Week 5 - legs need help!!

[Ketogirlrunner]

So I managed through wk 4 however the pain in my calves was getting bad! Started wk 5 today and after only 3 minutes my calves were unbearable and I had to stop!! I made sure I was hydrated, stretched before I started and was only going slow but the pain was worse than it’s ever been! Help!! How can I get through this as it’s really getting me down!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Try keeping the stretches for after your run. The 5 minute brisk warm up walk should be enough . Try and see what happens . Today and tomorrow get out walking and see of it eases off . Good luck 😊

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

I found doing the NHS Strength and Flex podcasts on my rest days really helped my overall flexibility and reduced the aches and pains - might be worth a look ?

[FormulaRun]

Hi - I’ve suffered with tight calves on and off. Try stretching really well after exercise- warm up with a brisk walk. Skipping as part of the warm up (like merrily not with a rope) also helps, as does foam rolling after a run and support socks or sleeves. I found mine improved the fitter I got. Good luck 😉

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Which stretches are you doing before the run? Static ones are not good then and may increase injury risk.

Are you on top of the hydration every day? What you drank yesterday will have a bigger impact than anything you do before the run.

Foam rollers are great, if a little masochistic, for sure issues.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

If you read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... you will find advice on pre and post run stretching.........they are different things. Please read it.

[SlowLoris]

Unbearable is not good. Stopping is very good - never try and run through pain. (I did. It's really stupid because you end up injured and can't run.)

Hydration, stretching and foam rollers might help but for unbearable pain I really think the answer is less stress on the muscles. More rest and slower speed. (Unless you are running on the spot you can slow down more.)