FabSwingers.com forum: Running on a treadmill

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I know there are few runners in here. I do HIIT on the treadmill but I find the burning in my calves holds me back before I get tired.

Heavy squats etc pretty comfortable apart from the usual fatigue burn but running makes my calves feel like they are on fire.

Is there any way to stop the pain? I stretch before and after.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I know there are few runners in here. I do HIIT on the treadmill but I find the burning in my calves holds me back before I get tired.

Heavy squats etc pretty comfortable apart from the usual fatigue burn but running makes my calves feel like they are on fire.

Is there any way to stop the pain? I stretch before and after. "

Too much too soon ?

What intervals etc are you running ?

Any inclines ?

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By *yrdwomanWoman
over a year ago

Putting the 'cum' in Eboracum

You shouldn't stretch before exercise. Warm up by walking or slow jogging, then go into your workout.

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By *oraxMan
over a year ago

Bedford

Reducing/removing your intake of caffeine and carbonated drinks and increasing the amount of water you drink in the days and hours before running may help somewhat.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Look online I can tell you a website to use. You will be better with a walk run program

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I do a 5 minutes warm up on the cross trainer or bike (depends what I'm doing) short 5 seconds stretches before lifting then do hiit or cardio after the resistance training.

I drink a lot. I'm wondering if it's because I used to ride horses so would have my calves stretched while in the saddle as the weight was in my heels.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"You shouldn't stretch before exercise. Warm up by walking or slow jogging, then go into your workout."

It depends on the type of stretching

Most would say not to do static stretching, but to do dynamic stretching instead, a 5 minute walk or jog in the treadmill may actually be more beneficial than static stretching

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I know there are few runners in here. I do HIIT on the treadmill but I find the burning in my calves holds me back before I get tired.

Heavy squats etc pretty comfortable apart from the usual fatigue burn but running makes my calves feel like they are on fire.

Is there any way to stop the pain? I stretch before and after.

Too much too soon ?

What intervals etc are you running ?

Any inclines ?

30 steady, 30 fast... no incline but sometimes use an incline during lsd cardio x

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

The guys at the gym are stumped too and say it's because we aren't runners and that running fatigues the calve muscles but wondered if any hard core runners could give me some tips to get used to it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

30 minutes steady then 30 minutes fast ?

At what pace ?

You'd be better doing intervals or progression runs.

Try 5 mins slow, 5 steady, 3 fast, 5 steady and repeat, to start off with. Build it up so that you extend the times of steady and fast.

Or progression runs 5 slow 30 steady 10 fast 1 sprint etc.

And don't do the same workout each time.

Swap and change

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"30 minutes steady then 30 minutes fast ?

At what pace ?

You'd be better doing intervals or progression runs.

Try 5 mins slow, 5 steady, 3 fast, 5 steady and repeat, to start off with. Build it up so that you extend the times of steady and fast.

Or progression runs 5 slow 30 steady 10 fast 1 sprint etc.

And don't do the same workout each time.

Swap and change

Sorry 30 seconds not minutes lol....I do 3 hiit sessions a week with resistance training and circuits but only use the treadmill for one session.

Could be a stamina issue?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Probably too much too soon though

Cut out the 30s and build up endurance 5 mins steady 30sec fast and repeat then.

Start with 15 minutes overall, and don't forget to cool down too with a 5 min walk, slow jog.

Slowly build it up so that you get to 5 min and 3 min intervals

Or progressions 5 slow 5 steady 1 min fast 5 slow .

Extend the steady section to 10 minutes and still keep the 1 min fast, then on to 15 minute steady etc.

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By *UNCHBOXMan
over a year ago

folkestone

"The guys at the gym are stumped too and say it's because we aren't runners and that running fatigues the calve muscles but wondered if any hard core runners could give me some tips to get used to it. "

I don't do HIT intervals but do something similar with my running intervals. So if i was doing a 2 minute intervals x 8 i would run the 2 minutes hard then make sure i have a 1 minute very easy jog to try to flush away any lactic acid that has built up during the intense interval. I also make sure i have at least 10 minutes very easy warm up before i do any intervals and 10 minutes easy jog warm down.

I've seen some gym users do a HIT session where they run as fast as they can for 30 seconds then step to the side and not do anything for a certain time then start again while the treadmill is still running. Not sure i would do this as it can be quite risky that you would pull something by suddenly standing still to all out intense interval. Running on a treadmill is not the same as running outside as you tend to overstride on a treadmill trying to keep up with the speed of the treadmill and put stress on the achilies and calf muscles.

