Calf muscle pain whilst running - stretching i... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

133,667 members159,165 posts

Calf muscle pain whilst running - stretching issue?

georun profile image
4 Replies

Hi!

I've just started Week 6 of the Couch to 5K plan, however, I realised that during my last run of W5 and this first one about a quarter of my way in my lower leg muscles really ache and are in pain - and I've had to stop becuase of that pain rather than being out of breath, which is leaving my disappointed.

I was wondering if anybody else has suffered with this - and what the problem is/how to avoid it? 

Before running I do stretch, I do leg swings and walking lunges - what do you do to stretch before and cool down?

Written by
georun profile image
georun
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
4 Replies
misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

Try stretching afterwards rather than before.  I do warm ups before leaving the house so am hot by the time I hit the street for the warm up walk.  I do high knees walking in the spot for a count of 30, arm circles, jump rope ( without the rope), skaters, jumping jacks.  I do that routine twice.  I do my brisk cool down walk and then stretch properly when I get home.  I stretch my calves, gastroc,  arms, shoulders, hamstrings, neck, quads and lean over sideways to stretch the obliques.  For your calves, as well as calf and gastroc stretch, you can use your stairs to do calf raises and then into a heel drop.  Do them very slowly so you get a deep stretch. Do all your stretching slowly and carefully, and not too far that it hurts.   It should feel good ☺

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate

Do these after your run and use a foam roller for your calves. It really helps.

nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate

Another vote for the foam roller! 

Ullyrunner profile image
UllyrunnerGraduate

I do dynamic stretching as you describe before the run but always work through the stretches on this site afterwards. I find it really helps prevent stiffness - give them a try. Foam roller definitely helps with aches - although it is a form of exquisite torture.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Beginners calf pain

Hi all, I am completely new to running and did my first week run on Monday for Couch to 5K. I did a...

Calf muscle pain

Hi I was referred here by the good people over at MoneySavingExpert that you guys might be able to...

Calf muscle pain

I've started the C25K a couple of timessince the winter but can never manage more than a few runs...

Calf muscle tightness and pain

Week 3 day 1. I Was running well until 2 minutes into the final 3 minute run - my calf muscles so...

Question about calf pain

We've done week 6 run 2 and went a nice slow and steady pace. Since I've started this programme...