Tight calves coming off of bike to run

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Tight calves coming off of bike to run Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2011-04-10 6:49 PM

Member
89
252525
Subject: Tight calves coming off of bike to run
Was wondering if there is anything I can do to help my calves and the muscle on the front of my shin. When I get off the bike and go to a run they get tight really really fast. Is there anything you do to help prevent this other than just more training?

2011-04-10 7:43 PM
in reply to: #3438930

User image

Extreme Veteran
845
50010010010025
Springfield, OH
Subject: RE: Tight calves coming off of bike to run

Stretch your calves after every run.  I'm lazy, and just do two simple calves stretches:

Gastroc Stretch and Soleus Stretch.  The Gastroc Stretch is where you lean on a wall with one leg back, keep the knee straight, and you'll feel the stretch in the upper calf muscle.  The Soleus Stretch is similar, except you bend the knee, and should feel the stretch in the lower calf muscle.

For the front of your shin, kneel with your toes flat on the floor behind you, and then sit back on your heels.

You can do plenty of other stretches, but these three do the trick for me, and don't require me to remember much.



Edited by apicek 2011-04-10 7:45 PM
2011-04-11 2:29 AM
in reply to: #3438930

User image

Subject: RE: Tight calves coming off of bike to run
It goes away with time. At least you're not talking about the absolute locking up of your calves that I had when I first started out.

2011-04-11 7:46 AM
in reply to: #3438930

User image

Extreme Veteran
501
500
Northbrook
Subject: RE: Tight calves coming off of bike to run
Try stretching your calves and your hamstrings on the bike just before finishing the ride.  Stand up on the pedals and stretch each calf and then lean forward and stretch each hammy, should help loosen you up a bit before the run.
2011-04-11 8:35 AM
in reply to: #3438930

User image

Pro
6582
50001000500252525
Melbourne FL
Gold member
Subject: RE: Tight calves coming off of bike to run
I had the same problems when I first started, still do depending on the training load (bike fitness).  Make sure you seat is not too high (a bike fitting).  If using pedals and bike shoes, move the clip as far back as they will go on the shoe.  Seemed to help me when I did that.  Like stated above, learn to stretch them on the bike, I do this often today.
2011-04-11 9:31 AM
in reply to: #3439513

User image

Coach
10487
50005000100100100100252525
Boston, MA
Subject: RE: Tight calves coming off of bike to run
Donto - 2011-04-11 8:35 AM I had the same problems when I first started, still do depending on the training load (bike fitness).  Make sure you seat is not too high (a bike fitting).  If using pedals and bike shoes, move the clip as far back as they will go on the shoe.  Seemed to help me when I did that.  Like stated above, learn to stretch them on the bike, I do this often today.
OP - besides managing your load within your own limits, I would look at this right away

Edited by JorgeM 2011-04-11 9:31 AM

2011-04-11 10:36 AM
in reply to: #3439436

User image

Expert
2180
2000100252525
Boise, Idaho
Subject: RE: Tight calves coming off of bike to run

Maks Tri - 2011-04-11 6:46 AM Try stretching your calves and your hamstrings on the bike just before finishing the ride.  Stand up on the pedals and stretch each calf and then lean forward and stretch each hammy, should help loosen you up a bit before the run.

x2-I would also add to get into a lower gear before T2 and 'spin' the legs out a bit before the run.

2011-04-11 12:35 PM
in reply to: #3438930

User image

Veteran
174
1002525
Southern New Hampshire
Subject: RE: Tight calves coming off of bike to run
Good info in this thread. Based on my last Tri, I thought I was the only one with this problem.
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Tight calves coming off of bike to run Rss Feed