The Guru believes Helen has run far too much far too soon… start slowly

I have taken up running again after a 6 year break and am suffering with cramp like aches in my shins in the first mile or so then it eases. Stretching helps temporarily but it only clears after 2 miles. I am running 5k this year and want to get back to 10k by end of next year. I'm 58 by the way! Any suggestions? Helen

Hi Helen Yes! Stop running....for the time being. It sounds as if you've set off and done far too much far too soon - in circumstances such as this it's better to go back to go forwards. Let you're pain settle. On direct pressure it should be no more than a 1/10. Make sure you've got decent shoes with support and bounce. Calf muscle flexibility is all the rage, but I think it's more about how you run, so run well and run with a little noise as possible. Start off by walking and running for about 10 minutes in total Have a few days rest then repeat. Then do it again and again. Then double your running time to 20 minutes in total. Repeat x3 then get running for a full 5 minutes. Softly softly catchy monkey. After that it's all yours! The Guru Six Physio