Board hogging - diagnose my calf pain?

[mrsjthompson]

Gah!  GBCN ate my post!

Basically I'm having (sharp, not aching) pain, stiffness and cramping in both calves all the way to the heels when I run.  I had to bail on a 3 miler yesterday because I couldn't get them stretched out enough.  I haven't increased mileage and have less than 100 miles total on both pairs of shoes.  Freaking out that I won't be able to train for a fall HM.

Could it be hydration/fuel issue or related to NROLFW (I'm at the end of stage 1)? 

[wambam]

Foam roller and fish oil. It's the solution to all my issues.

[Deleted]

Does it go away 5-10 minutes when you stop running?

[mrsjthompson]

May 21, 2013 12:45:12 GMT -5 wambam said:

Foam roller and fish oil. It's the solution to all my issues.

Thanks.  I've been using the stick, but I probably need to do it more.  It hurts and I'm a wimp.

What does fish oil do for you?

[wambam]

May 21, 2013 12:49:56 GMT -5 mrsjthompson said:

May 21, 2013 12:45:12 GMT -5 wambam said:

Foam roller and fish oil. It's the solution to all my issues.

Thanks.  I've been using the stick, but I probably need to do it more.  It hurts and I'm a wimp.

What does fish oil do for you?

I think it helps with my recovery. Maybe that's anecdotal evidence, but I find myself less sore when I take the fish oil consistently. I use Nordic Naturals brand to avoid any unsightly additives. 

[mrsjthompson]

May 21, 2013 12:49:42 GMT -5 aswartzw said:

Does it go away 5-10 minutes when you stop running?

Except for the spot on my right calf that keeps cramping, yes.  I think there's a knot there that I need to roll out really well.  But my lower calves (achilles?) are still very stiff even the next day after I've stretched.

[Deleted]

May 21, 2013 12:57:03 GMT -5 mrsjthompson said:

May 21, 2013 12:49:42 GMT -5 aswartzw said:

Does it go away 5-10 minutes when you stop running?

Except for the spot on my right calf that keeps cramping, yes.  I think there's a knot there that I need to roll out really well.  But my lower calves (achilles?) are still very stiff even the next day after I've stretched.

Yeah, tight calves can cause lots of Achilles issues (my big problem!).  Maybe you should adjust your electrolytes during the day or consume some during your run; summer & humidity can really mess things up.  Use the stick (more effective than the foam roller for me) and it wouldn't hurt to do yoga too.  Epsom salt soaks can help too! 

Good luck! 

[mrsjthompson]

May 21, 2013 13:04:00 GMT -5 aswartzw said:

May 21, 2013 12:57:03 GMT -5 mrsjthompson said:

Except for the spot on my right calf that keeps cramping, yes.  I think there's a knot there that I need to roll out really well.  But my lower calves (achilles?) are still very stiff even the next day after I've stretched.

Yeah, tight calves can cause lots of Achilles issues (my big problem!).  Maybe you should adjust your electrolytes during the day or consume some during your run; summer & humidity can really mess things up.  Use the stick (more effective than the foam roller for me) and it wouldn't hurt to do yoga too.  Epsom salt soaks can help too! 

Good luck! 

I will definitely try all of those things!  Thanks everyone for your help!  I'm such a bebe new runner so I really appreciate all y'all's advice.

[vanillahip]

In addition to PP's awesome advice, I wrap my calves when they get SUPER painful (compression sleeves or just ace bandages) I like the bandages the best so I can wrap an ice pack right on the worst spot. I have the *perfect* heel strike (which is an oxymoron because heel strikes are awful) and every once in a while (maybe once a year- new shoes, different terrain, PMSing, whatever) my calves take a beating that they just can not bounce back from.