Just got back from W3R1 and noticed my left calf muscles aching as I run, podcast says to hit the ground with the heel first, am I doing something wrong?
W3R1: Just got back from W3R1 and noticed my... - Couch to 5K
W3R1
![Jax-1 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/921e270e79172f2b4a980125f5405b8e_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
![Jax-1 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/921e270e79172f2b4a980125f5405b8e_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
![Neverrunbefore64 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/0583b5ea4be95789be577304bd66baa6_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I just finished W3R2. My bottom feels it. Calf muscles seem ok. Still loving it.
My calf muscles have given me hell but it's definitely slowing down & stretching before & after that has helped me. Rest days are so important too & stretch every day. Just completed Wk3R3 with no calf pain. Also the right trainers, definitely worth going to a running shop that offer gait analysis & they'll give you advice on your running style. Good luck!
![Jax-1 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/921e270e79172f2b4a980125f5405b8e_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Thank you for your advice
![Oldfloss profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/105fc46b2ead0530d0e1540d94760674_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
No... you run, how you run and how it feels comfortable for you..just like the way you breathe.
Try landing every lightly.. tricky I know..but.. I call it kissing the ground with your feet.
Then.. a really good warm up, stretching after every run... rolling the calf muscles to unknot the knots, and exercises too... try these for starters
![LauraTurtle profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/ef7e4dabcc7e13a0d28bf2c464ee962d_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I have really suffered with my calf muscles over the last few weeks but I’ve finally cracked it I think!
I’m on wk 6 now and I found stretching after a run and holding each stretch for 30 seconds as well as stretching as often as you can during the day, even on your rest days really helps!
I also brought a foam roller for my calf muscles and I also wear compression socks now for extra support!
All of this has really helped and although I still get a slight tightness, it’s bearable compared to a week or so ago where i was in agony!
Good luck and I hope you get some relief from the suggestions on here x