New to running, and I am having VERY SHARP leg pains and calf stiffness...what gives? And what can I do?

Answer 1

Don't stop running.

Get a good pair of running shoes. That will solve a lot of problems.
Make sure you warm up and cool down before and after each run.

ST

Answer 2

I have had this a lot too. It hurts so bad most people can't even imagine. It is sometimes caused by very hard workouts which lowers the calcium in your muscles and causes cramps in your legs but it could also be a calcium, magnesium, potassium deficiency. Some people are more prone to this than others especially if you are under weight or are a vegetarian you may not be getting the vitamins you need. You should take a vitamin supplement and some calcium. Nature made makes a vitamin that is dye free and has nothing else added to it like gelatin. If you can drink a glass of skim milk at least once a day and maybe a food high in potassium like bananas will also help but there are plenty of others that are high in potassium if you don't like bananas. Good luck and good sleeping!

Answer 3

A little ache and stiffness in the calves and maybe some shin splints are normal, but you should not have VERY SHARP pains anywhere. Sounds like you overdid it. If you're new to running, you'll want to alternate jogs and walking and work your way up to a steady pace. Also, make sure you have a really good running shoe, because that makes a difference too. Take a week or so off to heal, then try it again but don't go so hard.

Answer 4

A lot has to do with age and condition you were in before you started this.

It's very important to stretch before you get started. Get your muscles warmed up.

Don't stop working on it - just take a new approach. While they are sore, stretch and then walk. When they feel better try running again. Finish off your run with a nice walk to let your muscles cool off slowly.

When you get home do small stretch exercises while you watch tv or whatever.

Pull your toes towards you and hold for the count of 5 then slowly let them go back. Next time hold them for 10.

Stand about a foot or so from a wall and lean forwards without bending your knees. Let it stretch the calf muscles for the count of 5 then the next one the count of 10.

Don't over do the stretches - just do them now and again to keep the cramps away.

Answer 5

Good running shoes. Try to run on a track instead of pavement if possible. Do not overstretch before the workout. I've gotten injured plenty of times from overstretching before a workout. I personally do not stretch before the workout. I run gentle long strides for a mile as my warmup. Do stretch later on in the day when your muscles have cooled down. Do some exercises like squats, deadlifts, leg extensions, leg curls, calve raises to strength the muscles, tendons, etc. in the legs.

Answer 6

Make sure you "Warm Up" properly before you start running so that your muscles are properly stretched and loose. Also make sure you "Warm Down" so that your joints dont get too stiff. Go for your run every other day or third day to give your body time to recover, dont over do it.

Answer 7

Few things, to make sure you don't hurt yourself..

make sure you've got the right kind of shoes (V important), with enough support and cushioning. Good shoes are your best protection against injury. The right socks can be important too...

Make sure you stretch before and after you go running.. a couple of these should help: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_1/126.shtml

happy runnin

Answer 8

In the event it's a fruit they have seeds, otherwise it's a vegetable. And vegetables are usually grown in the ground while fruits are grown in trees.

Answer 9

it sounds like you arent stretching enough....make sure you stretch a lot before and after and make sure you are drinking enough water...you might also try eating a banana after your run...i think there is something in them that can help with cramping

Answer 10

You have shin splints. Rest awhile till they're back to normal.
When you start running again, don't overdo.