calves on FIRE?

tameko2

So I'm in week 4 and on that first 5 minute run my calves are like LIVING FLAME towards the end. the burn dissipates and I dont' tend to get it on the second 5 minute run (which I do run a LOT slower).

There are hills along our route but they're not new to me or anything.

Am I doing something wrong?

sgoldman328

Maybe try icing them after the run is over? What's that acronym -- RICE -- Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.... try that for twenty minutes if it hurts after your next run?

tameko2

Theyr'e fine afterwards, thats what is so weird.

Lesley2800

It could be your shoes. You might want to get properly fitted if you haven't already.

tameko2

what kind of gait/foot problem could cause that? Like what do you think I would need to work on? I don't wear shoes and I loathe them so if I can work on my stride instead of buying shoes I'd prefer that.

nopeekiepeekie

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_5/196.shtml

Pain in the Mid-Calf
(Soleus muscle pain)

Description:
Dull aching pain in the middle of your calf. If the pain is low and near the heel, you may have Achilles tendinitis instead.

Likely causes:
The soleus muscle, which runs between the two heads of the big calf muscle, often takes more of a beating than the larger muscle because it acts first when you use your calf muscles. This injury is an overuse injury, plain and simple, and one that may have been aggravated by too much hill work.

Remedy:
To help the pain, ice the area immediately after running. You can use either a store-bought cold pack or a frozen wet towel. Ice for 10 or 15 minutes. To reduce inflammation, take an aspirin or ibuprofen at mealtime.

Stretching is the main prescription here. Do wall pushups religiously -- several times a day and especially before and after running.

Also, try putting some heel lifts in your regular shoes as well as your running shoes. You can find these in the footcare section of your local drug store or simply use makeup sponges.

Back off on your mileage for a few days, and don't try to run through the pain. Give your legs a little time to mend.

TexasNana41

I had the same problem for a while. Several people said not to stretch cold muscles, but others did stretching beforehand. I found that stretching my calves lightly, but thoroughly, helped. Some people stretch after the 5 minute warm-up and then continue with the run. I am starting week 8 on Sunday. The calves still occasionally bother me, but not much since I started the stretching. It may also have been water? I started drinking more right before going out.