A running question

kr9876

Hello

I run on a treadmill but I find that I get pain in my calves and and foot arches while running which means that I need to stop to walk a lot to ease it. This is frustrating as I am not getting as out of breath as I could so I feel like I'm not getting the full fitness benefits. I'm wondering if I am not warming up properly - I just start with a walk and take long stretchy strides for a few minutes and then start running. Should I be doing individual muscle stretches?

lawlorka

I don't stretch before I run. I do a brisk walk, and then a slow job until I feel warm and then I run.

Can I ask what shoes you are wearing? Did you get them from a specialist running store, and have your gait analysed etc?

It could well be that your shoes aren't suited to you

meltoine

Sounds like bad shoes.

kr9876

They are running trainers but just cheap generic ones rather than specifically suggested for me. I bought them when I first started. Good to know that I don't need to do stretches before I run - think I will need to go to the running shop! Thanks for the replies

kshadows

Definitely shoes!

too_many_cookies

I used to get tightness in my calves and two things helped eliminate this for me: standing donkey kicks (a great dynamic stretch) and running slower (especially at the start of my run). With regards to foot arch pain (plantar fascitis I believe?) you may need to look at some arch support.

SonicDeathMonkey80

Hello

I run on a treadmill but I find that I get pain in my calves and and foot arches while running which means that I need to stop to walk a lot to ease it. This is frustrating as I am not getting as out of breath as I could so I feel like I'm not getting the full fitness benefits. I'm wondering if I am not warming up properly - I just start with a walk and take long stretchy strides for a few minutes and then start running. Should I be doing individual muscle stretches?

This statement is false. And yes, shoes.

aswearingen22

1. Go to a running specialty store and get fitted fro shoes.
2. Don't do stretches on cold muscles. Do dynamic warm-ups to loosen the muscles if you need to such as just walking or running slower than your normal pace. I never warm-up before I run, I just take the first mile slow to ease into it.

VeryKatie

I agree it sounds like bad shoes. But you can also try doing calf circles before your run (a few minutes on each side) to loosen the shins and calves. After a 5 minute walk, you can also do some calf stretching (stand on a step or the edge of the treadmill on your toes. Dip down and then go on your tippy toes, back and forth for 1 minute). Maybe it will help. Maybe not.. worth a try to see if it helps.

kristinegift

I agree with everyone else: it's probably the shoes. When I run in shoes that the shoe-arch doesn't match my foot-arch, I get foot and calf pain like nobody's business. Definitely head to a specialty running store and get fitted for a pair of shoes that fit 100%.

kr9876

Thank you for this everyone

Curtruns

Why try to be "out of breath?" Most all of my running is at a relaxed pace. Speed comes with time.

TomZot

Why try to be "out of breath?" Most all of my running is at a relaxed pace. Speed comes with time.

This.