Running pace question

kimlight2
kimlight2 Posts: 483 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I know this is a weird question, but is it possible to run ot slow? I try to keep around a 12:30-13:00 minute pace but the back of my thighs and calves start to cramp up. If I run a little faster for a minute they seem to relax and I can continue on for a little while until I eventually need to walk. I have tried slowing down even more but then I feel clumpsy and trip more then usual LOL. I do have a hip and back issue that makes me drag my toe when I am tired, hense the tripping, but I am cleared to run and otherwise good. I completed the C25K program and can do a 3 mile run but need a walk break or two to complete it due to the cramping issue. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

Replies

  • isulo_kura
    isulo_kura Posts: 818 Member
    It's probably more to do with form. If you have hip and back issues your form will more likely change depending on the speed your running therefore putting strain on your calves in a different way. I'd look at increasing your mobility by stretching or Yoga and maybe look into some form of strength training.
  • brianpperkins
    brianpperkins Posts: 6,124 Member
    It is possible to run so slow that you start to change your mechanics which can lead to issues. Work on form ... then work on pace for increased time.
  • Eudoxy
    Eudoxy Posts: 391 Member
    I have this issue too, I like to keep it fairly slow so that I can go further, but my form starts to break down a little when I go slower. What's been helping is focusing on keeping my cadence the same no matter how fast or slow I go, I used a metronome a couple of times to make sure I did. The less time my foot spends on the ground the less chance it has to do something wrong.
  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
    As others have said - it is possible to become inefficient with your form at slower paces. Work on that.
  • kimlight2
    kimlight2 Posts: 483 Member
    Thanks for all of the responses. I do Yoga once a week and strength training with a personal trainer ever other week then do the assigned workout 2 times a week isulo_kura. Currently we are doing alot of core stuff to help with my running form (I land heavy?). I will try to run by feel instead of by my watch and keep doing form checks to see if that helps and I will Google running form and see what I can find. Thanks again for the help.
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