Day 11: When are my calves going to stop hurting? I ran this morning with the usual warm up and warm down but went a little farther….maybe another half mile. I walked for about 100 yards somewhere in the middle just to “settle things down”. My calves still hurt right at the base of the muscle….maybe it’s more of a tendon thing than a muscle thing. I definitely felt a little stronger with my stride and felt good about what I was doing. I took yesterday off after struggling with going to work or taking a swim. Work pressure prevailed but I am still holding to my commitments. I think I’ll try to swim tomorrow instead of running to give the calves a chance at recovery… I want to be able to run without that pain… Thanks again for all the support everyone!
Siechen.com
Leaner. Faster. Stronger. Bigger.
I’d love to try the Vibrams, but I’m afraid of making a very expensive mistake. Maybe someday I’ll take the plunge, but for now, and for me, the shoes I’m wearing have eliminated the chronic knee and back pain that I suffered at current mileage levels and below. Just my 2 cents, YMMV, paint your own canvas, usual caveats apply…
Be very careful with advice about running shoes. There is absolutely no evidence that running shoes prevent or even reduce injuries. Since the “boom” in the running shoe industry 30 years ago, the percentage of runners who get injured each year has remained pretty much the same. Wearing those thick padded foot pillows will make your foot lazy, weak and out of touch with what is needed for effective running. For now stick with old running shoes and forefoot strike technique. Hitting with your heel, as most common running shoes will encourage, is the surest way to injury. The heel was never meant to be a striking part of the foot. Once those calves really get bulletproof, then you can start slowly working into barefoot types of running – I personally use the Vibram Five Finger shoes, and absolutely LOVE them as they simulate barefoot without the actual exposure of the foot to the little nasties on the ground. As people and companies finally begin to wise up, shoe companies are coming out with more and more types of barefoot simulated shoes so the options will increase over time. I’m very excited about it.
Mark: look into Somnio customizable running shoes. I buy them online, and they’re hands-down the best shoes I’ve ever used. I’ve completely eliminated the chronic knee pain that used to bother me. Not a shareholder, or anything, but these things are great.
Hi Mark,
I know I went thru a period where I was having alot of problems with my calfs and shin splints and I would just make sure you are doing your stretching before you start your run to make sure your muscles are warmed up. I even had to stop for 4 weeks because of a stress fracture it was so painful. Just take it easy in this case you may have to listen to your body and maybe just slow it down a bit. Walking is just as good as running. Good luck.
Hey Mark! Way to go on the commitment and I love the blog! I wasn’t sure if you had done this yet but there was some mention of applying tape to your shoe early on, so I wanted to make a little recommendation. Invest in a good running shoe. It will make a huge difference in the aches and pains. I recommend going to a running store that can assess your gait, stride and arch support. It should also be a place that lets you return the shoes if they aren’t working for you.
One other suggestion is to carry water or something with electrolytes with you. It will make a huge difference in helping you go further if you want to. You can get a water belt or one that has a handle. When I started running doing both of things made a huge difference with how I felt and how far I could go.
Keep it up!
Lisa