Started getting sore calf last week,took few days off from exercise,went out today,steady run/walk for 3 miles,slight twinge but mangeable,however on return 3 miles,only walking fast pace,reached 5 mile mark,pain suddenly became more intense,if i put pressure on calf,ie twist foot upwards or apply hand pressure to calf muscle,tight pain occurs.any ideas? suggestions for relief?.

One of our lads in the office came in this morning walking John Wayne style with a pained look on his face, I speedily directed the desk light at him and asked him what was the problem.

He responded that he ran 3 miles in 26 minutes (proof the app on his iPhone) on Saturday, never run before in his life and a considerable smoker to boot, although he is as skinny as they come and now he is at the pinacle of his suffering with calfs of solid marble.

Did he warm up...no, did he start off slowly.....no, did he stretch after the run.....no, just went straight on the games consul for the rest of the day with his legs and posture in the completely wrong position.

He then wanted to know when would be the best time to do another run, I ammusingly retorted by saying what about tonight? to which he was considering in two weeks time and not so soon.

After a bit of ribbing and a challenge to run up and down the stairs at dinnertime instead of the lift (we're on 8th flr), I did advise him he overdone it a tad and it would have probably put him off running for some considerable time to come.

One word.....PLONKER

Martin,will check my running stance when i start running agai.looked up heel strike running,will try and adapt to forefoot step,seems this type of running alleviates to much force on feet.Is it easier to change running stance?,.the shoes i have are asics kayano 16s,also when i purchased apprx 6weeks ago,the shop sold me a pair of cushioned insoles,extra 20quid.Up until last week no obvious probs,have run about 60miles in trainers.

PS WHAT IS A FOAM ROLLER.,DO YOU BUY IT FROM A SPORTS SHOP.

Some physios sell them, too.

Hi Philip,

Regarding Fore foot running:

It can be a bit strange switching from heel-striking to fore foot running but most people get used to it after a couple of weeks.  Try reading books like "Born to Run" and look up fore foot running on the internet (you tube etc) if you are interested in changing your running style.  From the top of my head, Chi running, evolution running etc are all variants of this form of running if you want to look these up.

Cheers,

Luke

Something about POSE.

(Any RW forum veterans will know what I mean!)