*wendy and kayleeb*

bluekid

Okay, my running-cyber-pals. Tell me about your calves. Generally during my first running section, my calves burn like crazy - a few times I've had to cut a run segment short because I was afraid they were going to cramp up on me so hard that I'd have to stop entirely. What is this? Not warming up enough, not enough water? 

I am on Week 4, which means I ran for a cumulative 16 minutes. I am bursting my buttons off with glee! And by the way, kayleeb - that whole running 4 miles thing without stopping - I am doffing my hat to you!! 

kayleeb

Thank you! I seriously could not believe it. Awesome running days are the best!

I used to get burning in my calves. Mine weren't too bad and it seemed to go away after I had been running for a bit. It eventually stopped entirely, I don't usually get that problem anymore. What shoes are you running in? Investing in good running shoes is VERY important! It's best to go to a running store and have them watch how you walk and they will tell you which shoes would work best for you. Another thing could be your gait. When your feet hit the ground do the heels hit first, the toes/ball of your foot, or the midfoot? From what I hear, you should try to aim for a midfoot strike. It could also have to do with how you roll your feet, do you tend to roll towards the outsides of your feet, or the insides, or just in the middle? I don't think you should try to change that part of your form, it could cause injury (for example, if you usually roll towards the outside of your feet and you try to start rolling just in the middle.) But, this is one of the things running store employees will look at to see what shoe would work for you. Also, make sure you're stretching well after your runs. I just got a foam roller a few weeks ago and it's very helpful (something like this http://www.walmart.com/ip/Altus-24in-Foam-Roller/10270005.) The pains might start going away the stronger your legs get from running. You could also try doing some leg strength training exercises if you wanted. 

WendyToo

Calf and shin pain are common for new runners. I second the proper shoe suggestion. They could be too old (you should average about 300-500 miles per pair before replacing) or you may need a stability shoe. You might also consider compression sleeves to wear during/after runs. They're about $40 a pair, so if you'd like to borrow some to try it out before spending the money, let me know. 

bluekid

Thanks for the info, gals! I have been fitted for running shoes - I went to OKRunner and they fit me for a pair of Brooks. I really like them a lot - apparently the kind I have is for people with narrow feet, and I don't have to yank the laces so hard when I put them on. (In fact, the first time I wore them, my feet started going numb because I didn't realize I didn't have to lace them so tightly, ha!) Anyway, so I think I have a pretty good pair of shoes, but I have NO idea about my gait - I'll pay attention to that and see what happens. Short Achille's tendons run in the family (my dad walks on his tiptoes all the time when he's barefoot) so maybe I'm running more on my toes. I'll do some research about compression sleeves, too! I'm intrigued.