Calves of Steel...

[EverTheOptimist]

...knees of rubber!

I've just completed W3R2, and must admit to being pleasantly surprised that I can run for 3 minutes, without completely disintegrating. However, I do feel a bit of a fraud at the moment, as I'm only running on a treadmill at the gym and haven't hit the streets yet. I'm intending to wait until after Christmas (which should take me to around week 6 or 7) and treating myself to a pair of 'proper' shoes in January.

One thing I'm struggling with is that my calves seize up during my warm-up walk. I normally spend 5 minutes gentle cycle before 10 minutes stretching, prior to the start of Laura's dulcet tones. Today I switched to the cross-trainer for my 5 minute warm-up, and this helped improve things a little. Hopefully, it's just a question of my body slowly adjusting, and my calves will ease off given time - unless anyone has any tips on how to shortcut this?

Happy holidays and all that!

[misswobble Graduate]

I'm no expert at this but I've not had cramps, stitch or shin splints so must be doing something right LOL! Maybe you're doing too much. Laura just says do a brisk 5 minute walk before you start running, and then the 5 minute brisk walk at the end

Try that and see how you get on.

[Jenwrenarm Graduate]

I'm no expert either but having done two runs out of the programme on a treadmill it IS different and works different muscles. It's so flat compared with the lie of the pavement, incline etc. maybe that's what works all the bits and pieces? Could you not try doing the 5 minutes warm up walk outside and then switch to the treadmill for your run? Perhaps park 5 inutes away and walk to the gym? Just a thought!

[Mummysaurus Graduate]

No expert here.......but a lot of more experienced runners would say that the only stretches you should be doing before running would be dynamic stretches which are done on the move and not to do static stretches, so that may be worth looking at, also as the others have said you really only need to do a brisk 5 min walk before running and this can be done on the treadmill just at a slower speed. I did a lot of my longer runs on a treadmill and it was also suggested to me that you can benefit from putting the treadmill at a 1% incline this makes it more like running outside. As you are getting tight calf muscles before you have even started running I would maybe look at your speed, are you going too fast and also are you wearing the right shoes? Not sure if you are male/female but I also found that going from my work shoes with 3" or so heels to flat running shoes gave me really tight calf muscles in the early stages.

[EverTheOptimist Graduate]

Thanks for the replies. Mummysaurus, last time I wore heels was for Rocky Horror about 25 years ago. I think my wife might have one or two questions if I started borrowing hers!

I think I'll try cutting out the additional warm-up and stretch for W3R3 on Thursday and see how I go. Wish me luck!

[Mummysaurus Graduate]

Lol well at least now we know it wasn't the heels I was probably in the row behind you waving my lighter around!!!

I have a very tight right calf which I use a foam roller on or rolling pin or tennis ball in fact anything I can find to roll up and down the leg, works well but only use after running I use it on rest days and also do the stair drop exercise ( you balance on your toes on the edge of the bottom stair then relax and let your heels drop below stair level) hold the stretch don't bounce it........good luck maybe Santa could treat you to a nice sports massage

[nextjenn Graduate]

Hello! I hit calves of steel 2nd week in. Id like to say I can help, but it was really trial and error! I tried more hydration, replenishing salts, stretches, deep heat, extra support, rest, insoles and more! All I can say is dont give up. I just kept trying, and if you have a bad day dont push past a sensible limit. I found it subsided week 6+. I know that seems a long way of but it does go when you adjust. I use a microwavable wheat bag to warm my muscles when they play up so might be worth a go? I had cramps and days where it stopped me but now its only every other month! Wishing you all the luck!

[EverTheOptimist Graduate]

Thanks nextjenn. Did W3R3 today. Calves still tightening up during the initial 5 minute walk, but *slightly* more bearable this time. Pulse rate not getting quite so high, running a bit faster (8 km/h) as this is actually less effort than running slower! Does this mean it's all actually working?

I swiped my son's toy foam baseball bat this evening and spent the last half hour rolling it up and down the backs of my legs. It seems to have done the trick, so on to week 4!

[nextjenn Graduate in reply to EverTheOptimist]

I find running much easier than walking when my pf is bad, so it makes perfect sense to me! The important part is you are committed and still going out. Never push past the pain too much, listen to your body and go from there. I completely understand, but it is possible and you will get there Good luck with week 4!