2 Run or not 2 Run that is the?

[2Fat2Furious]

So I posted earlier about my calfs and just wondering if i should run or not as they are in a lot of pain and stiff walking round like I have crapped my pants. What does everyone think if I move run a day

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Don't run... massage and exercise and do not head out until they feel easier. If the pain continues go and get checked out by a Sports Physio .

[Sofabunny]

I have problems with my calves..it's the one thing that could defeat me succeeding on C25k.. I've ordered some of those muscle roller thingies..I really sympathise..I put in extra rest days if it's really bad ..I think physio would probably be best help but doubt if NHS would pay for it..

[Fishypieface Graduate]

Funny that's how I run!! I would leave it a day at least, definitely. Are you stretching before and after a run? Stiffness usually happens when you don't stretch sufficiently - I find anyway. This should help with calf pain, but it might take a bit of time now to see an effect. I like heel dips - they give a really good calf stretch. Hope it clears up soon.

[LoungeLizaard Graduate]

I was just about to reply and I was reading the other guys comments. Oldfloss and fishypie are correct - take an extra days rest for now. Too much too soon isn’t good.

But you absolutely must stretch (as per fishy) static stretches before (to help warm up) and after as part of warm down - this helps disburse the lactic acid build up within the muscle which causes the pain by crystallising.

Good luck you can absolutely do this!

[Dexy5 Graduate in reply to LoungeLizaard]

I though you shouldn’t do static stretches before a run on cold muscles. But should do dynamic movements. ??

[kpnuts53 Graduate]

Hi, I too had a lot of calf pain at the beginning, two things helped. Firstly I went to a specialist shop and was fitted with a pair of running shoes and secondly I bought a massage roller that I use before and after every run to loosen up my muscles. Three weeks later and I know find that after a decent stretching session at the end of a run my calf muscles are pretty much stress free. Hope this helps as ideas and best of luck, I'm starting wk8 tomorrow and am very pleased to be running without pain.

[Sarebear91]

I used to suffer with this. But then I discovered running compression socks. They are a life saver when it comes to running. They just look like a normal pair of black sports socks. I got a pair from Amazon and they cost only £5. Have a little look at them. They might help you.

[AliK0871 Graduate]

Foam roller def helps. This was the third time I had attempted C25k and gave up past twice due to painful calves. Drinking lots of water, stretching properly at end of run and the foam roller saw me graduate this time so don’t give up x

[2Fat2Furious]

Got a new pair of running shoes and gel in steps today but caved with the smoking today stresses of my 11yo birthday party but will be getting t back on the wagon tomorrow I'm determined to give up