Chronic sore calves

My calves, soleus, & achilles used to always be tight and sore as well. The thing that really made a difference for me was doing 5-10 minutes of stretching post-run.

I got the routine from a Pete Magill video (Pete ran a 14:47 5k at age 47). Video is here:

http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=18221

In particular, I do:

1.) the calf stretch (pushing against a wall)

2.) beach towel calves

3.) beach towel hamstrings

4.) foot orbits

5.) foot gas pedals

It made a noticable difference within the first few days for me. And, it's important for me to do it as soon after a run as possible. The days I get sidetracked and don't do it until and hour or two has passed my calves tighten up again.

Hopefully this will help you some.

I was actually having the same problem, and am on the tail end of it now. What has helped me is to stop stretching my calves (seriuosly). I think I was straining them instead of doing any good. I find that if I stretch the rest of my legs (hammies, quads, shins) that my calves loosen up too.

Also, I've been eating more lately, and that has helped my recovery too.

Actually, during that video Pete explains that mentality of that post-run routine should not be to "stretch", but more to "loosen". Basically, you're just trying to undo all the little muscle spasms that were caused during the workout.

I think I was overstretching before hearing that, so what you're saying makes sense to me in that way.

OP - one other thing I recently started doing just before a run if my calves are a little tight is a self-massage in the calf. In a seated position, rest your left ankle over your right kneee. Your left calf will be right in front of you, and completely relaxed. Now, with your thumbs and fingers dig in deeply into the calf muscle, and really work the muscle. Just 20-30 seconds of that often does the trick for me.