Run-Down Forums

[eddieb]

We've just started our winter work and although i took ime to strengthen my calfs i still seem to get very tight calfs. Now this could be to do with wearing spikes for the first time in 6 weeks.

Does anyone have any ideas on percautions i could take as im planning to hurdle this year.

[Conway]

Where are you from and why are you in spikes already ??? What level are you - high shcool, college, other ... First thought is you are not stretching very much ... But need to know more about you and your situation ...

Conway

[Dan]

This is pretty early for being in spikes, unless you're gearing up for an early (November/December) indoor season? Are you on a good track surface for training?

Also, stronger calves can also lead to tighter calves if proper stretching isn't done. No muscle equals no tension, so it follows that more muscle equals more tension...

Dan

[Justin]

Stretch, stretch, stretch and then stretch some more. Especially if you are doing weights because as muscles grow you lose flexibility. Stretching is boring so don't do it as a thing on its own, do it when doing something else. Stretch when you're watching TV, sitting down, standing waiting, whenever.

Justin

[eddieb]

Well i'm from the UK and i wouldnt usually be in spikes apart from our grass runs but it was pouring rain. The level i've run at before is international with a Hurdles best of 50.4.

I've started weights which may be a reason and i do stretch as much as possible.

This just seems to be a ongoing problem.

[Dan]

Sounds like you're quite accomplished, not a novice like we were presuming.

Best lower leg stretching device ever invented (that I know of) :

http://www.prostretch.com/

Dan

[Conway]

You might try warming the muscle before stretching ... For example take a ince hot bath before wawtching tv and then stretch while watching ... Or use the Jacuzzi before hand ... Something along those lines to help make the muscle more conducive to stretching ... But something non running ...

Conway