TREADMILL JOGGING

Question
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Followup To
Question -
I ran fairly seriously up unitl 6-7 yrs ago.  After not doing much of anything the past several years, except gaining weight, I decided it was time to get serious again.  I'm 52 and have been doing lap swimming, treadmill and some weights rather consistently the past 4-5 months.  The past month or two I've been interspersing some jogging/running on the treadmill trying to regain some sembenlence of my old form.  I've been stretcheing b4 and after; mainly calves and hamstrings.  I've noticed after running a few minutes my calves begin to really tighten up.  Today I did not stretch my calves b4 and it seemed to help.

I never remember this being a problem when I ran b4.  Just as an aisde, when I say running, I used to run 5-7 miles 4-5 times a week with an occassional long run on Sundays.

I'm trying to use my head and not injure myself by rushing things this time around.  Any thoughts.

Thank you.
Answer -
Hi James:

Smart about using your head and not overdoing it as you don't want to be injured.  You should never stretch a muscle until it is warmed up.  Start by running slowly and warming up slow and about 5-7 after stop and stretch, this may help.  Sore calves is common in beginner runners (even though you used to run  ) and of course stetching out well after.  I would also suggest some leg strengthening such as calf raises to strengthen the calves.  This should help.  Also don't overdo it the first few months and try to do too much too soon

margie :-)

Thanks Margie,

Notice I said I was "trying" to be smart.  I'm one of those that thinks if 2 miles is good then 4 is twice as good.  Not a bad trait as long as I can keep it in check.

Thanks for your quick and valuable response.

James

Answer
James:

If I could offer one last piece of advice.  If you want to do this for the long term and want it to be enjoyable, you need to go slow, slow, slow.  I have been running for years and still enjoy it very much.  Some days are more difficult than others, but if I can't get out for a run for some reason....I am not nice to live with...tee...hee

Take care and go slow and you will run for years

margie :-)