. I think I have really strong calf muscles and currently exercise them. I drink a ton of water. Any thoughts or similar experiences?

daydreams_of_pretty

Also, I don't know if this matters, but my legs are slightly short.

onefortyone

Are you stretching before and after your workouts? For me, stretching makes or breaks how I feel during/after a run. Sometimes I'll even just stretch my shins/calves while watching TV if a commercial comes on. The days I haven't stretched enough I really pay for it after a run!

uconnwinsnc1

Bad shoes? Just an off day? If it isn't something that is consistently hurting I wouldn't worry about it.

daydreams_of_pretty

Thanks. I do stretch, and the pain just started happening. I guess I'm just confused about what it is, how long I will need to wait before running again, and how I can prevent it going forward. I do think I need new shoes.

SLHysell

It doesn't sound like an injury as much as it sounds like really sore or cramping muscles. I agree with the advice to stretch. Also, you may need to have more hydration. I think I'd give it a day of rest and go out and try again. I have always had pain in the back of my calves when I run over 3 or 4 miles. Stretching before (No bouncing) and after the run helps a lot. When mine hurt they feel like there s big painful rock in the back of each calf. It clears up in a day or two though.

Don't forget hydrate, hydrate, hydrate...

~~ Scott