W3R1

[Lucky8]

Enjoying the longer run times but struggled on the last run. Calf muscle been tight for couple of weeks and really felt it on final section of run. Bit gutted as this running has been helping me physically and mentally. Rest it and see how it goes

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done.

Are you stretching after every run? It can make a huge difference.

[Lucky8 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I’m doing the stretches after each run. Trying to follow everything that’s been recommended. That’s why I’m abit gutted this has come up. But I’ll get through this. I’ve started and want to see this through

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Lucky8]

Well done.

This is still an early stage, so try slowing down, keep footfall under your body not out in front, avoid heelstriking, run on grass or treadmill and wear proper running shoes fitted after a gait analysis done at a specialist running shop.

All these things reduce the impact of running, which is the primary cause of your problems.

[Lucky8 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you. I’ll take all this onboard. I need to make this work as it’s making a difference to me. Thanks for the tips and support

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

The NHS Strength and Flex podcasts can be really helpful for this.

[Lucky8 in reply to ButtercupKid]

Thanks I’ll check them out

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Lucky8]

All the best with them. If you’re using Laura for C25k, you’ll find a familiar friend to take you through them 😀

[Lucky8 in reply to ButtercupKid]

Great, I have been using Laura for my runs. Thanks again

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Take the advice from our wonderful IannodaTruffe .. and try to land lightly too. Kiss the ground with your feet... it sounds weird..it works

[Lucky8 in reply to Oldfloss]

Ok I’ll give it ago. Like the idea of kissing the ground with my feet 😁

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Lucky8]

It does work... I have done it for three years... still here.. still running!

[Lucky8 in reply to Oldfloss]

Well that’s good to know. Always better to know people who have actually done it

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Brilliant Lucky8 , you’re doing fab! IannodaTruffe has said it all...an extra rest day can sometimes do the trick too...

[Lucky8 in reply to Mummycav]

Going for some extra rest on this one. Want to clear this up completely and get at it again. Thanks for the support

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

I suffer on and off with calf muscle tightness, so have lots of things now I do to prevent it! After every run I do heel drop stretches standing on a stair. (Google it!) I also have one of these hard massage stick rollers that I use every night when my calf muscles are going through a tight phase. That really does help! Calf raises whilst brushing teeth = great strengthening exercise. Don’t despair, this is easily sorted. x

[Lucky8]

Thank you very much. I’ll look into these, sounds like some great tips there. It was despair last night after finishing run. But again posting on here has helped with support and top tips. Thanks again

[Westierunner Graduate]

People have already suggested stretching - just adding my recommendation! I use you tube yoga videos both before and after running, and it works wonders. Yoga with Adrienne is great, and she has videos specifically for running. Some are only 6 or 7 minutes long, so easy to fit in before and/or after a run. Or yoga with Sarah Beth for some great beginners yoga. Good luck.

[Lucky8 in reply to Westierunner]

Thank you. Been thinking about trying yoga for awhile. This could be an ideal way into it. Thanks for the advice

[Hug5 Graduate]

I find rolling a tennis ball hard along the muscles helps to relax them. Hurts but is effective.

[Lucky8 in reply to Hug5]

Brilliant I’ll try it out. If it helps I can handle a bit of pain. Thanks for the tip