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[ToniMax]

Hi, first post - what is it with the calf pain? I stretch, warm up, cool down. I thought it would be the breathing that would make things difficult, but I got that. Just repeated week 4 twice! Moved onto week 5 today. Looking at getting new running shoes, but didnt want to pay out until I knew I was going to crack it . Which I am !

[Kertesz]

I feel your pain! When I struggled with calf pain on C25K, someone suggested it might be due to lack of hydration. So I really upped my fluid intake (two about two litres a day, sipped throughout the day) and it made an immediate different. I now know if my legs feel like lead... or my calves hurt while running, it’s usually down to taking my eye off the ball on the water front... (or I’ve enjoyed too much turps over the weekend - which has the same effect! 😉). Also, I’d really recommend getting a gait analysis and some shoes that are just right for you - that could well be another source of the pain. You’re on week 5 now, surely you’ve earned it?!!! Anyway, I hope you get it sorted!!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

If you're on W5 then yes, you are definately going to crack it 👍😉

Hydration, as mentioned. Muscles need oxygen and water to operate at their best and if you're not putting away 2l or more per day then you're going to really feel it.

You may want to try some self massage as well with your hands, a rolling pin or water bottle or a foam roller or massage stick if you have one. Those muscles always appreciate a bit of tlc.

Keep it up, you're doing great 👍😁

Also... have you read the guide to the programme? It's full of very useful info...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[ToniMax in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thanks - everyone on here is so positive. I actually drink about 3 ltr of water a day. It goes with some other medical conditions. I'm going to try a massage stick too.

I wonder if its cos I ride alot and am using different muscles?

Nowhere near me does the gait analysis, we're talking a 2 hour drive. Maybe an investment later.

Thanks for all your suggestions tho.x

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to ToniMax]

If you can't get gait analysis nearby the most important thing is to ensure proper sizing. We often stick our feet into too small shoes without realising. I'm a 4.5 foot but need 5.5/6 runners or 24.5cm.

Measure both feet. Stand on a piece of paper and mark behind your heel and at the end of your longest toe. Measure this distance at the longest in cms. Use the biggest of both feet as we usually have one foot a bit bigger. Now add .5cm to this number. Compare this number to the shoe charts of the brands you like. You will see the Chinese size is just in cms. Use this. Forget what size you think you are as your feet need plenty of room to splay as you run.

There are other ways you can check your gait but for now just make sure your shoes are not too small. I was fitted with Brooks 5.5 so thought all 5.5 would be ok and ended up with too small trail shoes and lost a toenail. You really don't want that. 👎 I now only look at cms for my work boots, cycling shoes, runners and trainers. The only exception is dress shoes and I hate those anyway 🤣

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to ToniMax]

And yes, cycling uses very different muscles so your calves are really only now getting to work hard 😉

[ToniMax in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Not cycling - horses lol 😁🤣 xxx

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to ToniMax]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 in that case even more so different muscles. More thighs than lower legs.