Runners if I may...

Tony_Brewski
Tony_Brewski Posts: 1,376 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Ok I can't run to save myself... If Zombies were chasing me they'd be eating me up after a quarter mile.

However!

On an elliptical I can do 3 miles in 20:53 HR around 160-170 and feel great afterwards.

When I run on pavement I'm good for about a half mile before my lower calves start to knott up and burn. I drink plenty of water, I eat tons of potassium. Is this just more my weight (209lbs) and conditioning issues at this point more than anything? I have very high arches on my feet and I mean high like when I enlisted (out 12 years now) my Drill Sergeants took one look and said, "DAMN! Hey guys look at this feakish arch!"

The cramps all most feel like they are in the high ankle (more on the outside of the lower leg just below the mid way point on the leg, about 3/4 of the way from the shin to the calf muscle. If that makes any sense.

I really want to combat this problem and be able to run like the ****ens! I want to take that 3 miles on the elliptical and turn it into a run on the streets.

Any inserts or anything like that maybe do the trick? More calf exercises?

Replies

  • froeschli
    froeschli Posts: 1,293 Member
    Pavement running and elliptical are two different activities. An elliptical, or even a treadmill will not prepare you for running on the road.
    First, get fitted for running shoes - if your arches are THAT rare, you may need special inserts on top of it.
    Then start with a walk/run program such as c25k. the point of those programs is not only to build up cardiovascular endurance, but build muscles and bones up slowly so you don't injure yourself.
    Pavement running is high impact. If you want to be a bit nicer to your joints, run on a track, grass, or a dirt path.

    Oh, and stretching is important too.
  • xxjacqueline
    xxjacqueline Posts: 97 Member
    I would try to get some running shoes made for your feet. If you go to a running store they will be able to help you fit shoes properly. Also, proper running form! Look up some videos or diagrams about how to run properly, where your feet should strike (not your heels), how you should move your arms, how you should breathe, etc... Also, I am in the process of completing C25K. You might want to try a program like that for outside running as it is more difficult and you just might be doing to much to fast outside. The elliptical is very different from outside running. I hope you get it straightened out!
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    Yep running outside is totally different. You probably are trying to do too much too soon. I would also suggest the c25k program - starts you off with intervals of walking & running, gradually increasing the running times, until you're running the 5k distance in a bout 9 weeks. Worked great for me, and I finished it with zero injuries. Check it out - google the program and download an app for it if you've got a smart phone.
  • Tony_Brewski
    Tony_Brewski Posts: 1,376 Member
    Thanks folks! Good advise!

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