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By *yrdwomanWoman
over a year ago

Putting the 'cum' in Eboracum

"Probably too much too soon though

That's what I'm thinking. Maybe lactic acid build up? I used to get it when I walked to work. There's a few sites on Google about it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Sounds like lactic acid build up, that your body isn't getting rid of in the short intervals of steady so maybe work on longer periods of steady with 30 second blasts at a faster pace and once the burn sets in try and walk it off then carry on. Also have a look at your stride length, let your strides stretch out longer if you seem to be taking short choppy steps.xx

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Lactic acid could be right, the treadmill isn't something I have used often preferring the cross trainer or bikes.

I do a power walk for 30 seconds and a jog for 30 seconds because I'm that shit at running so maybe I can cut it down a bit to 20/40 x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I run quite a bit but rarely use treadmills as they bore me slightly, but that another story.

Burning calf are probably to do with it tightening up to soon and yes could of been from horse riding.

My suggestion it to concentrate on warming the calf muscles up first, through stretches, calf raises, and a 5/10 walk/gentle jog. I would also put the treadmill on a slight incline so that your foot does not land 'downhill' as such.

Depending on where the pain is in the calf depends on which muscle you are straining?!

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Sounds like lactic acid build up, that your body isn't getting rid of in the short intervals of steady so maybe work on longer periods of steady with 30 second blasts at a faster pace and once the burn sets in try and walk it off then carry on. Also have a look at your stride length, let your strides stretch out longer if you seem to be taking short choppy steps.xx"

If I run for the bus I naturally find myself taking longer strides, I do take shorter strides on the treadmill x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Probably too much too soon though

That's what I'm thinking. Maybe lactic acid build up? I used to get it when I walked to work. There's a few sites on Google about it."

Lactic acid only normally builds up when you hit 'fat burning' heart rate for a long period

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

With that short an interval you'll be spending more time fiddling with the buttons than concentrating on your running

You won't be able to build a good style and you'll be rocking all over the place and more likely end up injured

Build up a longer run then do shorter bursts as you settle in.

I'm surprised your gym instructors are advising this

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I used to ride and don't get this on the treadmill so I would say its not horseriding related xx

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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago

yumsville

Are you using the correct footware? Look at the Nike structure 18 (if you overpronate)

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By *yrdwomanWoman
over a year ago

Putting the 'cum' in Eboracum

"Probably too much too soon though

That's what I'm thinking. Maybe lactic acid build up? I used to get it when I walked to work. There's a few sites on Google about it.

Lactic acid only normally builds up when you hit 'fat burning' heart rate for a long period"

Or when you've just started exercising properly.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Are you using the correct footware? Look at the Nike structure 18 (if you overpronate)"

There are plenty of shoes out there

The importance is to get your gait analysis taken properly and try a whole variety of shoes to suit your feet.

I've tried nike and adidas and they just don't suit me. However Brooks are my go to shoe.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

when did not stretching become a good thing

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By *hloe sussexTV/TS
over a year ago

Larne

"I know there are few runners in here. I do HIIT on the treadmill but I find the burning in my calves holds me back before I get tired.

Heavy squats etc pretty comfortable apart from the usual fatigue burn but running makes my calves feel like they are on fire.

Is there any way to stop the pain? I stretch before and after. "

I do lot of calisthenics exercising and jogging ,and when I first started I used to get calf strains and in my diet I never took any salt and it was suggested this is why I was cramping , now have touch of salt and don't seem to get them xx

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By *UNCHBOXMan
over a year ago

folkestone

"when did not stretching become a good thing "

The train of thought is that stretching cold muscles before exercise is not good. They now say you can do dynamic stretches but not the old type of stretching. I still stretch afterwards though.

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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago

yumsville

"Are you using the correct footware? Look at the Nike structure 18 (if you overpronate)

There are plenty of shoes out there

The importance is to get your gait analysis taken properly and try a whole variety of shoes to suit your feet.

I've tried nike and adidas and they just don't suit me. However Brooks are my go to shoe.

I think the standard of each manufacturer changes like the wind personally, but agreed.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"when did not stretching become a good thing "

Because static stretching can cause tears in the muscles.

The consensus now is to dynamic stretching instead

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By *ce WingerMan
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

See now I I've never understood the fascination with all this gym shit, what's wrong with walking/jogging outside, perhaps in the park?

