aching feet and calves, any advice?

[annerol]

HI all,
I've just started reading your discussion forum threads, and hope this is appropriate here. I'm thinking about doing a half-marathon, and would like some advice. I'm currently a cyclist, and enjoy the sport because it is easy on my body. I'd like to run, but literally every day of my life since I was a kid, I wake up at night or experience in the AM aching calves and aching in the balls of my feet. Maybe high arches? I don't know. I also own very few pairs of shoes, because nothing is ever comfortable. I've been to many doctors over my lifetime, specifically asking about this , to no avail. I live with it without much more inconvenience than never standing for long periods. Its not that big of a deal, but it DOES stop me from doing sports that require pounding / pressure on my legs and feet. Any nutrition comments you can give? Shoe fit? Weird feet shape? Anything would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Anne

[spazzdog]

Stretch, stretch, stretch... power yoga great for runners.

Also sounds like you have a shoe problem. I have super high arches. After going through a mutitude of running shoes I finally settled into Adidas. Great arch support and, depending on your footfall, they have a shoe for all of us. I use the cushioned line, as I don't pronate or supinate, plus I'm a mid/toe striker.

Go to a good runners store and take test drives in a few different kinds.

Lastly, don't over train. It'll take a while for your body to get used to an impact sport. Run/jog every other day... rest or do none impact on the off days.

Find a runners club in your area so you'll have a group to run with when the long run days get LONG.

[snowtulip]

I've also had lots of problems with my feet. I got some orthotics and they have worked wonders, even helped my knees (because my feet were so uncomfortable it affected my knees, could be the same kind of connection with your calves). I got custom orthotics from a podiatrist, I tried the ones at stores and they did not work for me. YOu might give this a try.
Good Luck!

[singletrackmind]

circulation???

[cyclingnewbie]

I also have serious foot problems that prevent me from doing many things. I started riding because it was the only thing I could do, with problem feet and bad knees. I have foot pain and numbness from cycling too. I put an arch support insole into my biking shoes and that helped some. I also like Soredawgs insoles. I would also recommend you see a good podiatrist. Custom orthotics might make a world of difference. And be sure that you buy running shoes that give you the support your foot needs. I have had good luck with Ryka shoes from QVC. They are made for women's feet, are wider in the toe and narrower in the heel, and hold orthotics or insoles. Good Luck!

[skibum]

I also have high arches and sometimes experience the kinds of aches you describe. I don't know if it's the high arches or not but I tend to be a toe runner. I even used to walk on my toes as a kid until all the teasing from other kids made me stop. The problem with this style of running/walking is that all of the impact of your foot coming down is concentrated on the ball of your foot. Also, your calf muscles contract more. This can make the calf muscles very tight and the balls of your feet very sore.

I'll second Spazzdog's recommendations. Regular stretching has helped me immensely. Also, get a good pair of shoes with proper fit. If you can, go to a running store. They usually have a big selection of shoes and staff who are experienced in fitting all types of feet and running styles. I have also settled on an Adidas shoe as the best fit for my foot type.

I've never visited a podiatrist but I know quite a few runners who have. We have one in this area that specializes in working with athletes/runners. That might help you if all the other suggestions don't work out.

[trigurl]

Shoe inserts really help! when I bought my new running shoes they measured my feet standing and sitting, I am a size 8 sitting and a 91/2 standing, my arch flattens out that much, I don't have a problem with that darned plantar fascia anymore either Also, don't run on pavement or hard surfaces if you can avoid them, my shins will hurt when I do, I am lucky enough to have greenways with crushed gravel and plenty of parkway trails near me, I do make a point of running on pavement maybe once a week b/c I know my races will be paved but if my legs hurt I get off the pavement in to the grass and alternate, my legs thank me too!

Don't up your mileage and speed at the same time (I learned that lesson the hard way) My former coach set me up a schedule that I have stuck to for months now, except I just can't get up in the mornings to exercise

Do you lift weights? I use weights 2-3 times a week the strengthen my legs, some days I do light weights with lots of reps and some days I use heavy weights with low reps, I really think that helps me a lot, I especially work my calves hard b/c they take the brunt of running.

hope some of this helps!