Hi all,
Week 1 run 2 completed today. Everyone’s got to start somewhere😜. My first run was fine, but today I have struggled due to a burning feeling in my calves, still finished it though. Does anyone have any ideas how to help with this? I have left a day between and stretched following last run. Please help as I don’t want to give up this time! Thanks.
Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.
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.
Stretching immediately after every run, nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/h... while muscles are still warm and supple, pulls out contractions, avoiding carrying tensions into the next run and also improves recovery by improving blood flow, as recommended in the guide to the plan.
Many people do not hold their stretches for long enough or put enough effort in. Hold post run stretches for 30 seconds and make sure the pull is strong enough to be on the verge of discomfort.
Enjoy your journey.
A slight burning or tingling sensation after a run is an indication of micro-injuries in the muscle. These are normal and do heal quickly, and are the reason for the rest days between runs being compulsory. You need that time for the muscles to start to heal themselves and build strength in doing so.
Maybe some of the exercises here can help:
foot-pain-explored.com/calf...
and
foot-pain-explored.com/calf...
You can do them after a run or on your rest day(s) but never just before a run.
I struggle with my calves. I’ve figured that they need a lot longer than the 5 minute walk warm up. Literally about 20 minutes before they feel loose. I’m no expert AT ALL, but maybe it’ll will help. Just a suggestion.
Calves
Sore calves
TIGHT CALVES & HAMMY'S
Swollen calves?
Tight calves 
