Calf Cramp

[Pondy17]

Hi have started week4 and whilst I’ve always had an aching calf the pain/cramp after the first 5 min run has been unbearable. Walked through it the first time but had to stop today.

I stretch and warm up before running. Any tips/advice?

Thanks

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Are you running on tarmac ? Finding a more forgiving surface can help. You can pause the programme to do more stretches at any point. It can also help to go just a little slower. Hope you can overcome this soon.

[Pondy17 in reply to ButtercupKid]

Thanks. It’s been on the pavement. Will pause but the stretching seemed to worsen the pain!

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Pondy17]

Ouch ! Maybe try running on grass if there’s anywhere suitable near you ?

[Simba77 Graduate]

Hey I just did the W4 R1 this morning and I did it around the park so grass and tarmac but my left calf is also really painful hope it gets better for you for the next run.

[Pondy17 in reply to Simba77]

Thanks. Maybe it’s the jump in time. Keep it up!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

If it’s cramp then hydration and more after run stretches will help. Also look at your footfall, landing flat is the easiest.., landing front foot will put more work into the calf muscles. Front foot isn’t a bad way to run, but if you’re doing that and can’t shake this pain, either slow down or change to landing flat.

[Pondy17]

Thanks. Seems to have worsened since focusing on putting my heel down first as I did tend to run on the front of my foot. Need more hydration for sure. Thanks for the tips.