any runners have input?

jaime2268
jaime2268 Posts: 4 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So I've been running/training for a 10 mile race ( the ARMY 10Miler ) and i recently took a Good Form Running class that taught the 4 points of good form - Posture, Mid Strike, Lean, and Cadence. On my run yesterday, I actively focused on Mid- striking, felt like I was running on my tippie toes, but i ran a faster mile time than ever.

Before the class, I was experiencing shin splint pain and I'm assuming this is because I was heel striking and partially because I have weak ankles and my feet supinate (?? that the right one? they lean inwards just a tiny bit) a tad causing stress on my lower legs.

Today, i have NO SHIN PAIN at all.... however, my calves hurt =(
Is this because I was on my toes too much? Or is it because I have to train my calves to run properly, too? Is it normal aches from exercise? Does that make sense? lol

I just want to be sure I'm not over compensating trying to mid strike. I have another run tomorrow and a long run on Saturday. I don't want to cause any damage that could be avoided.

thanks for any input =)

Replies

  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Changing your stride is probably why your calves are sore. Most people have a natural stride (it's amazing how many great runners are heel strikers) that leans towards heel striking, switching to a mid-foot strike takes some conscious effort.

    Personally I'd keep the runs a little shorter & slower while adapting to the new stride, you'll probably find that by keeping it short and not extending your forward foot too much beyond your body that the mid-foot strike will start to feel more natural (I cheated when I made the transition.....I started running in winter a few years ago and your choice were to keep your stride short and land mid foot or fall flat on your butt :laugh: )
  • jaime2268
    jaime2268 Posts: 4 Member
    hahahaah!! \thanks!! really appreciate the response.

    i assumed it was the change in my stride. just wanted a more advanced opinion =)
  • SonicDeathMonkey80
    SonicDeathMonkey80 Posts: 4,489 Member
    Changing your stride is probably why your calves are sore. Most people have a natural stride (it's amazing how many great runners are heel strikers) that leans towards heel striking, switching to a mid-foot strike takes some conscious effort.

    Personally I'd keep the runs a little shorter & slower while adapting to the new stride, you'll probably find that by keeping it short and not extending your forward foot too much beyond your body that the mid-foot strike will start to feel more natural (I cheated when I made the transition.....I started running in winter a few years ago and your choice were to keep your stride short and land mid foot or fall flat on your butt :laugh: )

    Took the words out of my mouth

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