Chi Discussion Forum

I have complained previously that I destroyed my calves after 30 mins. while using real, extreme minimalist shoes, i.e., Lemine.  I am trying one more time and being more scientific.  My plan is:

1) Exercise my cavles—Calf raises and lowering the heals below a step (20-30 secs.; couple of times).
2) Proceed more gradually
  a) Start with 20 mins. and work my way up.
    b) I do not use those shoes for two consecutive days.
3) I focus on being light on my feet and keeping my lower legs relaxed.

So far this plan is working.

Eric

Sounds like your plan is working for you. You can also roll your calves on a foam roller or a trigger point ball to help keep them loose and supple. Main key though is gradual progress, and it sounds like you are incorporating that well. Keep us posted on how it’s going!

Laura Houston
Certified Chi Running and Chi Walking Instructor
Seattle WA

Hi Laura,
I use the foam roller or the Stick periodically.  I probably should use them more regularly.

P.S. I think that I have trouble back spacing for correction on the forum.  It shoots me out of the message that I am typing.  To get around it I have to move cursor and use the delete button.  Have you seen a problem with using the Backspace?

Eric

Hi Eric -

I haven’t notice that problem, but I will pass that on to our web folks to see if they know what’s going on. Thanks for the heads up!

Laura Houston
Certified Chi Running and Chi Walking Instructor
Seattle WA

Hi Eric,
I got asked the exact same question whilst I was pausing during my run this evening to watch the sunset!  I wear Vibram Five Fingers and have been doing so for a couple of years now, I’ve run a couple of half marathons in them.  As you and Laura mentioned, the key is really gradual progress.  If you go directly from a traditional ‘supportive’ running shoe to a minimalist shoe, you are going to have problems.  In regular shoes your heel is further off the ground than it is in minimalist shoes and so you have to give your lower leg muscles time to adjust and lengthen (not sure if that is the correct term).  I discovered Chirunning several years before I started wearing VFFs and I am in no doubt that because of the work I did on my running form, my transition to minimalist shoes wasn’t that difficult.  If I feel my lower legs tightening up during a run, I do stop and loosen my ankles with some ankle rolls, and gently stretch my calves, and I find that really helps.
Sarah