Calf and knee pain. Any tips?

[Corey17]

Hi I’ve been experiencing really tight calf muscles on my last 3 runs. I’ve just completed week 3 run 1. Any tips on how I can prepare better for my runs? I’m doing the 5 mins warm up walk as instructed. I’m wondering about doing a longer warm up walk. I’ve been doing the stretches afterwards as well. Also I am going to invest in some proper running shoes as I’m currently running in standard trainers. My other issue is that I have hyper mobility in my knees which will affect my muscles so at the moment I’m not sure if running is for me. I’ve experienced a little bit of knee pain too.

[Dtow Graduate]

If your not stretching on your rest days, I think that would be your first port of call. If you are, add in additional calf stretches.

I had tight calf’s but frequent stretching (not just before a run) seemed to lessen the discomfort

[Corey17 in reply to Dtow]

Thanks I’m not really doing anything in my rest days at the moment so I will try some stretches and strengthening exercises in between runs.

[Dtow Graduate in reply to Corey17]

Also, I increased my water intake on my rest days to 2-3L and I really feel this helped. Google hydration and running (think there is an article on here about it). Best of luck 👍

[Corey17 in reply to Dtow]

Thanks

[Gordygirl Graduate]

I struggled with painful calves up to week 7, started glugging water down and it went away. Good luck 😊

[Corey17 in reply to Gordygirl]

Thank you. It’s good to know it went away for you. I’m drinking a bit more today and will keep it up. I hope that this helps.

[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.

A foam roller or compression socks may also help.

Enjoy your journey.

[Corey17 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you