Starting back running after many years (10+) away from the sport. I ran about 2 miles a day for the last 10 days and felt ok(well really I felt like I had never run before but ok all things considered). On Saturday I was about 4 minutes in when I experienced extreme tightness in my calves and had to stop. My calves are still pretty tight today, I tried starting up last year and had similar issue after about a week's running. Any thoughts on what could be causing this? I have stretched after each run so I don't see not stretching as an issue. I never experienced any calf problems when I ran higher mileage (70+) years ago, I can only remember my calves hurting after some very hard work-outs. I am 6'1 185 but with pretty thin legs so I am wondering if my extra weight could be an issue (i was anywhere from 155-165 10+ years ago). Any insight or similar experiences and resolutions would be appreciated.
calf tightness
-
00
-
#1: Top-rated Training Shoe: Brooks Ghost 15 for $99Get a top 1%-rated shoe right now for $99 (30% off) -
what surface are you running on? did you keep your leg strength up over those 10 yrs? what were you doing the last 10 yrs? (sitting around, getting fat, cross training, etc) do you weigh more then you did 10 yrs ago?
my guesses are..
pavement, sidewalk
no
little exercise
yes
i might be wrong but like i said its my guess
00 -
If you have been wearing traditional shoes with heels, then your calf muscles and Achilles have shortened. As you run, you tend to put them through a greater range of motion than they have been used to for the past decade. Continue the stretching and incorporate some barefoot walking and running to slowly stretch them back to their natural length. It will take some time and you can expect continued soreness for several weeks, or more. Eventually transition into a more minimal running shoe with lower heel. Good luck.
00 -
You are correct on all accounts I have done little exercise in past 10 years am about 20 pounds heavier and was running on pavement. Although at 6'1 185 am not fat just not running "skinny" as was the case when putting in the 70-90 miles per week back in the day. Will try and switch to grass for training which I hope helps. Thanks
00 -
Thanks for the suggestion, will try as well.
00