Some people aren't built to run....HUH????

sofulnaturalee
sofulnaturalee Posts: 391 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello,

I just started my program for C25K. I did W1 twice and now I'm on W2 D1. I have never really been a runner, but loved to run (if that makes sense). Since I have started the program I notice that when I run I get a burning sensation in my calf muscles. I don't stop I push right thru it, but I thought that since I just started this was normal and would stop after the 2nd or 3rd run. I did a lot of walking, even before I started the program. I never had the pain of my calfs feeling like they were on fire. Is this normal???????? I have spoke to some runners and have heard no, yes, probably, and even "some people are not built to be runners." I'm sorry but I thought if you can walk surely you can run. Right? Does anyone else out there have this pain or had this pain. If so any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated. I want to run in my first C25K and I don't plan on giving up by NO MEANS!!! :-)
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Replies

  • trudijoy
    trudijoy Posts: 1,685 Member
    I don't believe I'm built to run. I can do other excercise, including high intensity stuff like netball, I swim, walk etc. Running will trigger my asthma fast, plus it makes my boobs, ,joints, legs and back hurt.

    I probably wasn't born 'not built to run' but it's certainly not a good idea now. Running just doesn't suit some people, IMO.
  • Marcia315
    Marcia315 Posts: 460 Member
    I'm built for comfort, not speed.

    But seriously, I do NOT have a runner's build. I have short legs, long torso, and wide hips. Not the best build for efficient running. However, I can swim, skate, and ski like a mofo.
  • lorierin22
    lorierin22 Posts: 432 Member
    A lot of runners have the burning sensation when starting out. I had it, my sister had and several other runners I know had it. It is something that your body has to get used to. You use different fibers in your muscles to run than you do to walk. If you stick with it, you will make it through to the other side. I think it took about 2 weeks for me and it took my sister closer to 3-4 weeks. It feels torturous, but it is just your body adapting. In the meantime, you can look into compression sleeves to support your calves while they are transitioning. And definitely stretch them out good when you are done with your run. Good luck on your journey...anyone can be a runner...you just have to run! :)
  • niricava
    niricava Posts: 89 Member
    I didn't think I could be a run, although I've always been a walker... I'm on week 7 of C25K and running great. I think anyone can build up to running, but it's certainly not for everyone -- I'm just talking interest here.

    Having good running shoes designed for your feet is important. You can go to a running store and get your gait assessed to see if that could be the issue with your calves?
  • jessspurr
    jessspurr Posts: 258 Member
    Yep! I pretty much know exactly what you are talking about. The cure is stretching. Pure and simple! Once you have the burning feeling stretching isn't going to make it go away...I would just take it easy for a few days but keep at it and just stretch those calves good and long after each run and it will likely prevent the burning from returning! Worked for me anyway!
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    Get thee to Target DcK's sporting Goods- Sports Authoriy- Champion- or even Amazon... buy yourself a foam roller.

    seriously.

    And yes- some people are more inclined to be runners than others- I'll never be a short distance sprinter- 4 years of soccer- and I got bested at 60 yards and under for any sprint- anything over 60 and you were flat out toast. I was a mid range sprinter- and I could go for miles with long steady distance paces.

    But that doesn't mean I still didn't do it.

    I still do them now. Short sprints- long sprints- and some 'longer' runs (typically 2-3 miles).

    My BF can't run at all- he is one of those 'awkward runners (check out the youtube clip- hysterical)... he really is- I'd be embarassed to run with him. He's just NOT atheletic at all.

    But I'm proud of him that he works out and goes for walks and does things that make him happy. Shrug- if that's what he wants to do- then that's what he should do.
  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    But seriously, I do NOT have a runner's build. I have short legs, long torso, and wide hips. Not the best build for efficient running. However, I can swim, skate, and ski like a mofo.

    Same boat here. I still do the running because it is such superb exercise for CV fitness, but the reality is that I could get down to 0% body fat and I would *still* to be big and incorrectly shaped to be a competitive runner.
  • RonnieLodge
    RonnieLodge Posts: 665 Member
    I never had the pain of my calfs feeling like they were on fire. Is this normal???????? I have spoke to some runners and have heard no, yes, probably, and even "some people are not built to be runners." I'm sorry but I thought if you can walk surely you can run. Right?

    Good on you for not giving up. It sounds like you need more warm up/cool down stretches.