Us "normal pervers" won't cast a glance, honestly

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By *helbeeCouple
over a year ago

Nuneaton

Are you warming up...as i dance do aerobics on a running machine an i find after 10 mins walking on the running machine my legs go light an u can start dancing on the running machine an do aerobics

I do a mixture of walking an doing aerobics on the running machine I then cool down an do stretches an i feel no after affects after

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"when did not stretching become a good thing

The train of thought is that stretching cold muscles before exercise is not good. They now say you can do dynamic stretches but not the old type of stretching. I still stretch afterwards though. "

thanks for that I never stretch but start slow didn't realise it has become the norm

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"See now I I've never understood the fascination with all this gym shit, what's wrong with walking/jogging outside, perhaps in the park?

Us "normal pervers" won't cast a glance, honestly

You can regulate and cultivate the resistance your body meets in a gym. Harder to do just by normal activity. You should do both though, and swimming too.

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By *obwithkiltMan
over a year ago

Belton

Not been running in a while and my mile time has been shocking...had a bad day other week and just hit treadmill after doing 10 mins on step machine....hit mile in 8 1/2 mins after being on 12 for months! Also did 2000m rowing in under 10 mins....next day calves were rock solid but no pain..cool down was on bike for a while then lots of sauna time....only problem i had were certain pairs of trousers would not go over them

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By *obwithkiltMan
over a year ago

Belton

"See now I I've never understood the fascination with all this gym shit, what's wrong with walking/jogging outside, perhaps in the park?

Us "normal pervers" won't cast a glance, honestly

My first 10k was given motivation at some points by the sight of a few lovely legging stretched bums

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Are you wearing the right kind of trainers? They can affect your gait

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman
over a year ago

evesham

My calves hurt all the time when I run regardless of where I run. It goes off after about a mile though.

I think it's because I have very tight hamstrings. I always get told off for not stretching after a work out

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Are you wearing the right kind of trainers? They can affect your gait

I dont wear running trainers x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Are you wearing the right kind of trainers? They can affect your gait

I dont wear running trainers x"

A decent shop will do gait analysis and advise you accordingly xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Research coming out of America recently is against treadmills for exercise, get outside for a run instead. The guys at your gym are stumped because most PTs are totally thick, no understanding of anatomy or physiology. Women who wear heels constantly have tight calves, they're more likely to cramp and also more likely to tear their Achilles' tendon as the calf muscles shorten. I also think your natural stride pattern is affected by using a treadmill. Some of the advice you get from people on here is just ridiculous. Keep well hydrated but water is not the solution on its own as it depletes the sodium and potassium in your circulating blood (which reflects the muscles) causing muscle fatigue and cramping. Low potassium causes cramping, bananas, Curtis fruits and coconut water. Personally I think you're better with cordial than water.

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

"Are you wearing the right kind of trainers? They can affect your gait

I dont wear running trainers x"

You probably should.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Are you wearing the right kind of trainers? They can affect your gait

I dont wear running trainers x"

Well there's your answer then

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Are you wearing the right kind of trainers? They can affect your gait

I dont wear running trainers x

Well there's your answer then

Where's that light bulb emoji ?

I'm amazed at the instruction you've been having and the scratching of heads

HIT is the buzzword at the moment, but many seem to have no idea how to teach it or set up proper training programmes

Good luck OP, and I hope all of the advice on here helps

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I'm not keen on buying running trainers when I run for 10 minutes a week and most of my cardio is bike or cross trainer where I have no problems at all.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

My PT is amazing by the way, he is not thick and he knows how to get results and the only issue with my programme is the damn treadmill so the problem is not with him but with me and my running ability.

I came on here to see if anyone who is really into running had remedies for aching calves not to have my friend ripped to bits.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Eating Sweet potatoes stopped my leg cramps all ways suffered .

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'm not keen on buying running trainers when I run for 10 minutes a week and most of my cardio is bike or cross trainer where I have no problems at all."

If you won't buy running shoes and your current trainers give insufficient support then accept it's going to hurt and you're probably going to get injured.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I'm not keen on buying running trainers when I run for 10 minutes a week and most of my cardio is bike or cross trainer where I have no problems at all.

If you won't buy running shoes and your current trainers give insufficient support then accept it's going to hurt and you're probably going to get injured.

But would running trainers provide support when I've got 50kg plus on my back? That's my concern x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'm not keen on buying running trainers when I run for 10 minutes a week and most of my cardio is bike or cross trainer where I have no problems at all.

