Runners................

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TaraFTMVA
TaraFTMVA Posts: 309 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I have been running/jogging off and on for a while now and plan to continue running probably for life, my calves tend to hurt when I run and I have to slow down for 30sec or so and then get back to speed when the pain subsides, it isnt a burning pain, just a tightening pain I guess. I am wondering if it is bc I am out of shape and bc I am heavyish or if it is bc of my cheap running shoes? I am thinking if I get new, better shoes it might help, just need some official opinion before I decide! any names of great shoes would also be appreciated! Thanx!
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Replies

  • skylark94
    skylark94 Posts: 2,036 Member
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    Shoes could very well be the issue. You should get yourself fitted at a running specialty store.

    I also used to have problems with achy legs when I ran. When I started doing squats to strengthen the muscles, the pain went away. Weak legs will fatigue quickly.
  • FAVORED1
    FAVORED1 Posts: 81 Member
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    Shoes for sure!
  • journeytoahealthy51
    journeytoahealthy51 Posts: 89 Member
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    I agree with getting new shoes. Makes all the difference in the world. I can tell when mine are getting worn out, because parts of my body hurt that normally don't when I run.
  • adamswife23
    adamswife23 Posts: 52 Member
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    Is it just your calves or is it your shins too? It could be your shoes and that they don't offer you enough support. How is your form when you run? Do you keep your head and neck stiff or do you let them relax? How long have you been running?
  • jaxdiablo
    jaxdiablo Posts: 580
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    Shoes are a definite possibility. Also are you stretching your calves before you run? Or is anything else being stretched before you run?

    I'd try to see if you have a new balance store in your area, they do a good fitting job.
  • hopebuck
    hopebuck Posts: 138
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    I also say shoes. go to a running store and they will fit you...they cost a little more, but they typically have a great return policy w/in 30 days b/c they don't want you to get hurt.... also be sure you are stretching those calf muscles...you do NOT want shin splints!!!!
  • TaraFTMVA
    TaraFTMVA Posts: 309 Member
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    Is it just your calves or is it your shins too? It could be your shoes and that they don't offer you enough support. How is your form when you run? Do you keep your head and neck stiff or do you let them relax? How long have you been running?

    Just calves. I push a stroller while I run bc I take my son with me, I tend to use 1 hand on the stroller and the other is in the typical running form. I have only been running a few weeks off and on, but I have recently became more hardcore, with an everyday run vs a few times a week.
  • taglientep
    taglientep Posts: 338 Member
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    def stretch your calves and shin splints. i was told to tap your toes on the ground during your warm up. this i was told starts to get them loose.
  • TaraFTMVA
    TaraFTMVA Posts: 309 Member
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    Shoes are a definite possibility. Also are you stretching your calves before you run? Or is anything else being stretched before you run?

    I'd try to see if you have a new balance store in your area, they do a good fitting job.

    I will have to check for a New Balance store. I know it sounds lame, but I was taught by a previous coach to not stretch before running bc the muscles need to heat up......so thats what I am used to, if it makes a difference tho I will stretch beforehand.
  • akgrl1020
    akgrl1020 Posts: 179
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    Are you hydrated? I notice that my calves will cramp only when I haven't been drinking enough water.
  • meli_medina
    meli_medina Posts: 594 Member
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    Definitely get fitted for a pair of shoes at a proper running store. I would also look into and ask around about form classes for runners. It can make a world of difference in how you approach your running form. :)

    Good luck!
  • TaraFTMVA
    TaraFTMVA Posts: 309 Member
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    thanx all! I will have to try stretching and see if that does the trick, if not then I will be looking into official running shoes (though I will probably get new ones anyways)
  • TaraFTMVA
    TaraFTMVA Posts: 309 Member
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    Are you hydrated? I notice that my calves will cramp only when I haven't been drinking enough water.

    I def stay hydrated, I have noticed personally that I can run longer stretches when I am hydrated, so I do keep up with my liquids prior to and after running =)
  • sheffyce27
    sheffyce27 Posts: 25
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    when i used to run and was out of shape my calves always burned, but my legs have so much muscle now it's not even funny and they never hurt when i run whether its one mile or three miles. I think you should try focusing on developing your leg muscles more so than worrying about buying new shoes unless you are overdue for a new pair anyway.
  • tmtolbert
    tmtolbert Posts: 59 Member
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    i do about a 6 or 7 minute warm up walk and then stretch my calves REALLY well and then start running. i find if i don't take the time to stretch out after a little bit of a warm up my calves feel too tight and i can't make it through the run. also make sure you are hydrated enough and try bananas... they seem to help for me!
  • sharonsjones
    sharonsjones Posts: 574 Member
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    Shoes are a definite possibility. Also are you stretching your calves before you run? Or is anything else being stretched before you run?

    I'd try to see if you have a new balance store in your area, they do a good fitting job.

    I will have to check for a New Balance store. I know it sounds lame, but I was taught by a previous coach to not stretch before running bc the muscles need to heat up......so thats what I am used to, if it makes a difference tho I will stretch beforehand.

    No you don't want to stretch cold muscles, walk to warm up then stretch before you run. Make sure you stretch afterwards too. good luck on your running!
  • u2fergus
    u2fergus Posts: 422 Member
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    Just calves. I push a stroller while I run bc I take my son with me, I tend to use 1 hand on the stroller and the other is in the typical running form. I have only been running a few weeks off and on, but I have recently became more hardcore, with an everyday run vs a few times a week.

    Well... I think most people would agree that you shouldn't run every day when you're first getting started as a runner. That's a lot of hard work for your muscles (especially if you're heavier) and they need a day in between runs to repair themselves. If you don't, you open yourself up to injury a lot more than if you're cross-training of the non-running days. Other than that, I would DEFINITELY agree with getting some better shoes. For me, it's the difference between having a pleasant run or else spending the rest of the day hobbling around because my joints hurt so much. Never, ever skimp on your running shoes. :)
  • starracer23
    starracer23 Posts: 1,011 Member
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    What about potassium? Consuming enough?
  • MinnesotaManimal
    MinnesotaManimal Posts: 642 Member
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    when I was a beginner, I had allot of pain. Part of it is probably just being relitively new to running, part of it might be shoes and some stretching. Try a 5-10 minute brisk warm up walk ( 4 mph) then stop and stretch out your legs really well, AND THEN start your run. Once I started this, my shin splints and tight muscles diminished drasticacly. I went from nearly falling over after a 30 second jog June of this summer to running 7.6 miles at 6 to 6.5 mph non stop yesterday.

    have fun.
  • Debbiejenn
    Debbiejenn Posts: 21
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    Trainers are so important... But before you buy any, have your gait analysis checked.. See how you run and the best trainers for you, good specialist running shops will do this. Also, make sure you stretch your calves after you finish. Do you wear heels a lot during the day? This can shortern and tense your calves meaning when you then wear flats and they are lengthened it will be more comfy... Don't wear heels!!!

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