weights and cardio (calf related)

Back when I was more serious about running, and less so about overall body strength a few years back; I went from running 10 minute miles to sub 7 minute miles in just 6 weeks... I ran 5 days a week right from the get go; increasing the regemin twice per week... both in terms of distance, as well as speed. I always would push myself to do more than what I was comfortable with. Always plenty of streatching. My calves hurt, but after 6 weeks, they hurt "good". No pain, no gain!

I'm not in that kind of shape right now, nor is that a current goal.

There are types of running which yield good results.

1. Constant pace - make sure you are exerting yourself. Not a jog that is barely above a brisk walk.
2. Run hard, walk hard, run hard.
3. Constant pace, run hard as long as you can at the end.

twice per week, increase the distance you run hard. Once per week, increase the total distance covered.

There are some sites that teach how to prepare in a more acceptable way for a 5k/10k in 8 weeks or so.

I base my own experience on my old phys. ed coach's program. I could go more in depth if you want. While I'm not a good runner now, I do know what works.

 

I had the same issues about a year ago. After a good leg workout my leg muscles can be pretty beat making a run past a cooldown rather difficult with that wonderfull "rubbery" leg feeling.

So I moved my runs to 5am and do the leg workouts at 3 or 4pm. Now the next mornings run, since you want to run every day is going to still be harder for a while.

I can't comment on the other questions as it'd be good to know about you. age, diet, calorie limits and fitness goals before I would want to provide feedback on that.

Regardless of what you do to get past this, keep going.

 

Do you work out your calves with weights at all? You may need to strengthen them.

I wouldn't say you can over-work your legs because they are your primary function everyday. It's certainly not going to hurt to give them a day off.

 

If your goal is to be able to run more and increase (and your calves') exercise capacity yes, run every day. Start slow and minimally increment distance, time, and/or speed until you're able to run those variables as you desire.

As Texas noted calves are postural muscles which mean they're designed for repetitive movements w.out fatigue/failure, and as long as you can walk ok you can train them. Even if you're sore you should do light exercise - light ex is good particularly when you're sore.