Calf Muscles

Question
Mr. DeHart:
I am 45 years young, 5'8" tall, and weigh between 145-150 (4 1/2 years ago, 225). I have been running for 4 years and have completed two full marathons (3:35 & 3:39, 6 months apart). I typically run 30-50 miles a week but may be increasing my mileage if it will help my problem/issue. In my previous marathons I have followed a Higdon plan and completed (3) 20 milers prior to my marathons. I need to hit 3:30:59 (I'll take 3:30:58) to qualify for the Boston Marathon but my calves seem to be holding me back. More specifically the soleus muscle. I'm fine through the first 22 miles but at about that point my calves are shot. I don't tend to cramp but my calves get very sore and are just out of gas. I fuel well, sports drink & gells, and get plenty of fluids. After a marathon my calves are very sore, again, primarily the soleus muscle. My upper calf muscles, quads, and hamstrings will also remind me that I have ran a marathon but nothing like my lower calf muscles. Any suggestions on improving my calf muscles would be greatly appreciated. More hills, strength training, more miles, stretching? Getting to Boston is not do or die, just another running milestone.

Thank You,        Roger

Answer
Hi Roger
First my congratulation on your outstanding accomplishments with your weight and two quality marathons.It looks like you have been doing most of the right things,but i'm quite sure it is the mileage.You definitely need a more aggressive program.I don't know what his program is all about so i can't comment.It takes a lot more than 3 20mile runs to max out a marathon program.Long progressive runs of 15k,21k,25k,30k are real staples for strength and maintaining race pace for example.I really don't think there is anything wrong with your calf's.There is probably some other things that you could do,but without knowing the schedule it would be hard to guess.I' sure with a more aggressive program you would have know problem knocking 10 minutes off your present times.The 22 mile marker is quite normal for the body to start to close down with not being  properly prepared.If you have any more thoughts on this just get in touch Roger.I would be happy to do a phone program with you if your interested.

All the best

John