Left calf feeling tight - should I run?

[IwishIwasmoreorganised]

I did c25k last autumn and was running 5k in 29 minutes.

Then I stopped during January, February and March - the weather was awful, DH was away a lot and I just lost the incentive.

I've been back at it for 3 weeks now, managing to run twice a week, I'm up to 28 minutes of running but only covering about 4kms.

I last ran on Friday and ever since, my left calf has been feeling tight. I've been gently stretching it, but it still feels tight.

I haven't changed trainers or route. Should I leave it to feel better by itself or do you think it'd be ok to go out for a run tonight?

I probably would but would stretch well before, during and after.

Thanks. I've decided against it because we're going camping this weekend and have quite a lot of walking planned. I'll be annoyed (so will DH and DS's) if I'm moaning the whole way about my leg!

I need a good talking to though once this is better - i was really enjoying running before my winter break. Now I'm not finding it much fun at all and can talk myself out of it very easily (as tonight has proved!).

YOu might want to get a foam roller for self-massage if are going to carry on, they are really good for loosening tight muscles before stretching. You can use a tennis ball on it for now but it's not as easy as a roller.
Wise decision not to run on it too, sounds like it's ready to injure if you do - enjoy your walking instead!

Thanks. I'm going to leave the running until next week I think. It'll mean another step back, but less than if I really injure myself.