Sore calves

[Jaxdreamer]

I should have started week 5 today but my calves are still sore from Friday. I do get a lot of pain in my calves when I run which stops as soon as I walk - well normally. I don't want to run and make it worse - any suggestions?

Hope you are all having a good Easter.

[jamsammich Graduate]

Look up some stretches for your calves and shins, if you have a foam roller give them a roll or use a couple of tennis balls inside a tied sock.

Run a little bit slower and see if it lessens for a couple of runs.

There's nothing wrong with an extra couple of days rest either, you won't lose any of your progress over a day or 2. I hope they feel better soon.

[Jaxdreamer Graduate in reply to jamsammich]

Thanks, will investigate foam roller - never heard of such things as I am new to this running malarkey .

[jamsammich Graduate in reply to Jaxdreamer]

I got mine in Aldi for £7.99! Lidl and Aldi have good, cheap sports items periodically as part of their best buys, keep an eye out!

There's always ebay and amazon though.

[Rignold]

Foam roller. Hydration. Warm up properly. Do some ancilliary exercise - calf raises etc. Stretching, while good and necessary for joints, will not do anything for muscles.

Don't worry. Muscle aches and soreness are part of the deal. You're not likely to do any damage.

One of the big learning curves at the beginning is differentiating between soreness, (which is just something that happens, and will continue to happen forever - yippee!) and PAIN which is an indicator of injury. It's not the degree of discomfort that is the distinction. Soreness and DOMS can be quite extreme - just ask any marathoner the day after they have run or a bodybuilder who cannot get on or off the loo the day after Leg Day. But injury pain is usually quite unmistakable - sharp, stabbing, acute.

The delicious self-inflicted pain of the foam roller is another ballgame altogether.

[Jaxdreamer Graduate in reply to Rignold]

You are really selling me this running malarkey! Ha ha! Def more sore and stiff rather than pain. Shall try some calf raises etc. And investigate foam roller. Thanks

[davelinks Graduate]

If you're experiencing muscle soreness, time is your best ally, wait a few days to rest your muscles, and when you go back to the same exercise, you'll probably find your muscles have adapted and you won't be as sore the next time around.

[Jaxdreamer Graduate in reply to davelinks]

Thanks, didn't know whether to have another go tomorrow but will probably leave it then.

[misswobble Graduate]

As you get stronger the niggles will go away. Just go very steadily and you'll be ok

Hi Jammy! (waves)

[Jaxdreamer Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Thanks, I will have to start listening to my body.