Discussion: Calves

Probably the shorter ‘drop’ (5mm, I think) in your new HOKAs getting you up on your toes more than you used to. Keep on training and they’ll adjust, and be better for it, too. Spend some yoga time stretching them out. Took me about a month, but now my calves are very rarely an issue—and they used to be!

Yeah I think it's the Hokas too as that's the only new/different thing. Thanks for the encouragement to continue with them and improve!

Oh: and start off slowly for each run for a while, letting your calves stretch out a bit and get warm. Especially important in these cold times.

The calves are definitely now an issue, and I never had any issues before. I already run on my toes. Do you think maybe Hokas are not for me?

Foam Roll? Stretch, massage, and maybe looking at your form should fix you up ... I think the HOKAs can still be fine for you, but that you might need to take your time, work up to running in them. But what do I know? :)

Some good tips on for that have helped me:

https://www.chirunning.com/blog/entry/10-component...

Again: I had the same kind-of-rough calf ache for a month or so after switching to 3mm drop shoes. It took that long, I think, to find the right 'new' form. I'd not give up yet, but of course that's up to you! They're your calves and feet. :)

Hm. I hope you don't listen to this guy about the breathing stuff. While I agree we are not focused on the breath enough, nor do we use the full capacity of our lungs, I would not advise Belly breathing while running! It's more of a slow-down, relaxation type of breath. Imagine trying to push the belly out while running - you need to be engaging your core muscles during activity! I would recommend Chest breathing instead, with an attention on expanding the ribcage by lifting the ribs out to the sides to get the maximum oxygen uptake. See our website:

https://teamsunwellness.com/2017/10/14/breath/

Of course, to each his/her own with breathing, as long as you're doing it that's what counts.

All the rest sounds good. I will alternate shoes and not give up on Hokas quite yet, and learn more about Running Form. That's a brand new concept for me and I have no idea what I'm doing there. Thanks for the advice!!