Calves on fire!

[lydiap]

Can anyone please help? I am on week 2 just done run 1 and since begining my calves are so stiff. I've tried deep heat but doesn't help, I always have a shower/bath after 'running'. I don't go fast but I do go up a slight incline around run 3. I've been trying some calf stretches before I go.

Any suggestions please?

[doggymum Graduate]

Are you stretching after your runs when your muscles are warm?

coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_...

You may be able to find a couple of different stretches on that link to what you are doing now, which might help?

I also stand on the bottom step of the stairs and lower down gently a few times to help loosen mine. It doesn't matter how quickly you go back up to your toes, just make sure you go slowly when pushing your heels down below the step edge.

Hope you can find something that helps you ~ good luck for your next run too

[WillowFae Graduate]

I suffer from REALLY bad muscle fatigue in my calves when running - normally about 30 seconds into each run. I started week 3 today and making it to the 3 mins was HELL! But I've been told to persevere as it will get better the more I use them. I also do the thing on the stairs,

[ifnotnow Graduate]

When I went to have my gait analysed (at about week 6, I think) I was told that my calves would be my main 'sore bit' because of my running style - they showed me a stretch to do after running, it really helps, is like the one mentioned above. I do one foot at a time on the stairs when I get in - leave your toe on the step, drop the heel down so it stretches, then after a minute or two try and lower your knee a bit (it's tricky!) to stretch the other bit of your calf. I do it a couple of times on each leg after running - that's what helps me. Make sure you're getting your rest day too - if I feel very sore after one rest day, I'll take another one. Good luck

[lydiap]

Thankyou! I will try the stretches on friday. Today I had my husband rubbing my calves the way he used to have his done after playing rugby, it certainly helped for the rest of the day, but when I got into bed they were like lead weights!! All this to do something that should be so natural!