Running and the legs?
Howdy. I've been going to a gym recently, and I have a dilemma. I haven't done anything cardio wise since 2005 when I stopped cycling regularly, and I'm pretty out of shape. I'm getting in shape to join the Marines, and I have a problem. On a treadmill, around 70-80% of the way through a mile I have to stop due to my calves burning terribly and exhausting. I thought my problems would be cardio related, but I've found that isn't the slightest problem. Is it normal for your calf muscles to take such a beating at first? Will this pass with time and conditioning? My feet stick out somewhat, like a duck, and I'm nervous that perhaps this is something I can't simply work past. Thanks. Also, I've always been extremely limber in doing butterfly stretches, but I did an exercise machine for the inner thighs recently, and after exhausting them, I was too sore to walk comfortably for two days and I've lost much range of motion. It's been 5 days. Are the muscles still healing, is something wrong?
Answers:
If your calves are the weak point in your work-out then target them with some isolation exercises to build them up. Try jumping rope on the days your off the tread mill, or after you do squats raise up on your toes to give the calves a little more work-out. As you build them up you'll extend that running distance.
Hang in there, you'll start noticing some real gains in a few weeks... just takes time. Be sure to drink plenty of water and maybe some sports drinks to keep your electrolytes up. Eat good, don't skimp, just eat healthier. Your muscles need the vitamins and proteins to re-build themselves. And get plenty of rest!
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