Hi - I am training for the 2000 London Marathon and have been building up my
mileage from 12 miles per week to my present level of 28 miles per week (at
about 8-9miles/hr) following a recommended Marathon training schedule.
Before this started I was already fit and was running 10 miles per week plus
using a variety of other steppers etc in the local gym's machine room.
Shoes are still pretty new and are good quality.
All my training running so far has been on a treadmill. Recently I have
been getting pain (relatively light) in my left calf (which I can
understand) but also in my right lower leg, about 8 cm above the ankle joint
on the outside of the leg. I thought it might be shin splints but that
would seem to only affect the soft tissue on the inside of the right leg
that low down. The pain disappears after a few minutes of running.
I can't find anything else specific that it might be. Does this sound like
simply a slightly strained muscle which I should slow down a bit for but not
or something else? I was slightly surprised at the location of
the pain and I wondered if it might suggest my right leg may be striking the
ground at a strange angle? Also, is there any stretching you would recommend
that would reach that part of the leg?
Any advice gratefully received.
Many thanks,
Andy, the location of the pain you describe is the peroneal muscle region. These
are foot elevators that lift your toes and foot so you don't catch your foot on
the ground as you swing through during your stride. They alsodecelerate the foot
as your heel hits the ground, and then they help you transfer your weight as you
push off. On a treadmill, with the ground moving away undereath you, it is
possible that their function is somewhat modified, and theyare coping with the
modified environment. Needless to say, if you plan to run a marathon, you need
to get onto the road for your training leading up to the actual race. It is a
very different experience than running 26 miles on a treadmill. The pounding,
the hills, the uneaven surfaces are all significantly different than your
present training experience. Also, you need to test your leg on the hard
surfaces before you take on 26 miles. Also, in the meantime, use ice massage
over the muscles that are sore before and after your training runs. Take a paper
cup filled with water, and freeze it. Then rub the ice directly on the skin for
10-15 minutes covering the painful area completely. In soccer we have the
players stretch that part of the leg by standing on one leg while they place the
toes of the other oeg on the ground behind them. Then move the leg in circles,
keeping the toes on the ground as you stretch the front of the leg. Good luck
in London!
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