This is my first post and I need some advice please

[Emmab1]

On my last 2 runs I have had to stop after about 2k as my legs hurt too much, although they feel fine when I start. It's shooting pains up my calves, really painful and I have to stop running and limp home in pain. It wears off after a while and feel fine when walking and cycling. I have no idea what it could be, grateful for any ideas. I've just started training for a 10k, 2 weeks in and it's not going well!

[TrickyRuns]

Hi Emmab1, i'm afraid this sounds like shin splints:

nhs.uk/conditions/shin-spli...

Can usually be treated with rest & ice - but do see your doctor if this doesn't help.

Fingers crossed it won't last too long for you!

[Emmab1 in reply to TrickyRuns]

Thanks, I am hoping it's not because the pains are definitely in the back of my legs, so right in the calf muscle rather than at the front in my shins. I think you're right about the rest and ice. Thanks for the advice.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10]

Hi and welcome Emmab1.

You don't mention your previous running history. How often/far do you normally run and how long have you been at it?

Calf pain can be many things; how's your hydration normally?

Are your calf muscles tight in general?

🤔

[Emmab1 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Hi and thanks for replying. I completed the couch 25k in May last year and have kept it up since but only running about once a week, around 3 or 4k and sometimes less. I decided to aim for a 10k, to motivate me to run more and have been following a plan for 2 weeks, working back up to 5k. I have also started yoga again and wonder if I overstretched my calves in a class the day before and that caused the pains? I do have tight calf muscles from wearing heeled shoes I think. I try to drink lots of water during the day but it's been so hot lately, would that affect it do you think?

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10 in reply to Emmab1]

Muscles need oxygen and water and lots of it. Try to ensure at least 2 litres every day and more the day before your runs.

High heels and poss overdoing the yoga combined with insufficient hydration along with stepping up the running when your legs are no longer used to it could well be it.

If you can try to spend a few mins each night massaging your calves, if you have a massage roller, rolling pin or just with your hands it will pay dividends. (I bang on about massage a lot but it has worked wonders for me) If you wear heels a lot it could be wise to build this into your bedtime routine.

Fingers crossed for you. 🤞

[Emmab1 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

When you say all of those things (heels, too much yoga, dehydration and overdoing the running) it makes perfect sense! I'll give the massage a go, I do have a roller, and will try to drink more too. Thanks and I'll let you know how I get on