Perhaps I’m just not supposed to be a runner!

[Shake-and-run]

I have been running now for over a year. I run 2 or 3 times a week and cycle once or twice a week. I have come to accept that for me it is not going to get any easier and I am not going to get any faster. I can manage 5k reasonably comfortably and have started to work on my endurance by running 10k in intervals (we are now up to running 1.5k walking 0.5k) and I do enjoy the companionship of fellow runners (even if some of the time I am simply running after them not with them). It is a great way to get out in the fresh air and I do like the jazzy leggings. However I am now tormented with pain in my calves. They start to burn after about two kms. If I drop down to a walk the pain eases and I can run again in less than half a km. As the run progresses it does seem to get better. I am thinking this must be something to do with lactic acid build up so I have tried compression socks and increasing my water intake. I have tried to make sure I stretch and/or walk to warm up before starting my run, but nothing seems to be working. Cycling is my passion, but I was hoping to be able to enjoy running (particularly on days when cycling is not an option) Perhaps I am just not cut out to be a runner.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

I am now 74, I started cycling at age 7 when I was on holiday and have cycled, apart from a short break when I was in my 20's ever since, however, over the last few years I have not cycled nearly as much as I used to, once a week during the BST times, late March to late October, during the winter months I go long walks.

I began C25K in April 2018 and graduated 2 months later in June.

So I do know the difference between the two disciplines, for you to enjoy your running take them all slow and steady, I think it is very good to be able to walk, run and bike ride.

[Killerblue Graduate10]

Well done for continuing 👍🎄 just wondering what your pace is as, in spite of you saying you don’t believe you will get any faster, maybe your pace is too fast for you 🤔 I am very slow but I’ve just managed 10k and, although it was hard I still enjoyed it 🏃‍♀️🤶🏻. You say the pain goes after you have stopped then can start again. Maybe slow down more and don’t try to keep up with others. I follow the Japanese Slow Jogging and it works for me. Just a thought 🤗 is the speed that important 🤗

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Have you considered what shoes you wear when you’re not running? I’m only asking because the only time I got calf aches is when I wore totally flat shoes, which was very rare as I know I need some kind of heel. Although reading your post again it seems odd that your calves feel better the further you run. Are you foam rolling them? A tennis ball is great for massaging calves too or you could try a self-massage. Failing all that, what about a sports massage?

Or, maybe it’s time to book a physio appointment if you can.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

I agree with Killerblue , look at your pace. Who says you should run faster? My neighbours run a mile way faster than I run a km, even pushing the baby buggy at the same time as they run uphill, good for them. Both they and I get the same enjoyment from our runs and cheer each other on, I just get to run longer each time🤣 happy running 🤗

[IannodaTruffe Graduate10]

Stretching immediately after every run, nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/h... while muscles are still warm and supple, pulls out contractions, avoiding carrying tensions into the next run and also improves recovery by improving blood flow, as recommended in the guide to the C25k plan.

Many people do not hold their stretches for long enough or put enough effort in. Hold post run stretches for 30 seconds and make sure the pull is strong enough to be on the verge of discomfort.

Do not do these static stretches pre run.........that should be dynamic streteches.

How is your hydration? As a runner you need to drink a minimum of 2.5 -3 litres of fluid each and every day, running or not.

You might try a foam roller or compression socks.

[Katnap Graduate10]

You may be missing parkrun Shakes.Be safe and takeke care of you and yours. And fingers crossed, vaccinations for Covid 19 will become more plentiful in the not too distant future.

🎄🐱 Xmas Katnap 🐱🎄

[Katnap Graduate10 in reply to Katnap]

Echoing Ian's comments above, compression socks aid recovery of calf muscles.

[Birdlady64 Graduate10]

Not sure about compression socks but I can vouch for calf compression sleeves, especially on longer runs. I got no fatigue at all after using those. Defo dynamic stretches pre run and static afterwards. I can also recommend a foam roller

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

You’ve had some great advice here shake-and-run. UTS also wears compression socks for his calves.

I’ll just say , stick with it, you are a runner. I am sure that when there is a new normal , things will fall back into place again.