Quick Question about Jogging

[Scot_Johnson]

So the last 4 months I started working out at home a fair bit and a few weeks back I decided to add jogging to my regiment.

Well being an idiot, I didn't stretch, and I ran agressively downhill for about 3 miles or so, and then back up.

The next day my calves killed. Both front and back.

Now my question: Is this because of not stretching, not wearing proper running shoes, or both?

Thanks.

[nutsy54]

Probably a combination of not stretching, and throwing a lot of new stress at your body.

[Rowdy1]

I would stay away from any downhill running. You can easily injure yourself. Some people don't realize it but if you don't do it correctly you will get hurt.

I would cut back on your intensity, it doesn't matter how much you stretch if you haven't run in some time ease back into it slowly. I would avoid hills until you have a good endurance base built up maybe a month or two. If I am itching to get out and do hills before I know I should I always do my uphill sprints on grass and barefoot. Less impact on the joints and your muscles get worked correctly. Go to a shoe store and have them watch you walk. Then they can offer you some shoes that might work for you based on your gait.

So, your shins probably hurt because you did too much way to soon and too fast. I don't know why your calves hurt. But just take it easy at first then build up to some speed sessions.

[swordfish7]

where i live it is impossible to go running outside without going up and down hills. Running up hill is good for your calves because it forces you to run off your toes. However, running downhill can hurt your shins especially if you run on cement.

Running on the grass next to the sidewalk is much easier on your shins because it reduces the impact, and also jog slowly downhill. Just be careful not to twist your ankle on the grass if it is uneven.

I don't have "running shoes" but i want to get some because i think that will help to reduce the impact.