Tight/pulled calves while running
I have been running all my adult life and have been amazingly injury free for most of that time.
I have been recently having a lot of tightness in my calves; two weeks ago to the point that I thought I might have a small tear. I laid off, and ran a couple miles earlier in the week, and things seemed better, but today BOTH calves were tight. Really tight, although I managed to get back before any damage.
I have made no changes in my shoes, the terrain was flat, pace was normal. I did a hard leg workout three days ago, and there's no remaining soreness from that.
I recently came off an 8 week var cycle @60ed, but didn't have any issues while I was doing the cycle, so it seems strange that it would be related...but var can cause cramping. Anyone else run into this? I am stumped.
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Thanks to all. I think SGT may have hit the nail on the head with salt. I am going to consciously add some sodium over the next couple days and see what happens. And the foam rollers.
I didn't mention that I have been running for 24 years in Nike Pegasus...special ordered to accomodate my B-width narrow feet. So I don't think its the shoes.
waltri played soccer growing up and i pulled my hamstring once, it felt nothing like when my muscles get tight. when i pulled it i lost regular functioning and running didn't just hurt it was impossible. you making sure to stretch before and after your runs? also are you getting enough fluids?
Fluids aren't a problem. I may need to stretch more. I have been hitting legs pretty hard at the gym, and gains there may be showing up running. hmmmm. I think if I run this weekend, I will hit the hot tub for 15-20 minutes and get everything warmed up real well, stretch, and give it a shot. And try some ibuprofen.
sgtstedankoboom!
Ice em, then Stretches. & Get a nice very firm bumpy foam roller, & roll back & forth over each calf individually. Pronation? Keep your stride on dial. (short). & start farmers walks on your toes. Once you feel good about it. Best way I've found that breaks up cramps. Is, to gently & gradually stretch. Hydrate & get salty, homie. Pound the fluids. Pickle juice w/BCAAs works fantastic. Start buying your running shoes after work. I just recently got a pair of new balance mt - 110s, & they rock! If I were you, I'd exercise off the flat roads/tracks. & go as slow as possible on the lowering parts of your lifts. Shoot for 2&12. 2sec lift, 12 sec lowering.
x2 on streching them and foam roller. Tennis balls and lacrosse balls hurt like a bitch but also work great
sgtstedankoMost def. I used to use a softball, before I bought a couple foam rollers : )