Help!

[Jigglemooce]

I need some advice from pros please as I've slowly mNaged to get my way to week 9 usually running huncevince a week but recently twice. At the first run of week 9 my calves started to ache 5 minutes before the end but I linped on and rested a week before run 2. Same thing happened at run 2 so I left it another week and attempted run 3 today. Legs ached a little after warm up walk but then left calf was so painful after just 5 minutes that I couldn't run and ended up limping back home. Is this a sprain or just lack of muscle stretching before and after running and what can I do to repair things. Am gutted as I want to complete the programme and get out there running twice a week. 😢

[roseabi]

You should see a doctor or physio to find out what is wrong, but maybe try shoes with a slightly higher heel to ease the pain, and strengthen your calves with single leg calf raises. Hope you feel better asap!

[Davoda Graduate in reply to roseabi]

Yes definitely get your gait checked on a treadmill at a proper running shop - i.e. NOT Sports Direct/world! you haven't already & if that doesn't work you need to be getting professional advice.

[roseabi in reply to Davoda]

I didn't say anything about gait analysis

[Davoda Graduate in reply to roseabi]

Lol I just assumed you meant that with the proper shoes!!! 😉

[AndyD Graduate]

You're going to expect to feel some discomfort in legs that are perhaps still getting used to running.. Take some rest and perhaps throw in a week 1 run just to see how you get on by run/walking and soon you'll be ready to continue week9.. Remember there's no rush.

[Rignold]

If you can't walk on it without pain, don't run on it. If pain persists more than a couple of days seek the advice of a health professional. don't worry about taking time off. Learning how to deal with injury is as much a part of being a runner as the actual running bit.

[Matt12345]

I can't diagnose what you have done, but sounds muscular rather than a sprain. What I will say though is that you are at the business end of C25K now and as such I would recommend a little more stretching before your run and after (rather than just the 5 min walk). You can find plenty of excercises on Google. You could also try cold/hot treatment on it for a few days and take a break to rest it and then repeat an easier week.

Only you know your own body, so if it tells you to seek professional help then that's what you should do. Good luck.