Ok, about three weeks ago I started running a mile a day in an effort to get my butt back in shape. I'm not training for a marathon or anything of the sort. I don't even wear a watch to time my runs. Just sorta go to get the heart pumping and hopefully shed a couple of pounds. I usually stretch for a couple of minutes before starting, but that's about it.

I've found that in terms of cardio, I'm feeling pretty good throughout the run. However, I find that my calves tighten up considerably by about 2/3 of the way through. I can still run and I always push myself to finish the run (instead of walking), but I feel that I could tack another mile on pretty comfortably were it not for this problem. The weird part is that my calves aren't sore afterwards.

Can anyone recommend a way to resolve this issue? Is it just a strength thing that will get better with more running? Is it a lack of stretching issue? Might my worn out shoes have anything to do with it?

Thanks!

 

You should always do a warm up run before you actually run a mile. After the warm up stretch. Also, after you run your mile, do a cool down (walk a little bit) and stretch. Don't just plop down.

If that still bothers you, try checking out your shoes? Do you pronate/over pronate? (Pronate=you see a lot of wear where your arch is? Over pronate= you see a lot of wear toward the outer edge of your shoes) If pronation is the case, try checking out shoes that can fix the problem or maybe even put insoles in your shoes.

Hope that helps. Have fun running.

 

Definately the shoes!
I'm a pretty avid runner now, but when I first started I noticed that I had the same problem that you are talking about. Your mind and your will-power want to go on, but your calves just say NO. I tried do extensive stretches for my calves before I went for my run, but they would still seize up after about 3 miles.
I finally asked a friend of mine who is a marathon runner, and she suggested new shoes. The next day, I went and bought new runners, and haven't had a problem since.
Keep in mind though... running is just like any other sport, having the proper equipment is essential for improvement. Make sure you go to a running store, and get a proper pair of shoes. Any store can sell "running shoes", but a specialty store will carry high quality shoes, and have employees to help you find a shoe to meet your running needs (jogging shoes for pavement, and trail runners for dirt are VERY different from one another). They will also be able to properly size you, and give you the correct amount of arch support. You may end up spending and extra $5 or $10 dollars as opposed to going to Wal-Mart, but this will keep you from injuring yourself, and it will keep you running. My shoes have lasted me for well over 1000 miles, and are still going strong

 

I doubt this is a problem for you since you are in Austin, but if it's cold outside you want to make sure you are properly warmed up and stretched out. Your muscles will tighten in the cold otherwise.

I definitely agree with the suggestions to get proper shoes from a proper store. Wearing the correct shoe will prevent 99% of injuries. If you have flat feet you might want to consider orthotics (insoles) in addition, as running with flat feet puts a lot of pressure on other muscles in your body.

Good luck!

 

Thanks guys. Sounds like I'm off to the shoe store.

 

Here's another tip...start wearing a watch and write down your progress. You'll get in shape much faster if you're pushing yourself a little harder every time you go for a run.

 

well...let see, running is big part of army and army test on your ability to run, so its big deal to me.

after reading your post...i i think it could be a shoe, but also you just not might be in shape. my suggestion is to keep on running and see if this still occurs....it it does then go get your self some shoes.

just letting you know. running 1 mile does not get you in shape and time doesnt really matter either. if you can measure your heart rate with your watch or something that is great. you have to have a target heart rate and keep at that pace for 2~3 miles. this way you are working your heart and lungs.

let say your target time is 7 min a mile...after while that will be easy for you and you wont get a good work out...but however, if you do what i told you to do (heart rate), it doesnt matter because you are not running for time but running to meet your target heart rate. This target heart rate can be 5 min a mile or 10 min a mile...it doesnt matter.

shoe can make big difference, i was having hard time running 4 miles with about 7 min pace, so i change my shoes and next day i ran 8 miles in 7 min pace easy...i could of gone about 5 more but didnt have time to.

your goal is to run about 20 miles a week. you'll be in shape by then.
good luck and dont give up.

 

There is a special calf stretching thing too you can buy, it is like a half moon type aparatus and you can gradually stretch the muscle...a friend of mine in his late 30's hadn't been able to run for about 10 years because of this calf issue, similar to what you are having, I told him about this thing and he used it for a couple of weeks and is now back to running several times a week. I have used it myself back when I was swimming in college and my calves always cramped up mid-practice, it works wonders. If anyone knows what I am talking about and knows the name please chime in, I will look for a picture to post in the meantime.

 

Also, if they are getting tight and feeling like they are cramping, you need to make sure you are properly hydrated.

Dehydration causes cramps bigtime so beware...

 

Research has shown that stretching before exercise has zero impact on your chances of exercise related injury.