I don't expect this to be completed totally ache-free, but I am finding that now I'm doing the longer runs, it's making my calves ache quite a bit.
I have been doing the stretches after my runs, along with the warm-up and warm-down walks.
Is there anything else I should be doing before or after my runs to prevent this?
It's actually not the muscles themselves that ache with DOMS, it is the fascia around the muscles... interesting fact of the day.
So to that end, invest in a fom roller and use it every day. It will be not very enjoyable at first but will pay huge dividends.
However, to an extent, aching muscles are part of the deal. As you run further, you demand more of the muscles, and tax them more than last time. That is how progress is made. But overtaxed muscles ache, and there is no getting around that. If you look at the facebook feeds of people who do hardcore sports or bodybuilding or whatever, 90 per cent of it is them moaning about how much X or Y muscle aches that day. Marathon runners and bodybuilders after leg day tell of how they cann ge off the loo and have to go down satirs backwards. I can't remember a day since I started training again when i didn't ache somewhere when I woke up and if i did I would be worried.
So, do what you can to minimise the aches: hydrate properly, make sure your protein intake is high, foam roll and apsom salts baths, but then embrace the suck. It reminds you you're alive and getting fitter.
I thought as much - it's just caught me by surprise as I hadn't felt any after effects before. Thank you 
Yep a foam roller is the way to go. While waiting for one to arrive you can use a rolling pin to roll up your calves or use your hands and get in there!
A great stretch is to stand on one foot on a low step using your mid foot, knees slightly bent and push forwards. Wear your running shoes as your foot grips better.
While you are waiting for the foam roller to arrive, you could try holding your calf stretches just a bit longer. Post run stretching should feel quite a strong pull on the muscles.
Thank you - I am now accepting the reality of running. It's a bit of a shock - I was never even active when I was younger, so I can't remember the last time I properly ached. It's been an odd feeling!
I'm on W9 now (haven't actually managed to do a complete run but I've had two practice runs :-)) but, at this stage, if my legs need it, I'm giving myself two days rest. There's a difference between aches and pain - aches are ok and if you feel ok to run then it's normally ok in my experience. Pain, on the other hand, should not be ignored - which I have done and suffered 2.5 weeks on the IC as a result!
NO, i wouldn't describe it as pain. It definitely feels like an ache. I think I will do the final week with 2 day breaks as you say - it isn't worth tempting fate!
Good luck with the rest of week 9!
Week 8
Calf and knee pain. Any tips?
Week 8 run 2
Week 8 
Finally completed week 8 
