Advice on calf pain?

[ChoirMama]

Week 2 run 2 done - but I'm now experiencing pain in my calf and would appreciate advice please.

I'm not having any problems with the programme EXCEPT that since wk 1 run 3 I have had a pain start in the back of my right calf during the 3rd run of the session. Not Achilles, it's 2/3 of the way down the calf, well above the ankle.

Should I cease the programme until I think it's gone, or do I keep going?

I am now doing stretches before and after the run - standing on bottom stair and dropping my heel seems to catch the painful spot. Didn't do stretches in wk1 though, tbh.

Anyone out there solved a similar issue or have professional physio advice to offer please?

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

I would suggest doing your calf strengthening exercises on your non-running days. Before your run, avoid doing 'static stretches' and concentrate instead on doing dynamic stretches, so that your legs are properly warmed up.

Are you running or jogging? Are you getting out of breath at all? Have you watched this?

youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2kh...(Not working as expected?)

[ChoirMama in reply to John_W]

Thank you for taking the trouble to reply John, and the film makes very interesting viewing. I've found some dynamic stretches here: runnersworld.com/training/g... to try before my run, and will move the static stretches to non-running days, as you suggest.

I'm definitely jogging not running and hardly getting out of breath atm. Interested to hear your view on whether I should take a break until the calf pain subsides? Today, for the first time, I can still feel it when I walk - my last run was yesterday evening. Am due for the next one Tuesday....

[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.

[ChoirMama in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you Iannoda. That's long and comprehensive piece you've put together and I'm sure I shall return to it often. Lots to learn! In the meantime it sounds as though I shouldn't run again until the pain subsides. However I note the therapeutic exercises that are recommended and will give those a go. And I'll have a look both at my trainers and where I'm landing on my foot when I run again.I wish you well, btw.

[DylanTheRabbit Graduate]

Hello ChoirMama I had a couple of pauses during C25K because of minor injuries/niggles. They resolved surprisingly quickly once I stopped aggravating them.

You can always go for a gentle walk to keep up the habit of getting outside on your run route.

p.s. I got calf pain a while back from stretching too hard doing yoga. It carried on for a while until I finally had to just rest it (stopped doing aerobics and yoga). Then it got better within a week.

Good luck.

[ChoirMama]

Thank you so much!