advice for new runner/walker

[daisylove]

I am trying to train for the disney tower of terror 10 miler. Every time I start walking/running for the first mile I have horrible pain in my calves. Once i warm up it goes away but it gets so bad I start to think I cant continue. Very disheartening start to every walk.Does anyone have any advice of a specific warm up stretch or something I can do? Thanks!

 

[cewait]

First, all it not lost but this is something that you need to get a handle on. Go to Target (or other store) and purchase a foam roller. It's a 4" diameter chunk of foam used to release scarring muscle tissue. Here is a link to how to roll the calves.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lklRrAB4MxY

Do this 2x a day. Note that the person in this video is rolling all the way onto the Achilles... I would stop just short of that point.

Also, ice and wrap the offending calf for the next few days. If this does not clear up in the next 2-3 weeks, head to a doctor (sooner if it becomes more intense). I have a little concern about the pain being bad then getting better. Most likely it is nothing, but better to yield on the side of safe rather than not.

 

[johde]

When I started, I got pain in my shins even from brisk walking. I found I needed a longer warmup before getting to full speed. I still walk a quarter to half a mile before starting my run/walk.