LOWER LEGS/FEET WORK HARD!

Longer distance, anything over 5 km, runners stress the lower leg muscles more than you think. Studies have shown that the amount of power and load is equal or higher in our calf muscles compared to our glutes and hamstrings (the muscles higher up the legs). So we need to make sure that the lower leg muscles and tendons are strong enough to withstand the demands of your running and hiking.

If you starting to get strain in your calves, feet, arch or Achilles tendon when running or after running don’t ignore it. Most runners should be doing work to wake up their feet and lower legs.

Timing is important here too - getting treatment and a strength plan when these are first inflamed, the faster they will get better. Sometimes just a few visits (varies per person). Don’t just assume it will get better by waiting and lose your whole summer to injury.

If you are concerned about how when or how to run during or after an injury, then I can help guide you to return to running as we work to heal the injury. Hopefully you never have to stop running in the first place. Being a Physical Therapist and run coach comes in handy here :)

Feel free to reach out if you have questions.