i have the energy to run, but its my burning calves that prevent me almost all the time. If i rest 3-4 days without running im fine. I stretch b4 and after and it doesnt seem to stop the inevitable. anyone else in the same predicament? any advice,solutions?

Is it your calves on the back, or your shins on the front? Most people have problems with their shins burning, or hurting, or "shin splint", which is mostly due to poor running form, or overtraining.

Oh, I have that same problem. When I get out in the fresh air, my first instincts are, I want to run..but the back of my calves always burn, and it's one thing to burn when I'm running (I assume because I weigh so much,and I'm not used to it), but I think it's another for it to go on for a ridiculous amount of time. However, I've found that sometimes walking it off works.

When you say calves I'd assume you are talking about the backside. Could you elaborate if it is directly in the "back" of your leg or rather more in the shins / on the side.

Both are very different in cause and treatment.

A simple thing to do for both is check your shoes. Poor quality or worn down shoes can cause alot of distress in the smaller muscles in the region. If a shoe has inadequate support or does not fit right the arches in your foot must compensate which puts additional strain on the region which burns, it's one of the most common causes and worth checking.

Its not the shins but the back claves that burn. i have different shoes and they all do the same. my calves just suck at life i guess. I never get pain in the shins.

Maybe you should go to your doctor they may be able to give you some cream or ointment.

How is your breathing? Sometimes muscle burn is a sign of not enough oxygen.

perhaps you should check out fast paced walking for a while or running/walking combo (interval training style).

I've always had that problem too, briin. I talked to my doctor about it, and he suggested taking magnesium, potassium, and calcium suppliments. They didn't completely get rid of the burning, but they did help a good bit. I could definatly tell when I hadn't taken them!

Strength training in your calves is also a great way to get rid of the burning. It works the same way as your biceps burning after doing too many pushups- your muscles weren't strong enough to handle it. As you run more and your muscles get stronger, the burning will subside.

I find that this happens when I push myself too hard. After a while I end up without the burning after a run or walk because my muscles have become used to it, and the time between recoveries drops from days to nothing.

I agree with desultrygirl: Build up the calve muscles for a while, then take it slow for the first 10-15 minutes of your walk and then try running.