Been trying to get my running back--all three Titanium Cowboys signed up for the Orcas Island 25K in January--but have been hampered by annoying calf tweakage. (That's the official medical term, 'tweakage'.) I've got freakishly gargantuan calves--18 inches around--that are fine when I ride but for whatever reason, have been tending to seize up when I run. My latest theory is that it's the pounding from running and that thus all I need is a jogbra, of sorts, for my calves. Thus for the past six weeks or so I've been wearing calf sleeves on me lower legs whenever I run. So far, so good.
Friday, I put in a 90-minute run(ish)-hike at Lake Padden, the longest I've been out in over a year. It felt great. Very encouraging.
Soon as I was done, I checked my phone and there's a message from Titanium Cancellara seeing if I could ride. I hesitated for about 10 minutes then got back to him whereupon we headed up to Galby for 3 hours of single-speed madness. Quite excellent fun, that. (See above photo of Scott Young at the Top of the Towers.)
Saturday, absolutely dead. (Though I had a great time helping out at the Red Wheelbarrow Writers Conference.)
Today, the Titanium Cowboys hit the trails once again sans wheels, this time running 2 hours! So far, no calf issues. (Shout-out to the boys, John Clark and Scott Young, both of whom are strong swift runners but who patiently dialed it back to slow-motion speed for me.) Orcas Island, here we come!
Hey Mike,
ReplyDeleteYour calf issue sounds very similar to what I have been experiencing. Riding is fine, running "not so much"! Where did you get your calf sleeves?
Dennis Weeks
Hey Dennis,
ReplyDeleteMine are Phiten: http://www.phitenusa.com/p-293-titanium-calf-support-w-infrared-ceramic-fabric.aspx
About $30 each.
I also start out each run real slow, walk the first couple minutes, ease into it. Seems to be working so far.
Good luck! Let me know if you figure out something that works for you.
McQ
Thanks Mike,
ReplyDeleteLocal purchase or on-line? Hope to see you out on the roads (biking or maybe running if I get these sleeves).
Dennis
The Phitens I bought on-line. (They're pretty heavy-duty.) I also have a pair of Zensah compression leg sleeves (not quite so heavy-duty) that I bought at Fairhaven Runners.
ReplyDeleteHey Mike,
ReplyDeleteMy wife picked me up a pair of Zensah's from Fairhaven Runner's prior to seeing your response. I tried them out Friday night on a short, slow run. Just about killed my quads, but my calves survived. Could hardly walk on Saturday (though riding the Donut wasn't too bad). Went for another short run on Sunday - again painful on the quads, but OK on the calves. Too early to tell, but keeping my fingers crossed.. Thanks for the info.
Dennis
Cool!
ReplyDelete