calf muscle twitches and spasms

Question
Hi John,
I asked a question the other day, however It didnt show up on the question forum and I am thinking I may have done it wrong.
I am new to running, I am only on my 3rd week of starting out. I have been a power walker for quite a few years now. I have always wanted to be a runner and never attempted it before. I feel I have started out very slow as I know that It will take me quite some time to be able to run without stopping. My problem is that I bought a new pair of running shoes, that I was told would work great for me because of my flat feet and falling arches. I had no pain in my feet before with the old shoes and now I am having pain in the top side of my foot and I am having spasms and twinges really bad in my calves when I stop running. Before I purchased the new shoes I could tell that my calves were getting sore at times while running but they never hurt when I would stop. Now it has totally flipped, it hurts when I stop but doesnt when I run. I am about 20 pounds overweight still, I lost 20 pounds already. I am enjoying what little running I have done already and I am longing to keep going with this and eventually be able to run in a 5k. I know that isn't a major accomplishment for some, but for me I would be thrilled. I also was told by my physician that I have low calcium levels and he is rechecking it with more blood work. Is it possible that the low calcium levels could be making my calves spasm? Sorry for such a long question but any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Christy

Answer
Wlcome to the running world christy
Just be patience and it will all come together.Now to your questions.Bottom line your diet and weight will definitly play a big role in your success and enjoying your running in the years ahead.Yes in regards to spasm in calfs but also  over worked calfs can also spasm.This is not serious.Over time as you move forward with your training and racing you will experienc from time to time situations you will have to address.It is just part of the fun.If you train properly and do not rush it you will be fine.Your background in power walking will pay dividens as you move forward.In regards to new shoes.They are a pain in the neck to break in but give it time.One of the problems is your feet and musculature tendons conective tissue has to adapt to a hole new level of stress and weight bearing unlike your walking with no pounding.This to will work itself out over time and you just have to go with the flow.One thing you can do reguarly with little things that crop up is ICE to reduce any inflation and start taking 500mg of vitimim C with your three meals a day.For runners and athletes tis is like gold.Strenghtens conective tissues cells and tendons and increases recovery.
I think i covered everything but if you have anything else just get in touch christy and go for that 5k and enjoy.
If helps i started just like you 28 years ago and still hiting hard seven days a week.My first race was also a 5k which i ran at 8 minute pace and worked up to 6 min pace four years latter and 7 min pace for a 26.2 marathon.We all have to start the same and my hats off to you. keep up the great work. You will be running a marathon in time.Let me know how your doing christy.

To your success christy
The very best to you

John
www.rentacoachinternational.com

DOWN BUT NOT OUT it is your choice what fork in the road you decide to take.it is at that moment you run head on into adversity and feel your dream slipping away that you have to rekindle the flame and reastablish your vision of victory in your heart and your mind in order to become the hero of your own success story..you must not think and talk about the problems that lie a head.you must focus on the solutions and stand tall in the difficult times in life and look beyond where you are now and SPEAK TO YOUR MOUNTAINS THAT LIE AHEAD.that is the only way to accomplish the impossible.hope is not a strategy.its the flight plan that you have filed and are comitted to that will take you in the direction to your destination with a safe landing.

                                          coach
                                        John DeHart