Tight calves while running

rjstocks

So I have started running....

Thats alot for me because I hate running. Anyways I do strength training 5 times a week.

This is going on my 3rd week of running 3 times a week and my calves always feel so tired. I'm not so much out of breath...im uncomfortable. I've been consulted with shoes and other ideas. I do realize I shouldn't do leg day on a run day because it causes it to be worst. I did a nice stretch before my run today. It still didn't help....Should I stretch more?

sara_b0702

Where are you running - treadmill, trail, road? And what kind of shoes are you running in?

Packerjohn

Do you wear high heels on a regular basis?

Joanna2012B

Are you stretching after your run? I personally will warm up a little before my run, but don't stretch until after. The terrain will certainly make a difference. I started running on an indoor track and then when I went to a trail run, I suffered some pains in my legs, the calves being one. I had to adjust to the different terrain. Shoes make a HUGE difference!!

amusedmonkey

I had this problem too. I discovered that due to a back injury I don't engage my hips at all and instead forcefully push through my legs to create movement. I started attempting to initiate movement from the hips by flexing glutes on the push back and it seems to have improved the tightness a lot. I've also found that shoes with overly cushioned heel compounds the problem creating a "running in the sand" effect the tenses the legs more that running should.

BrianSharpe

Tight calves can lead to Achilles tendon problems.....consider:

1) A shoe with a slightly higher heel to toe drop (my old faithfuls changed from a 12mm to 10mm when a new version came out, I now run - pain free - in another brand of shoe with a 12mm drop after having Achilles problems)

2) Use a heating pad for a few minutes and then foam roll or use "the stick" on your calves. If you're using the stick roll from foot towards the knee. (Hint - if it's not uncomfortable you're doing it wrong)

3) Are you getting enough recovery time? I'm following SL 5 x 5 and had to cut back on my days squatting as my runs got longer (my legs were dead feeling)

4) Dynamic warm up before running, static stretching after (if your calves are tight spend extra time stretching them and stretch your soleus too)

5) If you hate running don't run, there are other ways to keep up your cardio fitness.

jayv85

Two of my friends in the military has this and it was bafflement syndrome I think. But I'd try changing shoes first. One of my calves is always tights because, I'm assuming, I have scoliosis so one side of my body is tight no matter what. I just love with it. I have found its easier to run using minimalist shoes, I have the new balance brand. But you have to build up with those. Otherwise it may just be because you're still somewhat new to running

jayv85

Capartment syndrome. My phone sucks with words

ninerbuff

All of the above and also it may be that your calves aren't still conditioned enough to take the pounding of running, if you've never used your calves much for anything else but walking.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

msf74

Roll them out.

Work on strengthening your glutes and hamstrings specifically. If you have come from a relatively sedentary background / desk based job it is probable that these areas are underdeveloped in terms of strength and your calves are taking the strain. Your calves should get conditioned over time but you are risking injury by seeing your body not as a whole but a collection of discrete parts.

rjstocks

bigbaypony wrote: »

Where are you running - treadmill, trail, road? And what kind of shoes are you running in?

Nike running shoes.

rjstocks

Packerjohn wrote: »

Do you wear high heels on a regular basis?

No I don't

rjstocks

crazyravr wrote: »

Its your shoes. I had the same problem. Proper fitted shoes will fix that right up.

I've got some expensive ones....ive been fitted for some by a specialties store

rjstocks

Joanna2012B wrote: »

Are you stretching after your run? I personally will warm up a little before my run, but don't stretch until after. The terrain will certainly make a difference. I started running on an indoor track and then when I went to a trail run, I suffered some pains in my legs, the calves being one. I had to adjust to the different terrain. Shoes make a HUGE difference!!

Yea I was fine until I went outside to run.....

rjstocks

amusedmonkey wrote: »

I had this problem too. I discovered that due to a back injury I don't engage my hips at all and instead forcefully push through my legs to create movement. I started attempting to initiate movement from the hips by flexing glutes on the push back and it seems to have improved the tightness a lot. I've also found that shoes with overly cushioned heel compounds the problem creating a "running in the sand" effect the tenses the legs more that running should.

That kinda makes sense

rjstocks

BrianSharpe wrote: »

Tight calves can lead to Achilles tendon problems.....consider:

1) A shoe with a slightly higher heel to toe drop (my old faithfuls changed from a 12mm to 10mm when a new version came out, I now run - pain free - in another brand of shoe with a 12mm drop after having Achilles problems)

2) Use a heating pad for a few minutes and then foam roll or use "the stick" on your calves. If you're using the stick roll from foot towards the knee. (Hint - if it's not uncomfortable you're doing it wrong)

3) Are you getting enough recovery time? I'm following SL 5 x 5 and had to cut back on my days squatting as my runs got longer (my legs were dead feeling)

4) Dynamic warm up before running, static stretching after (if your calves are tight spend extra time stretching them and stretch your soleus too)

5) If you hate running don't run, there are other ways to keep up your cardio fitness.

I HATEEEEEE running lol. And I thought maybe that was it. I was a sprinter back in my day. Now trying to run distances to burn fat is uncomfortable. I hate the elliptical. I hate the treadmill because I get bored....i hate fitness class....i hate the bike...lol....running is working tho.

rjstocks

jayv85 wrote: »

Two of my friends in the military has this and it was bafflement syndrome I think. But I'd try changing shoes first. One of my calves is always tights because, I'm assuming, I have scoliosis so one side of my body is tight no matter what. I just love with it. I have found its easier to run using minimalist shoes, I have the new balance brand. But you have to build up with those. Otherwise it may just be because you're still somewhat new to running

Thanks. Something to look into.

rjstocks

ninerbuff wrote: »

All of the above and also it may be that your calves aren't still conditioned enough to take the pounding of running, if you've never used your calves much for anything else but walking.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

I've been chilling. Cardio is new

rjstocks

msf74 wrote: »

Roll them out.

Work on strengthening your glutes and hamstrings specifically. If you have come from a relatively sedentary background / desk based job it is probable that these areas are underdeveloped in terms of strength and your calves are taking the strain. Your calves should get conditioned over time but you are risking injury by seeing your body not as a whole but a collection of discrete parts.

I notice on leg days the problem is worst...it's like the muscles never loosen up.

rjstocks

msf74 wrote: »

Roll them out.

Work on strengthening your glutes and hamstrings specifically. If you have come from a relatively sedentary background / desk based job it is probable that these areas are underdeveloped in terms of strength and your calves are taking the strain. Your calves should get conditioned over time but you are risking injury by seeing your body not as a whole but a collection of discrete parts.

And I've tried the roller. How long should I use it?

rjstocks

Thanks everybody