Forefoot running

[Visionon]

I naturally run on my forefoot, but blimey it doesn't arf take a toll on the lower calves as the distance increases, both legs feel crampy in the lower calf area for a couple of days after a run. They don't feel like they are injured, just overworked, if you know what I mean. I assume that this will go away over time as the calves get stronger, I think I need to regularly do the eccentric heal drops to aid muscle development. The only other option that I have tried is to try and land more midfoot, but this feels really unnatural.

Has anyone else struggled like me?

Cheers

V.

[SlowLoris]

I have found the calf compression sleeves a big help. I was sceptical of them previously but they were recommended by a couple of people in the running club. Important to get the right size though.

[Visionon Graduate10 in reply to SlowLoris]

Hello SlowLoris, yes I agree with you and already wear them.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Have a read of this link Visionon, it might be a way to ease the pressure on your calves.

healthunlocked.com/api/redi...

The heel drop, toe lifts will help too.

😊xx

[Visionon Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Interesting stuff, thanks for the article.

[misswobble Graduate10]

You need to get down off those toes! You're up on your toes as your calves are not strong enough. Yet. Do those calf strengthening exercises and don't skimp on your warm-ups and cool-downs Foot lifts done properly are very good as are walking lunges.

I transitioned to a lower drop shoe which i found helped me Slow running builds legs remember, so take care not to over-do things

[Visionon Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

Thanks for the reply. Did you mean to say "You're up on your toes as your calves are not strong enough"? If so how do you mean? Does not having strong enough calves mean you run on your toes?

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to Visionon]

Yep. Running on your forefoot, with your heel not not touching ground as happens when you walk If your calves are tight you automatically go up on your toes as you feel too much of a stretch in your Achilles

Don’t worry too much. Just run nice and steady, don’t attempt to go too fast too soon. A lower drop shoe helped me to get down off my forefoot 😃

[Visionon Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

Everyday is a school day! Thanks I did not know that.

[Coddfish Graduate10]

Yes - I also find using a foam roller helps. Before and after the run.

[Visionon Graduate10 in reply to Coddfish]

I don't own one, but I understand you have to be careful about how you apply the roller, there is a technique...

[misswobble Graduate10]

Yes, you do. I don’t routinely use them I used them when I was injured but received instruction from the physio. It’s not a substitute for strengthening the legs 😃