If you won't buy running shoes and your current trainers give insufficient support then accept it's going to hurt and you're probably going to get injured.

But would running trainers provide support when I've got 50kg plus on my back? That's my concern x"

What footwear are you currently wearing?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'm not keen on buying running trainers when I run for 10 minutes a week and most of my cardio is bike or cross trainer where I have no problems at all.

If you won't buy running shoes and your current trainers give insufficient support then accept it's going to hurt and you're probably going to get injured.

But would running trainers provide support when I've got 50kg plus on my back? That's my concern x"

The short answer is yes

They will offer you the correct support and cushioning that you need, straighten your gait, and relieve the strains you're unnecessarily putting on yourself

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'm not keen on buying running trainers when I run for 10 minutes a week and most of my cardio is bike or cross trainer where I have no problems at all.

If you won't buy running shoes and your current trainers give insufficient support then accept it's going to hurt and you're probably going to get injured.

But would running trainers provide support when I've got 50kg plus on my back? That's my concern x"

Good trainers don't have to be expensive. Get your running style measured. Most good sports shops do it for free.

When squatting I do it bare foot. More stable.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Do you run on your toes as opposed to heel striking? That can really get the calves going....

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I'm not keen on buying running trainers when I run for 10 minutes a week and most of my cardio is bike or cross trainer where I have no problems at all.

If you won't buy running shoes and your current trainers give insufficient support then accept it's going to hurt and you're probably going to get injured.

But would running trainers provide support when I've got 50kg plus on my back? That's my concern x

Good trainers don't have to be expensive. Get your running style measured. Most good sports shops do it for free.

When squatting I do it bare foot. More stable. "

My friend squats bare footed x

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Do you run on your toes as opposed to heel striking? That can really get the calves going...."

Yes I feel like I slam my feet down if not.I got shin splints as a teen during pe x

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By *UNCHBOXMan
over a year ago

folkestone

Most running injuries occur from trying to increase either intensity or mileage too quickly or insuffient recovery from workouts. Shoes come a long way down on the list of reasons why runners get injured. The one thing i always use when picking a pair of shoes is are they comfortable.

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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago

yumsville

"I'm not keen on buying running trainers when I run for 10 minutes a week and most of my cardio is bike or cross trainer where I have no problems at all."

How you stand is carried through the foot, into the ankle, then knee, hip, back, neck and across the shoulders (as a result). A simple trainer for £60 - £70 manufactured with the specific intent to provide support where needed, can make a whole lot of difference. That is why so much research is put into trainer design and material

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman
over a year ago

evesham

"I'm not keen on buying running trainers when I run for 10 minutes a week and most of my cardio is bike or cross trainer where I have no problems at all.

You dont even have to spend that much. Sports direct stock new balance which are perfectly good trainers and can be as little as £35.

I can see the reasoning if you only do a small amount of running though. Maybe get your gait analysed then get some orthotics to put in your usual trainers and see if that helps.

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By *-ManMan
over a year ago

Kark

"My PT is amazing by the way, he is not thick and he knows how to get results and the only issue with my programme is the damn treadmill so the problem is not with him but with me and my running ability.

I came on here to see if anyone who is really into running had remedies for aching calves not to have my friend ripped to bits.

I do a fair bit of running, phone app says 85km in 7:37:00 so far this month, and I know the pain you're feeling, my remedies are cold baths followed by hot bath with epsom salts and plenty of streching.

But to be honest I think it's the HIIT that's doing it to you, could you not spare a few more minutes on the thread mill and run at a more normal even pace? I'd only get those pain if I ran over 15km or if I was doing a lot of hill work.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"You shouldn't stretch before exercise. Warm up by walking or slow jogging, then go into your workout."

Is this right? I often start with the treadmill and stretch beforehand. am best to run/lightly jog?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Are you wearing the right kind of trainers? They can affect your gait

I dont wear running trainers x

Well there's your answer then

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By *llebWoman
over a year ago

Poulton Le Fylde

I've been doing interval training for some time now , 2 minute run, 2 minute brisk walk.

It's good to measure the hot rate and the faster it comes down to normal the fitter you're getting.

I do that until I've covered 4 miles, normally around 33 minutes

We have a vibrio plate that I go on afterwards for 15 seconds each leg stretching out the calves and I never get lactic acid build up or aching joints the next day

The next night , like tonight , I swim 56 lengths so I'm stretching out all parts of the body.

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By *llebWoman
over a year ago

Poulton Le Fylde

Hot and heart Oooops..lol

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