Calf muscles: Hi I have just got on to week... - Couch to 5K

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Calf muscles

NeverthoughtIwouldrun profile image
4 Replies

Hi

I have just got on to week 6 run 2 and though I complemented the 20 run in week 5 with no problems I'm now really struggling with pains in my calfs, I couldn't complete the second run in week 6 run 2 it hurt so bad which is really upsetting as it wasn't even my fitness holding me back:( I relly pushed myself in the first run and my breathing was fine its just my calf muscles can anyone give any advise its really upsetting me :(

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NeverthoughtIwouldrun profile image
NeverthoughtIwouldrun
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4 Replies
tubontherun profile image
tubontherun

Is it the front of your calves or the muscles? I have just finished W6R3, and my calves felt tight (muscle wise), and found that stretching them after the cooldown was all I needed to do to ease them out. If it's the front of your calves, could it be something to do with your trainers?

greenlegs profile image
greenlegsGraduate

You say you really pushed yourself - maybe you just need to ease back a bit for a while, until they get used to the effort you're asking from them? It does take a while for muscles, bones and joints to adapt to running - longer than for heart and lungs, apparently.

It could also be linked to how you land on your feet as you run - try doing some searching round and reading up a bit about running form. You may have been stretching your legs further forward if you were trying to go faster, and that can lead to more impact on the calves, I think (but no expert). Stretches after the runs are supposed to be a good idea (though I've so far not really done any).

NeverthoughtIwouldrun profile image
NeverthoughtIwouldrunGraduate

It's most defiantly the back of my calfs.... Feels very similar to cramp.... Really annoying though as I wanted to work on my fitness being a horse rider for years I never thought it would be my muscles slowing me down while I could still breath!

dottiemay profile image
dottiemayGraduate

Sounds a bit like what's happened to me and it might be a strained or torn muscle. Is there any bruising or swelling? My muscle just became rock hard and sore but never felt like anything had torn and I didn't get any bruising.

I did some checking online and it could be a type of cramp.

patient.co.uk/health/cramps...

has some useful info as has

kinetic-revolution.com/runn...

A few times last year I had severe night cramp in the same calf that's causing my problems now - excruciating pain which left my leg very tender for some days afterwards. I don't know what causes it, lack of potassium and/or dehydration have been suggested. I know I don't drink enough, it's something I have to make a point of doing and I've now started eating bananas!

I've strapped it with an ice bandage and then worn a compression bandage for several days. It's a lot better but still niggling. I'm also going make sure I build a proper exercise routine into my day and get a calf support for when I try running again.

Hope you get yours sorted soon!

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