Calf muscle tightness and pain

[CrazyJoy]

Week 3 day 1. I Was running well until 2 minutes into the final 3 minute run - my calf muscles so tight and in a lot of pain I had to stop. I stretch afterwards. Any advice to ease this?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[CrazyJoy in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you

[Allbarron Graduate]

I found this happens to me when I haven't drank enough in the lead up to a run. I've upped the amount I drink each day and it's slowly getting better. Also one of the tips in the FAQs is to do a dynamic stretch before the run. This really helps too. Not sure if you're already doing this but I think anythingw wortha try. Power through!! 🏃👍

[CrazyJoy in reply to Allbarron]

I wasn’t using this before just after. The water intake is possibly a factor - I usually run in the evening but ran first thing so was probably a bit dehydrated. Thank you for this - will try both

[Allbarron Graduate in reply to CrazyJoy]

I found it helped on both counts. Hope it helps. I found a decent warm up on you tube. Not onerous but fits in well before the 5 min walk. Good luck 🤞