Running with calf soreness

Be sure you aren't overly forcing a midfoot strike. You shouldn't be running up on your toes as all that will do is tear up your calves and achilles tendons. While I don't wear VFFs, I do wear new balance mt20s for all of my trail and treadmill running. When I first got them, I tried to force a forefoot strike by landing on my toes, and it tore up my calves. I read some more about it, and now I just work on taking quick light steps and don't worry about the heel-strike vs. mid-foot. It just happens naturally.

My calf soreness lasted for about 4-5 days, and during that time I couldn't walk down stairs very well (had to side step down). Oddly, I could still run just fine. Ironically, I am re-experiencing the calf soreness this week (2 months later) after some ambitious mountain running on Sunday (almost 4k vert feet in 10.5 miles of trails). I was still able to run just fine Monday and today, but they hurt like hell when walking up or down stairs.

I believe I'm doing it right. Just based on how natural, non-awkward, and non-forced it feels when I do it. I try more to focus on cadence, and I'm aware that my heels are kissing the ground like they should. I'm wondering if it's just a pace issue...I felt like I was going maybe a little faster than a TOTAL rookie should.

I'm just wondering if I need to wait for the pain to be GONE to continue, or if it's probably safe to run with some soreness still there. I think as long as I'm careful and try slowing my pace down, it could be fine to run tomorrow morning. I want to try, at least...

I victimized myself this past weekend by going for a long run in my VFF's after being on a treadmill for the past few months (little chilly up here to run outside in the VFF's).  Definitely ended up with a mild strain of my achilles by the end of it.  You will be dorsiflexed (re: taking your foot 'off' the gas pedal) more so with your VFF's than you'll be used to with typical running shoes that wedge your heel up somewhat, and that'll add tension to your gastroc/soleus/achilles.  Add in over-pronation of your foot during stance phase and you can really do a number on your achilles.  Take 'er slow, and do some prophylactic gastroc strength exercises.

Personally, until I really build up strength, I'm keeping my VFF's to the treadmill and trails, and sticking with my typical running shoes for pavement.  

Edit: I should clarify "if" you overpronate during stance

What he said. All of it. More forgiving would be non-paved surfaces, or a treadmill. Self-massage with mentioned items or a foam roller. Some like the stick.

Earlier you said that your pace on the run intervals is "faster than your planned race pace" right?  If so, you still need to slow down.

This is my second year in VFF and love them. Here is my advice: Take it nice and easy the first month or so. There will be some soreness and you can work through a little of it, but if its really bad then you shouldn't run. Like the others have said, massaging is FANTASTIC! I have a foam roller at home and keep a tennis ball at work. Make sure you are giving more attention to stretching, especially your calves. When I stretch for a VFF run, I stretch out my calves using 3 different stretches and then usually 1 more time about a mile into my run. Also, the post run stretch is crucial.

The next mornings are a little stiff but they "warm" up in about 10 minutes of getting ready in the morning.

To answer your question more directly, some soreness is OK, pain is no good, take an extra day off and let your legs recover, massage, take a bath/hot tub.

I tried to force a mid to forefoot strike and aggrivated my injury prone shinsplints

Run the way you run and you'll be better off and it's the second run running hurts at first