Rum Ration
the Navy Network

I went for my run today with different footwear on (ACTUAL running shoes) so I'm now leaning heavily towards poor technique.

My strides are quite long and I have been told by my running partner that I'm heavy footed so that in itself is probably the reason for the tight muscle.

And Deano, tried the stretch and it works a treat, at least for a little while, had to keep doing it every mile or so.

What do you do before exercise?

The most up to date research/advice seems to suggest that it's important that you:
Do warm up - brisk walk for 5 minutes, jog for a few minutes, then your run.
Do NOT stretch.

Likewise, weight training comes after running, never before. Personally, I do mine in separate sessions, normally running in the morning and weight training in the afternoon.

Originally Posted by Toucan

Do NOT stretch.

I agree for uninjured runners etc, however this guy has knotted muscles in his calf which DO need stretching out. If left as is it will start giving him big problems with Achilles tendons and his Plantar Fascia.

My weight training always comes after the run anyway although not straight after, couple of hours gap between at least.

At the moment I just run without any initial warmup (aside from stretches) so I'm going to take your advice on board Toucan and walk for a wee while. I can just see myself collapsing into the canal I run by one day, either way, I'm most likely destined to die in water .

Yeah definately do a little warming up before you stretch as its no good stretching cold muscles and you may end up hurting them. Sounds like a minor overuse injury if it goes away and comes back with stretching during your run.

Consider taking a few days off running and just warm up and stretch the area, if you can bare it lol.

Don't worry, I'm not a pussy , I'll stretch that area as much as I can but If it turns out I can't bare it I'll just head over to my other area and stretch that instead .

Thats what I thought lol, now im out for a month with bad shin splints and possibly chronic compartment syndrome. Getting tested for it next week, 2 mahoosive needles in my shins, niiice.

Originally Posted by JonnoJonno

Originally Posted by Toucan

Do NOT stretch.

I agree for uninjured runners etc, however this guy has knotted muscles in his calf which DO need stretching out. If left as is it will start giving him big problems with Achilles tendons and his Plantar Fascia.

Perhaps I wasn't clear. I didn't meant to never stretch, I meant not to stretch immediately before running.

Do stretch after running! Find a set of stretches, hold each one for 30 seconds, and run through them all. Don't "bounce", just push yourself to a mildly uncomfortable limit that you can reasonably hold for the full duration and stay in that position.