Walking

tbshea3

So perhaps this isn't the best place to ask but here it goes.

January 1st I finally dropped below 235. And since I've eaten better and less. In addition I've started walking (~3.4 mph) and in this last week of Jan I decided to finish my 100mi of walking only, I still had 35 to go. In the past two days I've walked 17 miles, and my left calf is in pain. Is this normal, or should I be worried (until recently very sedentary person)?

Thanks

BrianSharpe

Probably just a function of the big change in activity level. I would probably suggest dialing back the distances a bit, ice the affected area and if the pain persists more than a couple of days RICE....Rest, Ice, Compression & Elevation

It's unlikely that you're going to seriously injure yourself walking but, like every other form of exercise / activity you don't want to go from zero to sixty overnight....give your body time to adapt.

Azercord

I would also suggest stretching throughout the day. Your muscles might just be tightening up on you and need a little extra stretch. And of course make sure you are getting plenty enough to drink to avoid any extra cramping.

tbshea3

Thanks

cwolfman13

going from sedentary to walking 17 miles in two days would probably do that...that's a pretty big leap in activity.

is it sore kind of pain or does it feel like an injury? my guess would be that it's just sore from doing more than you probably should be doing too soon.

AllanMisner

Most guides I’ve seen (and what I use with my clients) is that you shouldn’t increase your weekly mileage by more than 10%. I’d dial it back and just take this as as a lesson learned that you need to average about 4 miles per day in February to make your 100 miles for the month.

Allan Misner
NASM Certified Personal Trainer (Corrective Exercise Specialist, Fitness Nutrition Specialist)
Host of the 40+ Fitness Podcast