W1 R3

[Flubby]

Oh this was hard!! After the first 1 min run my right calf was killing. Seriously wanted to stop right then, no enjoyment in that pain and thinking I'm not made for running. Managed to keep moving and complete somehow........rest day then start W2.

[Sarahwee]

Yey for completing it!! I get right calf pain too (W1R2 today). It eases as I go. Figure I will extend my warm up and stretches to see if that helps? Hope yours get better too. Good luck with W2!

[Dhallsw Graduate]

Oh I remember that feeling I'm doing W6R2 tomorrow and wondering how I managed to get here! You'll be surprised at how easy the longer runs are when you get to them. Stretch before and after your run and make sure your hydrated. Your doing great keep going!

[nikkiwabit Graduate]

Good stretches needed if calves are painful.I just did W2R1 and think it was a bit easier than W1R3. Some days are just better than others. Head in a better place some days more than others.

[asking79]

Week one was the hardest week for me, personally. The calves and shin splints were terrible! At someone's recommendation I bought compression sleeves. They didn't really help too much. I did do some stretching but was warned against it by several other posters on here. It didn't seem to help a whole lot either. I moved on to week 2 and somehow I accidentally skipped to week 3 day 2 the next time but I did it successfully so I pressed on. I was amazed when I completed week 5. Now I am well past week 8 but I just keep going. Amazed that I ever did it! You got this. It's hard but keep pressing forward because it is so rewarding physically and mentally. It just feels so good!!

[McFitty Graduate]

Ooh calf and shin pain - drove me nuts in the early weeks. Everyone told me it woukd pass but I really couldnt see how. The stretches after the run are important but also, make sure you've had plenty to drink before you run. Try and slow the running bits to a snails pace if you can (I didn't believe I could go any slower, but you can always find a slower gear). Massaging your calves after a run (and any chance you get) will help too. It will get easier, honestly. One day you'll think 'hang on, my calves hardly hurt at all today'! Well done on completing the first week. Your muscles are just letting you know they know what you're up to! Good luck with week 2. Keep it slow, you will be amazed at what you can achieve😊

[Foxsmumruns Graduate]

You ARE made for running, you're just having a blip right now. The calves hurting...are you running on hills? If you are the calf pain is probably from your calves working way harder than they are used to. I actually tore my calf muscle doing hill sprints (not on this program).

[Flubby]

Thanks for your replies. I will up the fluids before setting out. I think I need to take it a bit slower too. Doing it on flat routes, don't think I'm ready for slopes!