Injury?

[Mustkeepgoing]

Half way through w2r2 and sharp pain in left calf muscle, tried to keep going but couldn't as was limping 😥

[Hidden]

Are you stretching after your runs? It might be worth stretching before too. Don't be put off - this is all part of the process of learning how your body works and becoming a runner

[Mustkeepgoing]

I haven't been stretching at all to be honest just doing the warm up walk and cool down bit. What kind on stretching would you advise as I'm now limping

[AllieG Graduate in reply to Mustkeepgoing]

Ouch! I suffer with my calves too... The physio I went to see recommends dynamic stretching before running- if you go and have a look at sportinjurymatt.co.uk he has some videos demonstrating what to do, there are calf pumps, calf swings and calf walks. Have a look and good luck, but listen to those pesky niggles!

[Mustkeepgoing]

thanks AllieG Ill take a look, what about running again should I just keep up and try tomorrow kind of run through the pain. My thinking is its just the muscle getting used to running, though not sure why it's only the one leg!

[millwalki8 Graduate]

I has the same issue, bought some running (compression) socks and they have worked wonders (Pain to put on though)

[Mustkeepgoing]

Are they like long socks, only I brought running socks from sports shop, but they are ankle type?

[millwalki8 Graduate]

Long ones, so the hold your calf tight. £5 on Ebay I think?

[misswobble Graduate]

Leave it for another day if it's hurting. Do your stretches after your cool-down walk. I always end up quite a ways from home so always end up having to do quite a goodish walk to get home. That helps stretch the legs out but I still do some stretches too when I get home. You can do some while you walk. One way to stretch your calves out is to walk backwards. I found out quite by accident when I was walking the dog and he was being incredibly slow so I walked backwards so I could keep an eye on him whilst keeping moving. Worked a treat. So I do it now as routine. It's gentle so you can't hurt yourself.

Niggly aches like this are common for new runners. It's because your body is new to these exertions. You'll be ok as you get stronger.

[Mustkeepgoing]

Definitely going to try the walking backwards. My eldest dog is 14 yr so I'm quite good at backwards dog walking and constant stopping!

[the_tea_fairy Graduate]

Try massaging the muscle a but as well. Sometimes helps.

[Peter_B Graduate]

Also make sure you are well hydrated before you run, and drink plenty of water afterwards as well.

[Mustkeepgoing]

So woke feeling ok leg only slightly sore so ( and I know it was probably wrong) but did a w2 run only slowed it down a bit, I completed it so well chuffed but pain is back but no worse than yesterday. No visual swelling but feels slightly tender to touch. Also done plenty of stretching and a little backwards walking. Think it's best to keep going rather than lose the progress I'm making

[sweetsyd Graduate]

I thought I'd posted this as it sounds exactly the same as my problem, same leg too! I've just watched the link to the calf exercises so will give that a go. I've had a week of rest and decided to go back to week 3 today (felt my pain on w4r3) and found walking more painful than running but wore a tubigrip and feeling much better now.