Infractfree

We seem to have a good proportion of runners on here so I thought I'd get your thoughts on my problem.

I run 5 to 7 miles, 3 or 4 times a week. Nothing too strenuous, a couple of miles warming up, then up the pace, end with 1/2 a mile or so of 'sprinting'. The problem is try as I might I just can't seem to do any more than this. Energy and cardio fitness isn't the problem, my heart rate is steady and low considering I'm exercising and I'm never out of breath.

The problem I think is lactic acid build up, my calves begin to ache around the 4 mile mark and when I'm finishing with the sprint they feel numb.

I tried different shoes to no avail, I run cross country so no concrete but I can't for the life of me work out why I seem to hit this problem every time I'm out. I'd really like to do a half marathon but no matter how easy I take it the distance always seems to beat me.

I wonder if my problem is weight related? I'm over 6 foot but weigh 90kilos. Could my weight training be compromising my fitness training?

Never get these problems when swimming or cycling or even climbing, just when running. Any ideas? (apart from stopping)

davegtt

Do you do stretches before you go running? Particually calf stretches, I get exactly the same problem but over the last month or so doing particular calf stretching exercises (everyday, not just when Im running) has enabled me to run further than before although the problem persists Im definately improving my distances. (If its not the stretches then its all the fruit Im eating at the moment ...lol)

The following website might be of some use

Calf Muscle Strain | Calf & Shin | Injury A to Z | PhysioRoom.com: Sports Injury Shop, News & Advice

KiwiGTI

Unlikely to be lactic acid build up if your heart rate is what you say it is, most likely shoes or maybe even a nerve.

Shoes too small? Maybe need to get them fitted properly by a proper running shoe (video your movemen/gait to see if you have pronation/supination etc)

Infractfree

I don't monitor my heart rate other than taking my pulse before and after a run. But I'm sure it's pretty good throughout. I try to elevate it during the session but it's quick to return to normal when finished.

My shoes are properly fitted by a specialist shop and I do stretch. Maybe not enough though as I always seem to rush through it so I can get on with the run (think I'm becoming an endorphine addict).

I'm going to concentrate more on the stretching and see how it goes. I don't have any actual lasting pain from my calves so I doubt it's that. To be honest I wondered if it was just the effects of being a bit top heavy due to the amount of weight training I do on my upper half. I do tend to neglect lower body work. My running partner suggested it was because 'I'm a gym monster with no fecking idea' but I don't want to give her the idea she's right!

I'm pretty sure it isn't an injury as I've been going on like this for a couple of years now with some fairly lengthy breaks inbetween.

ChrisB

What's your "then up the pace" your pace? How long does your 7 mile route take?

My target "race" pace is being able to just about hold a conversation - my 7 mile route takes about 1hr 5min at present.

SJ_Skyline

I only do one minimal upper body set a week (6ft and 72kg) as I find it increasingly difficult to lug upper body mass around when running. One set a week just to keep the muscles in trim works for me.

Infractfree, it sounds like an impact thing going on in your legs - you can ease this by running on softer surfaces, going slower and picking your footfalls: i.e. trying to get minimal impact by placing each footfall as best as you can. You'll find the slower pace easier and be able to push for that bit longer, 10 extra minutes for example.


I'd better do some training then! You all set for June's race?

DJ Vinyl Ritchie

**** the bed, are you Moses Kiptanui? That's going some


DJ Vinyl Ritchie.............get wasted instead of going out running