I started a new running program called From Couch to 5k. It is designed to build you up to running 3 miles over a period of a couple months.
I ran on Monday and I stretched first but I think I might have overstretched my calves because it hurts just to walk. (The calves fell 'short' for lack of a better term. They don't hurt normally but when they stretch even a little its really tight and painful) Should I push thorugh it and run again today like the program says, or is this something I should let heal some first. I don't want to take a break so early in the program (I have only done it for about a week). But I don't want to make it worse either. I still need to be able to go to work after my run. Any solutions.
2007-06-06 02:21:18 · 8 answers · asked by Peachy 2 in Sports ➔ Running
You have to determine if you are sore or hurt. If the pain is on both legs (i.e., both calves), then you are probably just sore from the exercise, and you are fine to run through it. If only one of them is sore, you might have strained a muscle, and you need to take it easy.
Stretching after a short warm up is very important, and stretching after the run is also a good idea. If during the day, they still feel sore, just do some more stretching, it will help out. Also, if you are running with an old pair of shoes, you might want to invest in a good new pair of running shoes.
Good luck!
2007-06-06 04:41:40 · answer #1 · answered by 1234567 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Only been a week!? Keep going!
Like the guy above me said, know the difference between pain and soreness. If it's pain and you KNOW it is pain and it's only affecting one spot or leg, RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) it and wait a day or two before you train. If the pain lasts more than 3 days or you see swelling or brusing, see a doctor.
Soreness is a sign you're body is reacting to the exercise you're doing. A run today will actually help you feel better in the long run (no pun intended). Make SURE you stretch really well afterward today and take some Ibuprofen if you feel sore again. Your body is not used to being abused like this yet and it's just letting you know. Tell your sore calves who is boss and get out there and run!!!
"Pain is just weakness leaving the body."
Good luck!!!
2007-06-06 06:00:10 · answer #2 · answered by Kristy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pain is just weakness leaving the body. But seriously, running through pain is usually a very bad thing, as that's how you end up with injuries like you describe. We experience pain for a reason, and it's good to heed it unless you're outright about to be eaten by a lion otherwise (but even then your body's own painkillers are likely to kick in to help you ignore it naturally for good reason). Sooooo.... I guess my best pain quote would actually be: Don't mess with Mother Nature.
2016-05-17 23:29:00 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually chances are you haven't stretched enough. Your calfs sound tight if they feel "short" Make sure you stretch before you run and afterwards again- do stretches where you put your forefoot on a curb and let your heel hang of- that stretches them as does standing pushing against a wall wtih both hands, keeping one leg out back straight to stretch your calf and the other bent more forward- both feet being flat on the ground. Run slowly- taking a break will only make you tighter. A walk might help them as well.
2007-06-06 03:54:07 · answer #4 · answered by schmidtee 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Does the pain feel like a 'charlie horse'?
If so, you might need more potassium in your diet - readily available in bananas.
I would suggest walking instead of running, it will keep up the movement, but not be as stressful. You may have to put your running training on hold for a couple days to a week, to make sure you aren't injured.
If you are really concerned, you should try to go see a physical therapist. They will be able to tell exactly what's up and how to prevent it in the future.
2007-06-06 02:39:27 · answer #5 · answered by A S 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I used to have the same problem. I started stretching after the run aswell as before and it worked.
2007-06-06 15:05:05 · answer #6 · answered by anon1mous 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Eliminate stretching before the run. Do a very mild jog as a warmup. Do stretch after the run.
2007-06-06 04:03:30 · answer #7 · answered by sirtitan45 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
you should atleast take a day off. i had that same problem, so i went to a podiatrist. he said shin splints were causing the pain. he recommennded a brake, and some ice. after a brake i'd continue running, just be cautious
2007-06-06 03:13:16 · answer #8 · answered by natesexten 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