Getting ripped and running.

[Bon]

I'm trying to get ripped at the moment, so I've been doing some cardio in the morning before breakfest. However, after about 1min my calves are already starting to get sore.. I run between 5-15min before I have to stop, and it's 'cause of my calves... Is this lactic acid, or is it because I haven't stretched properly ?

 

This is frustrating because I know I could run a lot longer if it wasn't for my calves, and I need to run for about 45min so I can shed off that fat and get ripped.

 

 

[Jack]

Since its so early in the morning its possibly just a sign of tiredness. Try having a longer more thorough warmup.

[SaiFightsMS]

That early in the run would seem to indicate a better warm up is needed. Do you start flat out or allow your body to gradually warm up? You know a slower pace at first then speed up only after thourougly warmed up. Do some calf stretching on the steps on the way out too.

 

 

[ZakariRu]

new way to spell pain, ScI AT ICA (not sure on the spelling

 

did you ever have severe pain in your calves? like waking up in the middle of the night screaming pain?

[Jack]

Sciatica is what my dad has. Its affected him pretty badly, I only hope you can continue your training without being too impeded, ZakariRu

 

Sai's advice sounds like something you should definitely listen to, Bon

[Josh]

This used to happen to me until I worked out what was going on .. my running technique was too tense, I would tense up my calves and sort of bounce on them like they were springs. Now that was an intense burn - its like sprinting long distance. So I just relaxed more, opened up my stride and the problem dissapeared. Now I can run my seven mile route at a good pace without pain in the muscles.

[YODA]

Hmmmm..... a few things to try.

 

1. Are you landing on your toes instead of your heel? i.e. using sprinting style in slow running?

 

2. Have you tried running last thing at night instead of first thing in the morning? Has similar effects on your metabolism etc - may work for you.

 

 

[Bon]

I appreciate the information guys, thanks

 

I'll go for a run on the weekend some time.. I've only had 10 hours sleep in the last 2 nights..

 

 

[dtstiachi]

hey Bon,

You may already know this, but running alone isn't going to help you get "ripped" legs. If you want to develop "ripped" muscles, you need to do weight training, high weight and low reps.

Something like heavy squats 5-6 reps 2-3 sets (Heavy)

Leg extension 5-6 reps, 2-3 sets (heavy)

Leg press 5-6 reps, 2-3 sets (heavy)

wait about a minute or two inbetween sets.

This will help you build visible muscle in the leg.

I am a runner and have strong toned legs. Running tones up your muscles, not "rips" them.

Good luck and safe training.

[SevenStar]

that's not necessary. being ripped is dependent upon having low body fat only. if you have low body fat, you will see your muscles - bruce lee was a good example. Now, naturally, the bigger they are, the more profound the definition will be, but the only requirement for displaying muscle is low body fat. That said, any type of weight training regimen will add to this definition.

there is really no such thing as "tone". "tone" is merely a muscle that is in a constant state of semi tension. Flex your biceps right now. See the bulge? If you could hold that contraction all the time, you would always see it.... that is all tone is - constant tension in a muscle.

for overall leg strength development, I wouldn't recommend leg press or leg extension - they are isolation exercises. You will get more benefit doing deadlifts and squats.