Higher run volume and calf soreness

yeah- when you push the mileage, it's always somethin.  I don't know- do other people execute marathon training plans and NOT get pain/injury along the way?  I figure it's just taking your body to the limits, and your body telling you 'enough'. 

Sounds like with 4-6 weeks at 40-45mpw, you've got a good base.  You may need to back off a week, or perhaps just add an extra couple days of rest/recovery.  Just remember- you goal is to make it to the starting line.  the more mileage you can put in prior, the better, but completing your training plan that peaks at 65mpw, and standing at the starting line injured has little benefit.  Perhaps you'll need to cut back and only peak 55-60.  Listen to your body.

Maybe you're not as much of a midfoot striker as you think. The Guide 3 is a stability shoe with a typical heel/toe ramp of 12 mm. The Kinvara is a neutral shoe with a much lower ramp. The lower ramp will stretch your calves more if you first land midfoot, then touch the heel down. If you really need stability you may want to use the ProGrid Mirage instead of the Guide 3. The Mirage is basically the same as the Kinvara, but with added stability.

IOW, switching between shoes of different support types and ramp angles could be playing a role.

FWIW, I averaged just over 60 miles/week last year and topped 100 at my high point. I did not have any calf pain. I am also a former heel striker, but I changed to midfoot back in 2003 so my body is well adapted. Back when I made the switch I did have calf pain. I don't recall exactly how long it lasted, but it seemed to take a full year or more to become fully adapted.

Disclaimer: I am neither a coach nor an elite runner (10K PR; 33:17, Marathon PR: 3:06:00, Ironman Marathon PR 3:40 something).

The trend toward low drop shoes has created a lot of lower leg distress. Unless you are accustomed to running with a shoe that has low-ish drop geometry and/or you are very light (140 pounds or less) you can expect some change, likely some trouble.

The question for me with low drop shoes is: Why?

I have to test these shoes and running frequently in strange shoes that have low drop when I am a very average runner in all respects is punishing. Frankly- I will be pleased when the trend of "low drop" reverts back to more conventional drop amounts.

If you stick to a relatively high mileage shoe you may find less rear/lower leg distress. It's worked for me. Also, I am a huge believer in SuperFeet insoles, a brand my employer does not sell, but one I recommend.

There's so much... ignorance? in this post I don't even know where to start.

You're a way better runner than me - so take my response for what it is worth.

I think that's an over-simplification. Rather than singling out low-drop shoes, I think the risk is any new trend that might be over-enthusiastically adopted.

To me a mid-foot strike feels so much more natural than landing on my heel. And switching to low-drop shoes helped me get there.

I'm not sure this has anything to do with low-drop shoes per se. This looks to me like an acclimation issue.

More fair to say that if you stick to a shoe you are used to, you may find less rear/lower leg distress. If someone is used to running in flats, there will be an adjustment going to a high-drop shoe.

stephan

^^^This...x2.  Except for me, it was tight calves and the ensuing plantar fasciitis - again. Second time in two years....here we go again.

Please define "low drop shoes" if you could.

I remember you being out of running for a while. So it might just be that.

In my experience, calf soreness leads to stiff calfs, which in return leads to more load on the tendons. I've had trouble with this (sore- and stiffness were not the only cause).

The mileage is not going to kill you, just give your body time to adapt. If you are having doubts don't make it any harder on your body by putting on racing shoes (this is one of the other reasons for the earlier mentioned calf issues).

Regards

I love the Kinvaras - maybe I should only do one run a week in them and see how it goes. If that's the case they should last quite a while, because I have three pairs! I also have three pairs of the Guide 3's.

I've already taken an extra rest day or two from running, so I'm not completely scripted by my plan. I'd like to keep the mileage as close to possible to the plan as my hope is to BQ at a race in September. However, I've pushed things in the past and had injuries - I don't want that to happen again. I'll listen to my body and maybe even treat myself to a sports massage.

You could take a look at the Saucony Peregrine -- same last and drop as the Kinvara, but more durable and trail-worthy...

Man, sometimes when I run I feel like I should hold a hearing before hand and have everyone bet on what will bother me that particular day.

That's really all I have to offer.

You're awesome Nate, keep up the good work and rest up proper.  Or don't....what's on your race card again?