Ouch

[GillPower]

Just done 5/2. My calf muscles are really sore. They caught fire half way round.

What can I do?

[amireallydoingthis Graduate]

I'm suffering with same, but only on week 2! I rested and put ice on after run and it's on the mend now but I won't run today as others have advised me to rest a bit longer, so possibly Thursday or Friday for next run. Someone suggested massaging injury with foam roller (from Amazon). Not sure what that is but i'm going to take a look. Good luck and speedy recovery!

[BrightYangThing]

I am starting cautiously due to propensity of a 'ping' from left calf (left thigh is weak so gets overloaded). Foam rollers are useful for all sorts of tight muscles but if you have a tennis ball (needs to be firm but with some give) try rolling that as hard as you can across muscles. Those nobbly balls you use in tumble dryer might work but a bit unforgiving at first. Even hard massage with hand will help.

Main suggestion is to take it easy, do a long walking warm up getting faster over a good few minutes before starting to jog/run. Also try and ensure you are running correctly. Easiest if someone else who knows watches you. This is useful news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/he... (apols if this is covered in app - am just downloading it and currently only on treadmill to build stamina and muscle tolerance.

[BrightYangThing]

Another thought. Are you female? Do you ever wear heels? Calf muscles shorten. Pay attention to stretching calves/Achilles as often as possible in flat shoes/bare feet. What I do is, when I go up or down stairs, take a minute and do 5 stretches each time like this:

Stand on bottom stair facing up and holding on. With front half of foot on stair slowly let heels drop and calves stretch. Feel it. Don't bounce but hold for about 20 seconds then raise to toes and do it again - 5 times. Do that 10 times a day. And always warm up slowly before starting to run. HTH

[GillPower Graduate in reply to BrightYangThing]

Thank you. Did this this morning. Caused a bit of a pile up on the stairs but hey!! X

[amireallydoingthis Graduate]

Good idea BrightYangThing. My calf still sore from monday so will try the stair thing over the weekend and leave my next run till monday next week