Calf ache

[HS1965]

Hi everyone

I completed C25k a couple of years ago and carried on running 5-7k 2-3 times a week until about October last year. Then in January I had Covid so haven’t ran for a while but started again end of March but only managed to get to week 2 then I had sciatica over the Easter holidays and was in absolute agony for about ten days but then it just went as quick as it came.

I started again and last week I did the first two runs of week 5 (2x8 min runs) on Wednesday and Friday

Then on Sunday when I saw it was a 20 minutes on the 3rd run I just knew I wouldn’t be able to do it so I did the 2nd run again and I’ve just done the 2nd run again tonight.

On Sunday my calf muscles ached so much it felt like I had a weight on my legs but I managed the 2 x 8 min runs but tonight I only managed 1 minute of the second run, they were aching that much even the walking back home was hard.

Does anyone know why this has started to happen and how I can fix it

Many thanks

[nowster Graduate]

Are you doing any stretches after a run?

This is the set of stretches I do after most runs: web.archive.org/web/2022032...

[HS1965 in reply to nowster]

I just normally do a ten min walk home after my run but I will def do these stretches thanks for the advice

[Cmoi Graduate]

Hi HS1965 , nowster 's absolutely right to mention stretching.

I also wondered whether you're drinking enough water - if I'm not well-hydrated, my legs always complain! An extra rest day or two might help as well. Also, don't forget about the "Toxic 10" at the start of a run. That's likely to be playing a part as well.

Finally, you mentioned that you knew you wouldn't be able to complete week 5 run 3 because it was 20 minutes. I do get that you're experiencing a real physical difficulty, but your apprehension probably didn't help.

While the important thing is to fix your calf aches, and I'm not saying you should run through pain, I know only too well that the more you think "Ugh, this is hurting" the more it does! Whereas if you can distract yourself for a short time, the aches become less noticeable and may even disappear as you warm up and relax. At least, that's what I find happens.

[HS1965]

Thanks I definitely drink enough water it’s my fave drink after Prosecco of course 😂😂

And I’ve just googled toxic 10

Great advice so thanks for that and all The other advice

I am going away Friday and Saturday so think I will have a rest and try again on Monday

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

hi, what the above say, also maybe just ease up on the pace? I also wonder if you are running on hard surfaces and maybe have old shoes? Anyway try the stretches (static after is fine but dynamic ones before running) and see how that goes. you've got this!

[HS1965]

Thank youI have just googled the stretches and will make sure I do them 👍