Runners, I need some help... Please :)

To all the runners out there, I am currently training for a half marathon which is October 14th. On Saturday I hit my 10 mile run. Since then, when I run, I have really bad burning in my calves, kind of like the feeling you have when your lifting weights. Cardiovascular wise I feel fine, but the burning is intense and a little in my feet as well. It was difficult to get through my 4 miler today. Does anybody have an idea of how to eliminate the calf/ foot burning. I also have good sneakers so I know thats not the problem!

Thanks!!

Replies

  • timboom1
    timboom1 Posts: 762 Member
    R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, compress, elevate) - It sounds like you have strained your calves/achellis tendon. You need to rest them a day or two and let them heal up. You can push a few runs into next week if you need to but be sure to taper. If you have to miss a few runs to get to the starting line healthy that is better than not getting there at all (or worse not getting to the finish line)
  • wolfchild59
    wolfchild59 Posts: 2,608 Member
    Get a foam roller or (my preference) The Stick. The Stick can roll out calf pain like that in about five minutes. When I got into the double digits of my training runs for both of my half marathons I had the same thing. For the races themselves, I usually use some KT Tape and that helps a lot. But I purposefully train without it so the help that offers comes only for the race and I teach myself to power through without for the training.
  • I just ran my first half marathon last week in Philly and loved every second of it! It would help to know what your training schedule is to give you the best advice. Are you stretching before (important) and after (very important) each run? What is your diet like? There are so many factors that could be causing this problem. Even though you have "good" sneakers they may not be the right sneakers for you. If you would like to add more info about your schedule perhaps we could better help you. At the very least I would take a few days if not a week off of running, substitute yoga, weights, or cycling during this time.
  • linusr
    linusr Posts: 38 Member
    I also use the Stick, and it helps. Did you work up to your 10 miler? What plan are you on?
  • Fitnthin101
    Fitnthin101 Posts: 25 Member
    I am doing the hal hidgons program. In the next 3 weeks my schedule is as follows:

    Week:10 Rest 3 m run 5 m pace 3 m run Rest 11 m run cross
    Week 11 Rest 3 m run 5 m run 3 m run Rest 12 m run cross
    Week 12 Rest 3 m run 2 m pace 2 m run Rest Rest Half Marathon

    Last year I had my feet analyzed by a specialist and placed in brooks running shoes. I got new ones this year, same exact ones. I made the mistake a while back of going with the sales person on a good running shoe and I was in pain! Getting my run analyzed was the best thing ever. I highly recommend to any of the runners on here if you haven't already!

    Thanks for the responses. I think i'll go to ****s tomorrow and get the roller. How often do you role out the calves?
  • timboom1
    timboom1 Posts: 762 Member
    Thanks for the responses. I think i'll go to ****s tomorrow and get the roller. How often do you role out the calves?

    Daily...I actually use a roller before I run to help loosen them up and then later in the day after the run to encourage blood flow for recovery.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member

    Thanks for the responses. I think i'll go to ****s tomorrow and get the roller. How often do you role out the calves?

    I use my foam roller after every rum (quads, hamstrings, calves, IT band, hips) if you're doing it right there will be some discomfort but it really does help.
  • ATclassof2021
    ATclassof2021 Posts: 232 Member
    R.I.C.E. is the answer.....a couple days off will do wonders. Understand it is hard, but if your goal is to finish and enjoy the race, you need to R.I.C.E.