re: Calf soreness

You could try an NSAID (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, etc.), or if you want to go with something that's more natural, you could try turmeric or ginger. If you want to go the supplement route, alpha-lipoic acid and/or fish oil may help.

One time I made my calves so sore I could barely walk for a day. It was a random exercise I was just experimenting with one night in the gym. I grabbed a heavy dumbbell and did one-leg calf raises on the bars of some nautilus equipment. I was able to hold onto a bar with my free hand and lean back to hit my calves in an unusual angle. I've tried to replicate that, but I've never been able to get so sore again.