debilitating calf pain during racing
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Anton posted 1 year ago.
It could be any number of things...
Going out too hard in the first run.
Cleat palcement.
electrolytes.
running on your toes.
There are two things that cause cramp...electrolyte imbalance and not enough miles,or the right kind of miles, on the legs before race day. Sometimes mechanics play a part.
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Jstyle posted 1 year ago.
I love how you yell at your muscles I do the same thing. I really did that in RnR Marathon in AZ. "dammit hamstring gimme a break hommie we are almost there you made it 24 miles LET'S GO!!!"
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744 days
sloaccord posted 1 year ago.
i dunno what to think. . . .
maybe it's just not enough miles, i guess. i slowed it down a good 45 seconds per mile off my 5k PR in the hopes that would keep the pain away. but that didnt work. also, i'm a heel striker; and it was a sprint, so i doubt it was electrolytes. maybe i just need to practice more bricks . . . .
jstyle- my yelling wasnt so coherent. it was more on the lines of "ARRRRggghEEEEyyyarrrrr"
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MaverickUNC posted 1 year ago.
Typically when going faster or at race pace for shorter runs people will begin running on their forefoot, which can become a huge pain if you aren't used to it. I had calf troubles in HS when I made the transition to forefoot running. The only that made it better was more running on the forefoot, which will make it a lot easier/more natural and build some diesel calves.
"I run because it always takes me where I want to go" -Dean Karnazes
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the shikster posted 1 year ago.
I was told there are only 2 reasons for calf-pain. First is electrolyte imbalance- which can be cured with Emergen-C drink packet and some sodium. The second is gait imbalance- which means you might need orthotics. Good Luck!
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748 days
harryjpowell posted 1 year ago.
Ok dont know if this helps but I have had some bouts with tight calfs and scowerd the web for help. What I found was the Footballer from Trigger point. heres the link http://www.tpmassageball.com/products.php
It hurts so bad the first time i used it, then I made a point to use this every day before and after every run. The pain is totally gone after probably the second run. It was the answer for me but I dont know if your pain is the same I had. I think, un-medically, mine was a typical Plantar Fasciitis, and this fixed the source of the problem, the tight calf. My 2cents.
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sloaccord posted 1 year ago.
i'll try the footballer. hell, it's three days since the race and i'm still sore. i never have any calf pain from just running races, and i've done marathons, too.
the only time i run on the forefoot is in a sprint.
it could be biomechanics, maybe. i've always had recurring shinsplint problems.
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829 days
I du tri posted 1 year ago.
sloaccord;62335 wrote:
i'll try the footballer. hell, it's three days since the race and i'm still sore. i never have any calf pain from just running races, and i've done marathons, too.
the only time i run on the forefoot is in a sprint.
it could be biomechanics, maybe. i've always had recurring shinsplint problems.
Yes, but have you been cycling as well when you were doing just running races? Adding the cycling causes more stress than you are used to on the calves(or is it really below the calf- say high achilles area). The forefoot pressure on the pedals can cause strain on your arches(planter fascia) and your achilles/ calves. Especially if you are not use to forefoot stress from running(heal striker).
The added miles and strain may be causing tendonitis in your achilles area. I really don't think it is an electrolyte imbalance, I think it is something more severe-especially if it is still bothering you. you may need to ease up on the miles after your recovery-lighter biking/running and slowly progress. I would definately ICE the problem area after each workout for awhile.
"Do just once what others say you can't do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again."
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744 days
sloaccord posted 1 year ago.
yes, it is below the actual calf muscle.
thanks for the advice! !
hi guys. i hoped this wouldnt recur, but this was my second duathlon, and yet again my calves cramped up not even 3 miles into the mike section.
exactly the same as the first duathlon, they both began to hurt fairly quickly once i got on the bike and by mile 4 the left calf cramped up and made the ankle immobile. i shouted at it for a while, which did no good, and i stretched as best i could while still rolling, and eventually just sort of floundered through the bike and waddled through the run.
this never happens during training- not even during bricks. what the heck could it be?