Week 7 & Calf niggles

[Riverman306]

Hi All,

Like many I’ve been using this time to reacquaint myself with running. It’s been a fantastic experience - mostly! Running in beautiful woodlands on the edge of the Gloucs/Herefordshire border. At 55 I’ve slowed up a fair bit😂 Git to Week 7 run 1 and picked up my first little injury - a calf twinge. Whether it’s a twinge or a strain I don’t know, but it’s dented my confidence a bit. I left it a week and dropped back to a week 6 interval run, and whilst it was still tender afterwards I was able to complete the run ok. I just have a question in my head about taking on the 25 minutes again. Lungs and stamina are there it’s just I’m worried about the calf pinging. Any tips from others with similar experiences would be gratefully received. Stay safe!

Dave

[Jigsaw123 Graduate]

I am in the same position. I am 56 unfit lady I had been walking for the first few weeks of lockdown to start getting fit. I have just finished week 1 yesterday and had pain in my calf halfway though the last run . So fed up, any help of ideas to help and how long to leave it before I try the next run?

[HerbieL Graduate in reply to Jigsaw123]

Calf injuries are so common in running my husband suffers, you need to rest it or you won’t be able to run at all, same with my shin splints. Maybe worth buying calf supports/socks if this is going to be a regular problem for you.

[Mellymole]

I found that after every running interval I would do a couple of calf stretches, standing on tip toes and balancing on the edge of the kerb to stretch the other way kept this manageable for me x

[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.

You could try a foam roller or compression socks, but follow the PRICE principles and do not run in pain.

Enjoy your journey.

[JarLo Graduate]

Hey Dave. I can relate. I suffer from tight calves and hamstrings so despite the constant stretches it still feels like I’m only a whisker away from a tear or strain. In fact as I type this I have a shiatsu massager pillow kneading my left calf and I cannot recommend it enough. I have the one below and it has a heated massage function that really does work the deep tissue. It doesn’t cure the tight calves and hamstrings but it certainly does help me to be able to walk without looking like Ozzy Ozborne the day after a run.

Zyllion ZMA-13-BG Shiatsu Pillow Massager with Heat (Beige)- One Year Warranty amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BOYDU0S/...

[Riverman306]

Thanks very much for the replies and tips guys! Much appreciated Will let you know how things progress!

Best

D