Beginner runner having constant calf pain- is it normal?

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Replies

  • jolieblossom
    jolieblossom Posts: 97
    Very normal-- stretch,stretch, stretch..

    +1 Alot of people think they stretch enough and, in fact, don't as much as the body would like.

    I thought my stretching routine was good until I started to go over 10k. After awhile I'd be limping for a week. Now I do a full five minutes of leg/back stretches before and after. Any less and I'll be limping for a week and not running for two weeks.

    I stretch for about 20 minutes every day including rest days. And always effort and after working out.
  • Mobilemuscle
    Mobilemuscle Posts: 945 Member
    1. Hydration
    2. Proper running form and joint function
    3. Proper soft tissue mobility( smash those heel chords/plantar fascia/calves/ anterior tib/quads/upper hamstring), dont do isometric neutralization stretches of your hamstrings and think thats all it takes
    4. Build up your tolerance over time
    5. Nutrition pre and post running


    Good luck! running is THE most often injured activity the human body can undertake. Learn as much as you can and do it right!

    :)
  • cassandrac1983
    cassandrac1983 Posts: 29
    Good for you for sticking with the program through the pain!

    I had terrible pains in my calves for the first few months of running - and now I'm running a half-marathon distance!

    GO SLOW. Don't try to run fast. Do the walk-run intervals, and repeat weeks if you have to.

    The bananes will help, and keep drinking all that water.

    As for electrolytes, I too am kind of "afraid" of Gatorade...Get into a sports store, or a running store, and look for electrolyte tablets (like e-Load or Nuun). You control how much you put in your water, and it's less sugars etc....Also, are you drinking ON your runs? That might help..

    GOOD LUCK! :)
  • JamericanBoy
    JamericanBoy Posts: 484 Member
    Coconut water is also an excellent source of Potassium (higher than a banana).
  • rospenno
    rospenno Posts: 1 Member
    Hi if your feet roll inwards you will end up in pain that no bananas can fix. You would need to get shoes that are suitable for pronators, built up in the right places to correct the roll.

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