Couch to 5k - Calf Pain

carelessdemaris
carelessdemaris Posts: 14 Member
edited December 3 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey all! First time poster here!

I started Couch to 5k at the end of June to complement my 3x/week kickboxing routine. Unfortunately, after every run I would have horrible pain in my left thigh and calf. I ponied up for some professionally-fitted running shoes and things got a little better. I stopped stretching my thighs after my run and worked hard to correct my form. (I'm guilty of bending from the waist when I run.) I'm really good about stretching everything else before and after every workout. But no matter what I do, if I run as little as a mile my calf ends up really tight and hurting. I've taken a week off from all activity to let it heal, gone out for a light jog and ended the workout with a heating pad on it. Has anyone else experienced this? Do you have any advice? I've signed up for my first 5k on October 1st and I would hate to have to miss it because I can't train.

Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • _Waffle_
    _Waffle_ Posts: 13,049 Member
    The first thing I would try would be to stretch your calf muscles several times a day. A lot of these issues are from calf muscles that are too tight. Other than that just make small easy progressive steps towards running. You'll get there. Don't give up.
  • carelessdemaris
    carelessdemaris Posts: 14 Member
    Thanks for the input! I've been trying to do basic calf stretches throughout the day. It definitely helps me in the moment, but hasn't sped up my recovery time yet. I'll keep at it, though!
  • _Waffle_
    _Waffle_ Posts: 13,049 Member
    It takes time to get accustomed to running. It's all cycles of challenge, rest & recover. The rest part gets easier and easier the more you do this.
  • kingsbud
    kingsbud Posts: 3 Member
    I have been running for about 6-7 years, and at one time I had horrible pain in my Achilles heel area. Physiotherapist advised achilles/calves are usually first to go when your dehydrated. Started drinking more water and added electrolytes to water during runs to stay hydrated. Worked like a charm for me. Maybe it can work for you.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    A couple of other things that may help.

    Buy yourself "The Stick" (it's more aggressive than a foam roller) Apply your heating pad to the affected calf for a few minutes then (it's better if someone can do this for you) roll your calf (towards the knee) to loosen it up.

    0vmfzbqqocib.jpg


    The pain may also relate to calf strength - do calf raises as part of your x-training. If you're not already you should also be working on hip, glue & core strength.... a great, short workout is "Fast Abs" on Runners World.

    runnersworld.com/workouts/lolo-jones-core-workout

    Good luck!
  • carelessdemaris
    carelessdemaris Posts: 14 Member
    kingsbud wrote: »
    I have been running for about 6-7 years, and at one time I had horrible pain in my Achilles heel area. Physiotherapist advised achilles/calves are usually first to go when your dehydrated. Started drinking more water and added electrolytes to water during runs to stay hydrated. Worked like a charm for me. Maybe it can work for you.

    I drink about 6 LaCroix a day, but I need to be better about drinking "real water." This is great advice. Thanks!
  • carelessdemaris
    carelessdemaris Posts: 14 Member
    BrianSharpe wrote: »
    A couple of other things that may help.

    Buy yourself "The Stick" (it's more aggressive than a foam roller) Apply your heating pad to the affected calf for a few minutes then (it's better if someone can do this for you) roll your calf (towards the knee) to loosen it up.

    0vmfzbqqocib.jpg


    The pain may also relate to calf strength - do calf raises as part of your x-training. If you're not already you should also be working on hip, glue & core strength.... a great, short workout is "Fast Abs" on Runners World.

    runnersworld.com/workouts/lolo-jones-core-workout

    Good luck!

    I've heard good things about the foam rollers and have been meaning to give it a try. Thanks!
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