pulled muscle or cramping??? in the calf

Hey,
Well, I suffered from recurring calf "pulls" for about 10 years (before I got into tris). I would be fine for a while and then it would feel like someone shot me in the calf, about the area where you described. It would gradually heal--though be very sore--for days afterward, and then happen again. It would put me out for a few weeks, and then I'd be very cautious not to have it happen again. Just when I built back some endurance it would happen again, which was very discouraging.

I finally went to a sports physician/therapist who told me I had torn my Soleus calf muscle and that it had grown scar tisssue over the years which needed to be broken down so it could heal properly. I went through a round of Astym (http://www.performancedynamics.com/) which was excruciatingly painful, but ultimately healed the muscle. I now stretch (novel idea) and though have occasional twinges, I haven't had any major problems for 3+ years.

That's my story. I don't get cramps at all, so can't comment on whether or not yours was a cramp or a pull/tear. Good luck.

The same thing has been happening  to me.  Thanks so much for posting.  I'm a noob too (1 week in), but I've been trying to start running again for about 4 months and I get that same thing after I've been running for about 2 weeks at approx the 1 mile mark.   I stretch a lot during my warm up, I could be better at hydration so I'm hoping it's dehydration and I can get it fixed this time around.

Jay

Pretty common injury that you describe.  Often involves the area where the achilles tendon attaches to the calf muscles.  It can be a very nagging injury and long recovery.  Take the suggestion above and visit your local orthopedist then sports med physical therapy.