Ponderings

[Em_j22]

I've got W1 W2 tomorrow, and I have been thinking, am I going to get huge calf muscles that won't fit in my skinny jeans? Not meaning to sound vain, but after my first run, I can only feel the burn in my calves. Maybe i am not running properly.

Also, anyone got any tips for an effective cool down routine to prevent muscle ahce?

[andystev Graduate]

It just feels that way. You're not realy resistence training to failure, although it can seem like it at first! Keep at it and you'll end up with toned legs, not monsters.

The cool down walk is essential, I don't stretch, but plenty of folks do. A cool bath is most unpleasant, but can help. To be honest, at the beginning, you're going to get some aching.

[TheMagicalPixie Graduate]

The other thing to consider is how many Olympic runners etc have you seen with massive calves - none? me neither - it just feels that way, you'll be fine!

I don't stretch, I do the warm up and warm down walk and leave it at that. I have had sore knees, but thats gone now and instead I have a sore hip. (Proper running shoes will hopefully sort this out) My muscles have ached a bit but to be honest a) they probably should as they're not used to exercise and b) I dont know whether its from running or the other exercise I'm doing. Some muscle ache is normal though, you'll be fine!

[Em_j22]

That is a good point about the olympic runners!

I will power through and stop being silly!

[Gazter Graduate]

its the short distance runners who have the bulging muscles, the longer runners are all super lean.

youtube.com/watch?v=2QgFsH1...(Not working as expected?)

This is the female professional runners at the ny marathon, top of their game athletes and they're all lean, definition comes from having very very low levels of fat on their body..

[CaroleC Graduate]

Don't worry about bulging calves, they will be toned, and gorgeous!

As for stretching - there are a million sites out there with plenty of advice on what to do and when to do it. This isn't a bad one: coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_...

I find it's best not to stretch before you are warmed up, either run for five mins then stretch, or just wait till the end. Stretching cold muscles is apt to cause tears and strains. I've tried running without stretching and I've tried it with, and stretching afterwards definitely helps with my calves, quads and hamstrings.

Good luck.

CaroleC

[Em_j22 in reply to CaroleC]

Thanks Carole. Warming up walk then stretching sounds like a good idea!