NWMR: Runners come in

financialdiva · October 2013

Why does the side of my calf hurt? It's the left side of my right leg, half way up my calf. Almost like a shin splint, but obviously not on my shin? Flares up during and right after my runs.

Any suggestions? Ideas?

LoCarb · October 2013

You need to hydrate, have a good stretch, potassium, hot bath and wine (to numb the pain now). It sounds like your calves are overworked and need to rest a couple a days. Mine will do this after a big race. I bet @privacywanted is feeling some degree of calf soreness after her 1/2.

My co-worker suggests I stretch for 30 min each day only my legs. I can never quite do 30 min, maybe 10 min tops. He insists this is cause.

Karla CS · October 2013

If you're not wearing a minimalist shoe, make sure your shoes are fitted right for your gait.. If fyou over/underpronate, that could be causing the problem, especially if you've increased distances lately.

Also, try stretching with a foam roller, you can find youtube videos for it, and that roller can do amazing things.

financialdiva · October 2013

Yeah, it doesn't feel like a cramp, just really sore.

Better stretches for sure. I will google foam roller stretches.

I wonder if it is my shoes. I just bought new ones and have also increased my distance. Hmmmm

Thanks ladies

jlaOK · October 2013

I agree with the others that it's probably your shoes. Maybe you haven't broken them in enough before adding miles. When you bought your new shoes did someone analyze your foot strike to determine what type of shoes to get?

financialdiva · October 2013

@jlaOK

no. I should do that. I run on the outer sides of my foot and researched what would be a good shoe for that and bought a pair. I should just go suck it up and get one of those readings done.

Karla CS · October 2013

Getting a foot analysis is really awesome, don't consider it sucking it up! Be prepared to not buy a shoe based on looks - when I went, I didn't have a huge amount of choice of color/etc based on what shoes would work for me.. But OMG it was so worth it.

After I buy my first pair in the store and run a few miles in them and determine I like them, I usually buy a couple more pairs online at a cheaper price to stock up. Prepregnancy, one pair usually lasted about 3-4 months, based on my current mileage, they'll probably last a whole year. Once I can't buy the same model online anymore, I go in and start over.

Another nice thing is that most running stores will let you return, even after you've run in them a couple of weeks, so spending a bit extra on that first pair is so worth it.

financialdiva · October 2013

Hahaha. I guess I meant I should suck it up and make the time to just go and do it.

jlaOK · October 2013

@financialdiva - definitely go get tested. I have a high arch and get plantar fasciitis easily. The right pair of shoes makes all the difference. They might be able to recommend an insert in your new pair to help that way you aren't out the money for another new pair.

WBMom · October 2013

I am not a full fledged runner - just did a C25K program and ran my first 5K on Saturday but echo what everyone else said. I was running in a pair of dept store "running" shoes and was always having knee pain and tight thigh muscles. I finally took the time to go to a running shoe store where they evaluated my gait. The difference has been amazing - no more knee pain and the thigh muscle is not nearly as sore. Worth every dollar I spent.

Karla CS · October 2013

The alternative is to get a minimalist shoe. I have the Merrel's, which is as close as you can come to barefoot running with actually going barefoot or wearing the awful 5-finger shoes. Because you don't have any cushioning, it forces you to change your stride into more of a forefoot strike, and align your body differently. It takes some time to build up to and sounds counter intuitive, but in the long run, my knees seem to tolerate distances much better.

Netty_3 · October 2013

I concur with what's up there... water...electrolytes and getting fitted for running shoes.

Karla CS · October 2013

PrivacyWanted said:
This qualifies you as a "full-fledged runner" welcome to the club.
And I also love minimalist shoes, but was told to stay off them for a year post-partum, because you still have lots of relaxin which makes you more prone to injury.

I've never heard this, but it makes sense. Looks like maybe I should be heading to the running store for a new fitting also.

WBMom · October 2013

@PrivacyWanted - Thanks! I still have my "trial" membership to the club but so far loving it!

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