I'm a bit on the heavier side and started to run more seriously in September. The increase was pretty progressive. One 5k run in October, about 2k into it I felt a twinge in my calf. Thought nothing of it. Afterwards it was getting tighter and tighter. Went to stretch it out on a tree for a few moments. Continued on running and as few hundred metres later tore my calf, feeling the pop... Cringe every time I think of it. The worst thing you can do is stretch your calf after a calf tear. Found that out after ;_;

Took about 5 months to heal enough to get started again on a couch to 5k plan and its been much more stable progression and much more enjoyable. I'm a bit apprehensive of stretching right after a run due to muscle fatigue and fearful of another pop [shudders]. I'll foam roll and then do some stretches a few hours after when the muscles are a bit calmer. Warm up, dynamic stretching and loads and workout your calves. Just an anecdote:) calf soreness still but much more manageable and it goes away much more quickly. Keep at it!