    I am not built to run. I have a GG cup sized bust and it hurts one week out of the month to even walk down stairs.
    I *can* run - but I look pretty silly having to wear 2 sports bras and hug my arms over my chest. :grumble:
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    I'm not "built to be a runner" either, my low centre of gravity was great when I played college rugby but despite my stumpy legs and stocky build I now run half-marathons (not expecting a call from the Olympic committee any time soon) and my PB is 2:14.47 (planning on breaking 2 hrs next May)

    Anyone, barring real physical, impediments can learn to run successfully. You may never become a record setting runner but given the right footwear, training program and attitude you'd be amazed at what you're capable of achieving.

    The key is to start slowly and build slowly, personally I think the C25K program is too aggressive for many new runners. If you haven't been active building from zero to 5K in 9 or 10 weeks is pushing it.

    There is a certain amount of discomfort attached to any new physical activity, the trick is learning to differentiate between normal discomfort and acute pain. Warm up before your runs, stretch afterward and I'll second the foam roller advice.

    Be patient, be persistent and have fun!
  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
    From an evolutionary biology standpoint, every single human is built to run. You may not have the ability to win races, but barring injury or special circumstances, you can run. Whether or not you like running is a different story.


    Burning sensation in your calves? You are using muscles that you haven't used before, because walking is different than running. Slow down. You should be able to carry on a conversation on your runs when starting out. Even if it feel painfully slow. Even if it is just a shade above your walking pace. You need that base before you can add on speed.
  • FrustratedYoYoer
    FrustratedYoYoer Posts: 274 Member
    I would have always said i wasn't built to run yet here I am running a hell of a lot and getting faster and able to run further each week. I started off with C25K too and i'd say it's a good place to start. In the past i found my calves hurt when i had the speed up too high on the treadmill. Take it real slow, even if it is only just above walking pace x
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    i second the foam roller.
  • surlydave
    surlydave Posts: 512 Member
    I have tried to take on jogging through C25K and even a more conservative program. When I do, I get severe pain in my calf - well really it's outer aspect of my calf/shin. The one time I tried a 5k I developed golf ball sized knots in my legs (visible to the naked eye) and it was a disaster. This is NOT shin splints. I have proper shoes, I have tried stretching, I have tried conditioning. It's not a cardio thing - I do hour long spin classes weekly and have even done a 6 hour spinning marathon for charity. I have come to accept that I am just not meant to be a runner. But I wish luck with it !
  • JazmineYoli
    JazmineYoli Posts: 547 Member
    I say shoes. When I first started I bought an expensive pair of Nike. I had shin splits 2 weeks later and I felt like dying. I didn't think it was my expensive shoes that were causing the problem, but it was. Now I pay $45 for my sneakers and never had an issue.

    ETA: I don't think I built to be a runner, but I run anyway. I may run slow as hell, but I get there.
  • lar4290
    lar4290 Posts: 55 Member
    I had the same thing when I started (and restarted) the C25K program. You use very different calf muscles when you run and when you walk/use an elliptical, etc. I took an extra day off when I needed one focused on stretching and the calf pain went away after a few weeks. I've worked up to a 10K, but run pretty slowly because (like others) my body just isn't build for running. Just listen to your body--if it feels that wrong, go slower or take some time off.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    I have tried to take on jogging through C25K and even a more conservative program. When I do, I get severe pain in my calf - well really it's outer aspect of my calf/shin. The one time I tried a 5k I developed golf ball sized knots in my legs (visible to the naked eye) and it was a disaster. This is NOT shin splints. I have proper shoes, I have tried stretching, I have tried conditioning. It's not a cardio thing - I do hour long spin classes weekly and have even done a 6 hour spinning marathon for charity. I have come to accept that I am just not meant to be a runner. But I wish luck with it !

    foam roller...seriously.

    you need one more than you can imagine
  • haroon_awan
    haroon_awan Posts: 1,208 Member
    Go to a doctor and have them refer you to a physio.
    Get your ankles, shins and knees checkout for injury or sprains.
    Find out whether you are flat footed and need an orthaheel arch.
    Check whether you have a leg length discrepancy.

    And look for yourself. I've got very skinny ankles, so there isn't much fat around the tendons and joints and ligaments to cushion them from impact. Running long distances causes discomfort for me in my ankles. Others have very strong ankles and have little to no discomfort at all. If you can't run, then walk, if you can't walk, then start with basic boxing or learn hand to hand combat through videos on YouTube.
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    I'm not "built to be a runner" either, my low centre of gravity was great when I played college rugby but despite my stumpy legs and stocky build I now run half-marathons (not expecting a call from the Olympic committee any time soon) and my PB is 2:14.47 (planning on breaking 2 hrs next May)

    Anyone, barring real physical, impediments can learn to run successfully. You may never become a record setting runner but given the right footwear, training program and attitude you'd be amazed at what you're capable of achieving.

