Couch to 5k question

I started the couch to 5k last week. I have never ran in my life but so far it's going well and I am determined to follow through. My problem is that my calfs tense up 1/2 way through the 1 minute of jogging. The rest of my body can handle it but I can't take the pain in my calfs. Any ideas on what I can do to prevent that? I stretch before starting but maybe I'm not doing enough? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks

Re: Couch to 5k question

Just a few questions:

How are your shoes? It's really important to make sure that you have the right shoes.

How fast are you going? You may be going too fast.

How long are your strides? Are you taking really big steps?

The only other thing I can think of is that your muscles just are not used to running and need some more time.

Re: Couch to 5k question

Hi! Thanks for your response. I have New Balance sneakers. But maybe they're not good enough. I had them so I used them. I'll try to go this weekend to get something better.

I don't take big steps and go about 4-4.5 mph when jogging. Is that too fast?

Thanks again!

Re: Couch to 5k question

I am doing week 3 and that's about how fast i am going since I started. But, i'm not experiencing any pain. Maybe like the previous poster said, try another pair of sneakers. I got a pair of inexpensive running to start.

Re: Couch to 5k question

Thank you. I'm going to try to get new sneakers this weekend.

Re: Couch to 5k question

are you drinking enough water? enough potassium?


what calf stretches do you do?

I tend to do these for calves (but I am prone to plantar fasciitis, so the first is good for that too)