Forefoot strike and sore calves

[Deleted User]

I seem to have a problem with my calves being excessively sore after runs, and I suspect it has a lot to do with my aggressive forefoot strike. Basically, the way I land on my forefoot places a large load on my lower calves, and the resulting tension from that adds up and tends to bring on fatigue in that area during runs. It's kind of like the fatigue that comes with doing lots of toe raises. I don't think lower leg strength is the biggest problem here, as I think I have fairly strong calves (they're unusually large, or that's what people tell me). 

Right now I'm running in a pair of ASICS GT-2160's, which are well cushioned and have a decent heel drop. I've also recently invested in a pair of minimalist flats, the Mizuno Wave Universe. When running in these flats, my exaggerated forefoot strike became very apparent. And yes, my calves did become quite sore after doing a few mile repeats in those . Had to take two days off running from that.

Here's an interesting read that I found on this problem:

http://www.kinetic-revolution.com/f...calf-pain/

 

Anyone have experience dealing with this issue? This is a problem with running form, and I'm trying to see if I can fix it by being more aware of my footstrike. I'm also looking for drills that might help with this. Thanks!

mgraffeo

Anson,

before you start running, shake out your ankles and get all the tension out of your calves. then remember that feeling, and if you're feeling any tension in your calves while running, seek to relax it out, or stop on the side and shake it out.

Most calf pain from forefoot running stems from the bouncy sensation of running up on your tippy toes. A proper mid-foot landing shouldn't require your calves to absorb all of the impact of your body weight landing.

jhbinsc

Anson, I tried forefoot running in 2006 after  being a heel striker all my life and discovered I couldn't run well off the bike. Became a midfoot striker and have never run better! I had similar issues to what you are describing when forefoot running. How long have you been a forefoot runner???

[Deleted User]

 @Mike: Yup, I do tend to land on my tippy toes, and hence the increased load on my calves. I've been really trying to get a good midfoot strike down. It's not too hard, I just have to keep it in mind...

 

@Jeff: I think I tend to be inconsistent and switch between midfoot and forefoot striking sometimes . I think I've been mostly a forefoot striker since I started running (almost two years now). I notice that I tend to forefoot strike mostly during the beginning of my runs or when my legs are still relatively fresh. In a middle or towards the end of a run, I'll tend more towards midfoot striking. 

new2703

I'm with Jeff. I tried forefoot strike and to uncomfortable. I tend to be more of a mid foot striker. The key with these techniques is making sure foot lands under hips otherwise you put tremendous stress on calves.