    The key is to start slowly and build slowly, personally I think the C25K program is too aggressive for many new runners. If you haven't been active building from zero to 5K in 9 or 10 weeks is pushing it.

    There is a certain amount of discomfort attached to any new physical activity, the trick is learning to differentiate between normal discomfort and acute pain. Warm up before your runs, stretch afterward and I'll second the foam roller advice.

    Be patient, be persistent and have fun!

    Wow, I agree with everything in this post! Even as a healthy, active kid, I couldn't run. The C25K program I did was an 8 week program. It took me 13 weeks to complete it, and while I could run for 30 minutes, I wasn't fast enough to complete 5K in that time. I will never be "fast" but I run. I've completed a half marathon even! And, I'm certainly faster than I used to be. My first 5K was about 46 minutes (couldn't run the entire thing). My last 5K was about 31 minutes. Big improvements. My goal is to do a 5K in sub-30 and a half marathon in sub-2:30. They are not lofty goals LOL.

    But make no mistake...this 'not built to run girl' is a runner :-) You can be one too if you want it.
  • VincitQuiSeVincit
    VincitQuiSeVincit Posts: 285 Member
    FOAM ROLLER.

    My calves, ankles, shins, thighs EVERYTHING was MISERABLE when I attempted C25K.
    Im still not a runner by any stretch of the imagination, but the foam roller is the only reason I was ever able to run longer than 30 seconds at a time
  • bfpower
    bfpower Posts: 92 Member
    I might modify the statement. Some people aren't built to sprint (yet). Some people aren't built to run marathons (yet). But almost anyone, given a basic knowledge of technique, a proper gait assessment, and balanced nutrition can run. There are a lot of good studies and articles written about running nutrition, most of them recommending a somewhat conventional balanced diet that helps your muscles rebuild and recover.

    Perhaps five years later that person will end up running a marathon. But trying to sprint or run distance without proper experience is one of the most common causes of injury. Are you able to converse with relative ease while running? If not then you're overexerting. If you increase your mileage more than 10% in a week, you're overexerting (and I find that 10% is generous). You should take an easy week every fourth week (same number of runs, but fewer miles/slower speed).

    Gotta start slow, even if that means that awkward spot in between walking and running. For people like me with beefier upper body and skinny legs, it takes annoyingly long to build speed and distance.
  • mybelovedrebel
    mybelovedrebel Posts: 24 Member
    Yes! This! Foam rollers are just about miraculous!

    Also, to be honest, as someone who has started running only two weeks earlier than you have (and someone who works at a gym at the front desk) If you are going to run, and take your workout to the next level, you also need to take your stretching to the next level. This is where even one half-hour session with a trainer who knows how to teach stretching, or with a stretching clinic, or a good friend who is a runner can really help.

    I believe some people are built to run faster than others, and maybe you won't be qualifying for the Boston Marathon this year, but that doesn't mean running isn't worthwhile, that it can't be a great source of fitness and stress relief to you and also burn mad calories. Get some help doing it right, which might mean joining a running club or hiring a trainer for a few sessions, but it might also mean getting a stride analysis or getting running shoes fitted at a running store to fit your needs and pronation.
  • WeepingAngel81
    WeepingAngel81 Posts: 2,232 Member
    What does the foam roller do?

    I have also had problems with running. I have been fitted for shoes, tried different brands, and I end up with visible bruises on my calgs when I run on pavement. I'm ok on the treadmill though. I also have loose joints so I constant sprain my ankles just by putting my foot down the wrong way so running tends to make me nervouse because that is painful!
  • BootCampC
    BootCampC Posts: 689 Member
    there are 2 types of people , people who hate to run and people who hate to run and say they love it... :)
  • melissat888250
    melissat888250 Posts: 79 Member
    It is something I've struggled with in the past. I have a family history of torn knee ligaments, which are brought on by excessive running. So I skip the running and go for hiking or biking that I still enjoy and are easier on my knees. I also make sure to keep my knees strong.
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
    I'm not built to run. And it's not boobs, injuries, asthma, shin splints or lack of patience, I just have always hated it and been bad it. I've tried C25K, foam rolling, Chi Running and gait analysis. I'm good at all other cardio I've done and have great cardio health, as measured in a lab. I walk a ton. I have sisters that have the same feelings about running. Y'all can work toward that goal all you want. I wish you the best.
  • shining_light
    shining_light Posts: 384 Member
    I'm not built to run either, really. I enjoy it, but it always ends up hurting my knees eventually. Many people I've known who have been runners have had some form of injury as a result, but often that's because they're not moving heavy weights to build up the muscles needed to support that 3-times-their-body-weight-coming-down-on-their-joints thing. Yeah. There's sure as hell no way I'm built to force my knees to bear the brunt of three times my body weight for an extended period of time several times a week.

