Calf pains from running!

I started jogging/running about a month ago. I started out at 1 mile and now I am doing close to 3 miles in 30 minutes. The problem is that about 15 minutes into the run my calves and the muscles that run along the shin bone start killing me. I stretch before and after my runs and I am drinking plenty of water, so what do you think the problem is? Is this normal? Oh, the pain started last week.

Anyone please?

I had almost the same thing about six months ago. I went to the doctor, who told me I was doing too much too fast. How often do you run? You could either have shin splints, or you could have already given yourself stress fractures in your shins (what I had). I also caused muscle to tear on the back side of my legs. You are going to have to cut back and sloooooowly build up. Have you run in the past? When was the last time you were active before this month?

I know how tempting it is to over-train. I literally couldn't stop myself and my doc made me call her every day to make sure I wasn't working out.

I'm only running 3 or 4 times a week and for 30 minutes. It doesn't feel like the actual shin bone is hurting (i have had that pain in the past, so I know what it feels like), it is the muscle that hurts. I haven't run since 9th grade, so that was 7 years ago. I guess I should slow down a bit then?

I said that to my doc, too "It's not the bone! The bone doesn't hurt!" And she politely reminded me that the bones don't have nerve endings just the muscles :). I don't know that you have what I had, but your muscles could also be sore from dehydration. Not you, but your muscles. your body will pull from whatever sorce it has, starting with the extremities.

Maybe just do 20 min, the same amount per week or make sure you have a complete day of rest in between runs... From what I've read on here, your muscle and endurance don't build while you are working out, that happens during rest from your activities. And make sure to stretch.

I have started running again, slowly, only 3 times a week, and interval training is great, but from the run to the walk is when I get the shin pains, so I do 5 min walk, 10 min run, 5 min walk, 10 min run. And usually stop to stretch after the first run.

Good luck!

bump

I have run several marathons, halfs, etc. and have experienced what you speak of several times.  It is frustrating!

You need to invest in some new shoes -- make sure they are fitted properly from a running store.

You also need to rest and ice and ibuprofen your shins for a couple of weeks.  They will only get worse.  Unfortunately, the only way to heal is to rest.  So, switch to swimming or cycling for a couple of weeks.

Then, with new shoes and rest, ramp up your mileage slowly.  You won't have to start over.  You can start with a couple of miles.  The rule in running is do not add more than 10% per week.

They're called shin splints and they're very common with runners. Doing too much too quick can bring them on worse but I think they can happen to anyone. I found good shoes, orthopedic insoles and knee straps helped joint problems and shin splints. Also make sure you give your body rest and recovery time (I don't run everyday, I go every other day and alternate with low impact activities). You can also work on muscles and tendons causing them with a few exercises. After doing calf and hamstring stretches in running warm ups my run group leader gets us all to 'tap out the toe' relax your leg and quickly tap each toe against the ground for 30 seconds-ish each side. 

Another exercise I was told to do is (if there is somewhere safe for you) do a warm up jog backwards on your heels (toes raised) or sitting down get a towel and lay it just infront of your feel length ways. Stretch and flex your toes to grab the edge of the blanket and alternating the flexing action 'walk' or scrunch the whole towel to you. Do this a few times.

Odd but apparently it works! 

Along with all of the above...sometimes shinsplints can be caused by the wrong muscles working during running. It happens over time when you have a small imbalance that gets out of control with repetitive motions like running. Make sure your glutes, hamstrings and quads are all in balance by isolating them on machines at the gym to see where your strength is at. Its also important to keep your calf muscles strong too.  Hope that helps a little

Thanks everyone!

I went to my knee doctor last week because I just started running 2 months ago and wanted him to check my knees which he's done surgery on.  Well, I too was having the pain around my shin bone area and asked him about that.  He said it wasn't shin splints, but that it was the muscle and I was training too fast.  I have never run before and had worked up to 3 miles and started having the pain.  He suggested I have my shoes checked and try running more on the treadmill at first and work up to running outside.  The treadmill is boring, but it's easier on your legs when your body isn't used to running.  He also suggested cross-training to allow time for my muscles to heal around the shinbone.

Definitely find a specialty running shoe store in your area and have them fit you properly for a pair of shoes. I had horrible pain in my right knee when I started running. The store I visited videotaped me running on a treadmill (in the store) and analyzed how I ran. It was very interesting to see that my right leg and foot had serious issues and they were able to recommend the correct type of shoe and insert for me. Now I have no pain! The other thing is to start slowly and not try to add speed or distance too quickly. That is a common downfall of many beginner runners (including me!) and you are more likely to get an injury. Good luck to you!