General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Constantly Tired Calf muscles Rss Feed  
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2004-12-14 1:52 AM

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Subject: Constantly Tired Calf muscles
Been upping the run volume (slowly) but am plagued with calf muscles that just feel "tired" after the run!!! They aren't sore, nor stiff, just feel "heavy" ALL day? What is this?? I've never had it before and I run quite a bit. Running is aerobic (ie no intervals) so surely it can;t be lactic acid buildup? Ideas?


2004-12-14 9:30 AM
in reply to: #92204

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Subject: RE: Constantly Tired Calf muscles

Have you been doing any strength training?  Incorporating recovery weeks?  Alternating easy and hard workouts?  Eating some carbs/protein right after working out?  Recently changed your running form?

I think there could be a lot of factors.  Do any of the above apply to you?

2004-12-14 8:42 PM
in reply to: #92261

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Subject: RE: Constantly Tired Calf muscles
Thanks for the good ideas! I don;t do any leg work in the gym.. get enough of that on the bike and running. Normally prettyt good about rehydrating and eating carbs after all sessions. Recovery weeks have been 'enforced' by travelling for work - perhaps though I could 'micro-cycle' with hard / easy w/o's as you suggest. I'll give it a go and see what happens.
2004-12-16 1:45 PM
in reply to: #92598

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Subject: RE: Constantly Tired Calf muscles

I would start incorporating leg work in your gym workouts at least once a week.  You don't necessarily need to build them up or work them to exhaustion, but you need to make sure that opposing muscles stay in balance to prevent injury.  For instance, if you don't do enough hill running, your quads and hamstrings can get out of balance.  If nothing else, do work on your inner and outer thighs/hip ab- and adductors.  They are not worked out through running and biking and weak adductors can set you up for ITBS (I had quit my leg lifting routine and eventually developed ITBS).  Right now, I do squats, leg extensions, hamstring curls and then leg lifts for inner and outer thighs. 

Definitely, start alternating your workouts so that you don't do two hard workouts on back to back days.

Also, try soaking at least your calves in very cold/ice water right after running for about 10 minutes.  I did that after my long runs and found it to help a lot.

Hope you and your calves feel better!



Edited by Whit 2004-12-16 1:46 PM
2004-12-16 2:35 PM
in reply to: #92204

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Subject: RE: Constantly Tired Calf muscles
When you incorporate calf raises, pay special attention to the seated calf raises as these are the primary calf muscles used in running.
2004-12-16 7:26 PM
in reply to: #93338

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Subject: RE: Constantly Tired Calf muscles
Thanks Whit. Will change the gym routine to include some leg work. I have 'iced' my legs for many years and I agree that it is a great help in avoiding sore legs.


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