    Now, that said:

    I really, really, REALLY enjoy sprinting. I can handle short bursts of high speed for short periods of time. One thing I love about it is that, unlike traditional cardio, my legs give out well before my legs do because sprinting is largely anaerobic. Still not sure of how it will affect my joints, though.
  • Daisy471
    Daisy471 Posts: 409 Member
    You see every shape and size imaginable at races. If most of us weren't "built to run" you wouldn't see that variety. I like running and I know that I never will be particularly fast or graceful or have the endurance to run really long distances. But I have been able to make significant improvements in less than a year. I could barely run a mile without stopping, and now 6 miles isn't that difficult. My pace earlier this year was over 13 min/mile and now I am under 12 min/mile for long runs and under 11 min/mile for shorter runs.

    I went through something similar recently with my left calf. Anytime I ran 5 miles or more it would tighten up so much that I would hobble around for 2 days. I started stretching and doing calf raises daily. My husband (a very experienced marathoner) said that it would improve as my body got used to the new distance. This started about a month ago, or a little more. I ran 6 miles on Saturday, and have had no tightness at all! I never tried the foam roller so I can't give any advice on that. Stretch, get fitted for shoes if you haven't done so anyways and stick with it. It will get better!
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
    You see every shape and size imaginable at races. If most of us weren't "built to run" you wouldn't see that variety.
    I agree that it's not "most of us" who aren't built to run. I've been hanging out at fitness forums for 10 years and almost never run across others who say it. I'm shocked to see so many here. And a bit comforted. :embarassed:
  • scottyg70
    scottyg70 Posts: 388 Member
    Before I even start, let me say I am not a professional, a running coach or a fitness expert. This my opinion based on my experiences...so with that...

    I don't buy that someone isn't "built to run". Granted, the heavier you are the harder it is, but if I can run, anyone can. I too had the usual pains when I first started and it's your body telling you that those muscles haven't been used very much! There are some good strength programs out there for runners that target key areas that runners need (ie..core, hips, etc..).

    Other issues could be your running form, where you run and what you run in. If you seriously want to be a runner, then I'd recommend getting fitted for a good pair of running shoes. Go to your local running specialty store. Not only will they help you find a good pair of shoes, but the can evaluate how you run to determine things like if you overpronate etc.. If you have shin splints it's most likely due to your shoes or the way you run. Your local running store might also offer a good form running clinic, so ask.

    If you're running on the streets, stay off the sidewalks if at all possible. Concrete is much harder than asphalt and your body gets beat up even more by running on sidewalks. Some don't have that luxury, but if you do, try to run on the asphalt.

    Lastly, and this is the best piece of advice I have gotten, listen to your body. If you're still hurting, don't run. And know the difference between hurting and sore. You can still run if you're legs are sore. It's not a good idea to run if you have sharp pains.

    Good luck! After 40 years, I discovered the joy of running and I hope you do the same!
  • wildirishrose162
    wildirishrose162 Posts: 12 Member
    What does the foam roller do?

    I have also had problems with running. I have been fitted for shoes, tried different brands, and I end up with visible bruises on my calgs when I run on pavement. I'm ok on the treadmill though. I also have loose joints so I constant sprain my ankles just by putting my foot down the wrong way so running tends to make me nervouse because that is painful!

    Basic basic terms... a foam roller helps with tight and sore muscles.

    I want to say that I got fitted for shoes and they were never the right ones for me. I'd take them home run a few short runs in them and my feet would be miserable. It wasn't till I was talking to a personal trainer and told her how frustrated I was with my shoe issues that I found what worked for me. I went from having blisters at all times to never having another and I'm in love with my sneakers so don't give up yet. Also I'd talk to your doctor about your ankles. I sprained mine really badly about two years ago, so bad I was in an air cast for a month, couldn't do anything but lift and walk for two months. The doctor gave me great exercises to do for it and while there are times I still tweak it and its a little weaker then my other the exercises helped greatly.



    To the original poster.... I don't have any advice on the pain, I'm not an expert. I did want to say I'm sure you can become a runner. When I started out I ran a 5k in about 40 min(yes I walked a lot). Now I run a 5k in about 26 minutes and I'm working to get into the low 20 minute range. I also run half marathons, mud runs and everything in between. Now I can't believe it used to take me so long to run a 5k, it seems like another person in another body. All the pieces have fallen into place one by one, it didn't happen all at once but it happened.

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