Running w/o bulking up my calves

kellicci

I jsut started running I've never been a runner. I'm up to week 4 of C25K (on a treadmil b/c running in the dark downtown is not a good option for now) and I feel great but I think my form is wrong.

I went shoe shopping with my sister who has run XC since high school and I told her I feel like run on my toes and she thought that was strange. Then when I tried shoes on she told me to jog around in them and said I ran weird....So I'm guessing she's right and I'm doing something weird. My calves are already big (I can't zip up just any pair of boots they have to be just right...and sknny jeans HA I can hardly pry them off my calves)....so if anything I want them smaller. So....

What could I be doing wrong?

kass22185

I have big calves too. I would love to wear some pretty boots, but I can't find any that fit! I'm hoping that with the c25k i will not only tone, but lose the fat that surrounds my calves...
sorry, that was no help at all lol

bcf7683

Running is cardio. Cardio does not build muscle. While doing cardio, I'm assuming you're in a calorie deficit. You won't gain a significant amount of muscle while in a caloric deficit.

You will more than likely lose the fat surrounding your calves, making them more defined, if anything.

Personally, when all I was doing was running, I LOST muscle. Which isn't uncommon.

mnstrpc

Running is cardio. Cardio does not build muscle. While doing cardio, I'm assuming you're in a calorie deficit. You won't gain a significant amount of muscle while in a caloric deficit.

You will more than likely lose the fat surrounding your calves, making them more defined, if anything.

Personally, when all I was doing was running, I LOST muscle. Which isn't uncommon.

^^ Mostly, this. I have just genetically bigger calves, e.g. always had a bit of trouble finding knee-high boots to fit, but as I got more serious about running and lost some weight I lost in my legs and calves became more defined, but definitely not bigger. In fact, boots fit me much better now.

GiddyupTim

If you think running is going to bulk up your calves, we cannot help you. It simply won't. I have been running for many many years -- sprinting, jogging, etc. -- and my legs have not grown at all. And I am a male who can build rather rapidly if I lift weights.

DavPul

The best way to run without bulking up your calves is to run.

n0ob

The best way to run without bulking up your calves is to run.

Chief_Rocka

Size of calves are 98% genetics

Jacwhite22

Just here to post calves.....seemed appropriate

xprettyreckless

I have rather big calves too and I've been running for almost eight months now, but all that's done to
them is make them more toned, but neither bigger nor smaller ;-)

guess you have to live with that.. like I have to live with my shoe size..10.. GOT HUGE FEET!

Cliffslosinit

Just here to post calves.....seemed appropriate

jacwhore22

auroranflash

Just here to post calves.....seemed appropriate

Oh no! You'll never fit into your skinny jeans now! :brokenheart:

(Those are fantastic, btw.)

geekyjock76

There is nothing wrong with running on ones toes. People are either "toe strikers" or "heel strikers." If you naturally run where the front part of your foot contacts the ground first, there is no reason to alter the mechanics.

Alex_is_Hawks

Just here to post calves.....seemed appropriate

Jesus Christ Jac....

*lick*

DontStopB_Leakin

Just here to post calves.....seemed appropriate

Nice shoes.

n0ob

Just here to post calves.....seemed appropriate

why was whoever that is wearing two different shoes?

Cliffslosinit

Just here to post calves.....seemed appropriate

why was whoever that is wearing two different shoes?

That is what all the kids are doing nowadays. That is his son. He is 6.

zaph0d

Best way is to develop a thigh gap. The size of one's calves are inversely proportional to the size of one's thigh gap. The best equipment for this are a bottle of alcohol, a scalpel, a dremel tool, and a mityvac.

Jacwhite22

nm.....cliff already explained it.

michellekicks

:laugh: Everyone in the forums in mean today. :laugh:

Just keep running. You're fine.

sarahisme18

I have really large calves, too—but most of it is genetics. My dad cycles 150 miles a week, and his calves are still huge. My mom and my sister love to run, and so are theirs. I'm sure you're not doing anything wrong... in fact, you should be proud of it Better than chicken legs!!!

If you lose some body fat % that might help.

Jacwhite22

Just here to post calves.....seemed appropriate

why was whoever that is wearing two different shoes?

another one. just now......at my desk at work.....

kellicci

HaHa Okay...No really I love all you guys. you're probably right and maybe genetics areon my side my sister is a life long distance runner and her legs are amazing so hopefully someday I'll get there.

I have heard that running on my toes won't help my claves get any slimmer and I swear right now they are bigger than before I started.... but maybe that's just the muscles retaining water as they heal and get used to this new routine.

I'll take your word for it and kepp on running. I was thinking maybe adding a yoga class or two to make sure they get a good stretch might help them feel better if nothing else.

MoreBean13

Changing your natural running mechanics for the aesthetics of your calves is a *HORRIBLE* idea, and a good way to head towards an injury. Often natural heel-strikers need to change their mechanics for joint preservation, as the heel striking causes undue jarring impact, but if you're a toe-runner you should be thankful you've been blessed with natural mechanics that are less likely to cause injury.

There is very little one can do about overly muscular calves (that is healthy). Plus, lots of people find them to be VERY sexy. Just get boot inserts or take them to a shoe repair shop.

P.S. EVERYONE thinks they look weird running, and they're pretty much all correct.

MiloBloom83

<<<<Runner's calves. I'm a cardio *kitten*, no weights were involved in the making of these calves.

Junken_Diraffe

<<<<Runner's calves. I'm a cardio *kitten*, no weights were involved in the making of these calves.

Was waiting for these ones...

blues4miles

I think this all comes down to the "you can't spot reduce."

I'm apple shaped and running has only, if anything, further reduced the size of my calves in relation to the rest of me. I feel like some sort of big fat marshmellow running around with skinny little chicken legs (okay my legs aren't THAT skinny, but you know, skinny compared to the rest of me). I think we all just have to embrace what we have. If you keep running you'll build muscle in your calves (or shall I say "tone" muscle, since you are likely eating at a deficit). As you lose FAT your legs will look more defined and stronger. Probably as you lose fat your calves will get smaller, but stay in whatever proportion to the rest of you. So embrace the strong calves/legs, my chicken legs are jealous!

theologynerd

Do NOT worry about toe striking. Also, your calves will be just fine.

Shannon2714

Just here to post calves.....seemed appropriate

This one makes me *SWOON*, Jack....*CHOMP*