Persistant Calf Pain while Running

Question
Height: 5'10''
Weight: 215lbs
Age: 40

I've been running short distances and slowly building up in preparation for trying to run a mini-marathon.  I've had trouble with my left calf every time I reach approximately 2 miles.  My left calf starts to tighten up and eventually I start to hear a slight "popping" sound from my left calf and it becomes really sore.  I stop running and ice my calf and take 1-2 weeks off and then try to resume, but the same problem reoccurs.  I've run a mini-marathon 3 times in the past and had some problems with my left calf cramping during the latter stages of the race, but nothing like this injury.

I've purchased motion control running shoes to help offset my over pronation problem.  But that hasn't made a difference with respect to my left calf problem.  Do you have any recommendations?

Answer
Hi Randy
You have to get into steady consistent stretching of your calf muscles before and also during your training runs.I would recommend after 5 minutes into your training run stop and stretch for a couple of minutes and then after 10 minutes.See how that works for you Randy and let me know..

All the best

John