My calves wont stop pulling, anyone got advice?
Tue, 24/01/2012 - 01:34
Please help. I have taken up running again after a short break. Last septemeber i had some seroiuus issues with my calfs. I pulled the left one and got physio. When i got back running again I pulled my right one in the same location. This is very frustrating. I blamed my runner threw them out. Now i am back running proper again after a breakl over x mas and this morning I pulled my left calf. its very frustrating. is there a reason for this and how do i stop it. Do i need fancy new runners? I was using cheap ones after reading the 'born to run' book and never felt better. i had been using them for 6 or 7 weeks running 4 times a day about 6 to 9 miles with not a bother. also after years of playing rugby in the front row my calfs are quite muscular.I dont know if thats an issue or not. How do i stop this happening again for a fourth time. I always stretch too
Please help
Tue, 24/01/2012 - 15:47
#2
Edwardus, just a clarification you are running 4 times per week not per day, I guess.
How much running we you doing initially or have you just started out doing 6-9 miles in a low profile shoe?
It this is the case you are doing way too much minimalist work which is why you are pulling your calves.
The book is a fasinating read and much of what is written makes sense. The problem is transitioning to a barefoot or minimal run takes a lot of time and this is not explained properly in the book.
When Vibram Five Fingers went stratospheric on the referrals from the book, so many people popped calve left right and centre due to too much volume, too quickly. This injury free running thing is not so easy, and not for everyone.
As a prop, and all respect due to you, your build may be such that you need a very gradual change to minimal running with very low volumes building up to distance over months not weeks. You may need to build strength in your foot to help absorb the impact and your body weight (forces can be 3-5 times your body weight) and possibly more flexibility in your calves which are more used to explosive power shunting and running on pitches.
HTH.
Wed, 25/01/2012 - 04:18
#3
Thanks for the replies. to be honest i defo dont stretch too much so i dont think its that. My new thinking is to splash out on a decent pair of runners and ignore the minimalistic running for now and maybe put it behind me. your prob right in that it takes time and effort and you can just rush into it. so now i think my plan is to give my poor calfs a 2 or 3 weeks holiday and splash out on a new pair. Do you think this will do the trick?
Wed, 25/01/2012 - 11:49
#4
GIve them a break.
Treat the minimalism as a separate training routine and do the majority of your running in a proper structured running shoe.
Do your homework on the type (neutral / guidance / control) of shoes that are out there so you have an idea in mind of the differences. Definitely treat yourself to a decent pair of shoes but don't feel that buying the most expensive will be the best and an answer to your problems.
If you need any specific help or advice just ask and I'll help if possible.
Wed, 25/01/2012 - 23:43
#5
thanks for help, i might take a trip over to you in galway in a few weeks when i can run again. get meself a new pair of runners. must lose this weight and no excuses this time. hope you have time for overweight runners too!!!
Thu, 26/01/2012 - 16:58
#6
Hi Edwardus,
A really nice way to stretch out your Soleus muscles is to practice barefoot squatting - as in 10-20 min per night just watchin TV. It is really awkward at first but starts to get more comfortable with time dedication and Patience.
Check out : VivoBarefoot.com free Lee Saxby articles
also www.mobilitywod.com - really fun and practicle Physio web-site by Kelley Star.
Good Luck.
David
Fri, 27/01/2012 - 13:44
#7
I was having this problem a few years ago when I enrolled in a workshop with Catherina McKiernan. I hadn't told her the problem but as soon as she saw me run she asked if I had calf problems. I was running up on my toes. I took her advice and since then I have had absolutely no problems at all with my calves so if you are running on your toes that could be the cause!
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Hi edwardus. The most common mistake is stretching too much. yes, i was suprised too. I got injured right before Christmas. I left it alone for 4 weeks. its ok now. you may wanna get your calves get checked at the specialist. Most of my tips I got from here: http://www.active.com/running/Articles/How_to_Run_Injury-Free.htm?cmp=1747 Maybe it will help you better. Also I have been taking vitamins such as Magnesium, Kalium and Zinc. It help a lot, I hope this will help you too!!!