03-11-2015, 11:21 AM
I have looked around the internets and have done some research on transitioning from a heel-strike to a midfoot/forefoot-strike and it's supposedly normal for the calves to become upset at this transition. It seems I need to stretch and strengthen them a bit and that the pain in my calves should go away as the calves get used to the midfoot-striking.
I ran a 50-minute recovery run yesterday and I didn't feel my calves at all, so that's fine.
As to why I changed my technique; I've had a lot of injuries like shin splints. I decided to run on the grass next to the track on bare feet for 30 minutes every now and then to strengthen the muscles in my feet and lower legs. The shin splints (which I had for almost 6 years) disappeared in 3 weeks. If you run barefoot on grass, you automatically start changing your technique to more of a midfoot strike. I've also noticed that this change feels nice when I run; it feels like I have more power in my legs.
The only problem is having my calves get used to the change.
I don't mind the 10x400 session. Didn't have any calf issues then either. It's probably just the cross-country course that made things worse (lots of loose sand, hills, sharp turns etcetera.)
If I don't find a good race in 3 weeks, can we maybe do a tough training session instead? Running a 10k 'race' where the next best competitor is lucky to run under 45 minutes seems like a bit silly...
I really feel good with this scheduele (I really like knowing well in advance what I'm going to have to do) and the 2k and 1k sessions are readlly what I need to improve (they're really tough). I feel like I can say now that I am aiming for a sub 34 in February (during the national 10k road race championships). I feel like I'm really close to a sub 35 already; can't wait for another fast race!
With kindest regards,
Alex.
I ran a 50-minute recovery run yesterday and I didn't feel my calves at all, so that's fine.
As to why I changed my technique; I've had a lot of injuries like shin splints. I decided to run on the grass next to the track on bare feet for 30 minutes every now and then to strengthen the muscles in my feet and lower legs. The shin splints (which I had for almost 6 years) disappeared in 3 weeks. If you run barefoot on grass, you automatically start changing your technique to more of a midfoot strike. I've also noticed that this change feels nice when I run; it feels like I have more power in my legs.
The only problem is having my calves get used to the change.
I don't mind the 10x400 session. Didn't have any calf issues then either. It's probably just the cross-country course that made things worse (lots of loose sand, hills, sharp turns etcetera.)
If I don't find a good race in 3 weeks, can we maybe do a tough training session instead? Running a 10k 'race' where the next best competitor is lucky to run under 45 minutes seems like a bit silly...
I really feel good with this scheduele (I really like knowing well in advance what I'm going to have to do) and the 2k and 1k sessions are readlly what I need to improve (they're really tough). I feel like I can say now that I am aiming for a sub 34 in February (during the national 10k road race championships). I feel like I'm really close to a sub 35 already; can't wait for another fast race!
With kindest regards,
Alex.