Calf Muscle Soreness and Short Distance Time

Got some good questions this week:

Jerry.

Q. I run often and consider myself fairly seasoned. However last week I played a very tough game of soccer and my right calf muscle sort of felt like someone had kicked it really hard. It happened when I sprinted down the field and suddenly wow the pain was crazy.- It is not the tendon but right in the centre of the muscle. Indeed I had to come off the pitch before the game ended.

I have "laid low" for a few days but the pain will not ease and I am sort of limping. I went to my Doctors but got the usual " what do you expect" - it will be ok soon!

Have you any recommendations - should I go out and try and "run it off" or get a massage

or even take some pain killers and run. Its just 5 days without a run and I am going nuts!

cheers

Peter

A. Peter, it sounds like what happened was you were using your calf muscle more in the soccer game, than in your running. This seem pretty typical. In soccer, you are sprinting, stopping and starting quickly.

If the doctor says you didn't hurt anything, then you probably overworked your calf muscles. This also happens when runners when they first start to do speed work. Even I made this mistake recently when I was doing some new running work outs.

What you need to do for now is just give it a rest.

If you want to improve your calf muscle strength and endurance, you can get my course, "How to Run Like A Deer" which teaches high reps, including your calf muscle. You may also try putting in some sprints into your normal workout and/or doing some jump roping. Either way, start off slow and make sure you stretch your calves also.


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Q. I am a high school football player, and I would love to learn how to improve my 40 time? Is there anyway you could help me, or give me someone else to write to that might be able to help me?

Thanks,
Don

A. Don, To improve any short distance time, here is a list of suggestions:

1) Get the Power Sprinter from Lifeline-USA.com. Here is the link:
http://www.lifelineusa.com/products.cfm?categoryid=13&productid=20

You can attach this to a tree, door, or pole. It will add resistance to your sprint. Of course, you will be sprinting in place. But, it works very well.

2) Also, get the Power Wheel from Lifeline-USA.com. Here is that link:

http://www.lifelineusa.com/products.cfm?categoryid=4&productid=11

This will improve your core muscle unlike anything else out there on the market. As you know, a strong core is essential to running speed. Not only that, but using this device will get your heart rate up quickly. Trying to do a 3 minute workout with it is really hard.

You can also read about these on my web site at:

http://www.runningtough.com/power_sprinter.html and

http://www.runningtough.com/power_wheel.html

3) Hill sprints are also very useful. If you can find a hill that is about 40 yards or longer, then this would be great.

4) If you get my course, it comes with a free consultation. I would be glad to help you. You can order that at: http://www.runningtough.com/order.html.

Remember, if you are experiencing pain, see a doctor as soon as possible.

And, if you are thinking about or have given up running because of pain or fear of injuries, give my course a try. You can order here: http://www.runningtough.com/order.html.

Thanks,

Jerry Hopkins
jerry@runningtough.com
http://www.runningtough.com


This blog is for educational purposes only. Always consult your own personal doctor for medical advice and follow it even it contradicts what is said in this email.

Copyright 2004

Jerry Hopkins
Hopkins Business Services, Inc.
5314 Yosemite Dr.
Medina, OH 44256
1-866-316-7988