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Aging, calf injuries, and running speed
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Article describing some research into these inter-related subjects. Takeaway:
  • Runners use their calf and ankle muscles less as they age, leading to lower running speed, likely because
  • Calf and ankle muscles appear to age more quickly than other muscles
  • Strength conditioning of those muscles might address these issues

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/...th-training-may-help

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"Go yell at an M&M"
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [klehner] [ In reply to ]
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klehner wrote:
Article describing some research into these inter-related subjects. Takeaway:
  • Runners use their calf and ankle muscles less as they age, leading to lower running speed, likely because
  • Calf and ankle muscles appear to age more quickly than other muscles
  • Strength conditioning of those muscles might address these issues

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/...th-training-may-help

So... squats?

Swimming Workout of the Day:

Favourite Swim Sets:

2020 National Masters Champion - M50-54 - 50m Butterfly
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [JasoninHalifax] [ In reply to ]
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JasoninHalifax wrote:
klehner wrote:
Article describing some research into these inter-related subjects. Takeaway:
  • Runners use their calf and ankle muscles less as they age, leading to lower running speed, likely because
  • Calf and ankle muscles appear to age more quickly than other muscles
  • Strength conditioning of those muscles might address these issues

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/...th-training-may-help


So... squats?

Isn't that the answer to everything?

----------------------------------
"Go yell at an M&M"
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [klehner] [ In reply to ]
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klehner wrote:
JasoninHalifax wrote:
klehner wrote:
Article describing some research into these inter-related subjects. Takeaway:
  • Runners use their calf and ankle muscles less as they age, leading to lower running speed, likely because
  • Calf and ankle muscles appear to age more quickly than other muscles
  • Strength conditioning of those muscles might address these issues

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/...th-training-may-help


So... squats?


Isn't that the answer to everything?

I'd say yes, but eagerly await the usual "strength training does nothing" mafia on here.
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [RJSuperfreaky] [ In reply to ]
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RJSuperfreaky wrote:
klehner wrote:
JasoninHalifax wrote:
klehner wrote:
Article describing some research into these inter-related subjects. Takeaway:
  • Runners use their calf and ankle muscles less as they age, leading to lower running speed, likely because
  • Calf and ankle muscles appear to age more quickly than other muscles
  • Strength conditioning of those muscles might address these issues

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/...th-training-may-help


So... squats?


Isn't that the answer to everything?


I'd say yes, but eagerly await the usual "strength training does nothing" mafia on here.

I think Jason was being facetious (look at my profile, for instance).

----------------------------------
"Go yell at an M&M"
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [klehner] [ In reply to ]
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Do cycling and swimming help us keep those muscles strong and flexible compared to an athlete who just runs?
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [klehner] [ In reply to ]
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klehner wrote:
JasoninHalifax wrote:
klehner wrote:
Article describing some research into these inter-related subjects. Takeaway:
  • Runners use their calf and ankle muscles less as they age, leading to lower running speed, likely because
  • Calf and ankle muscles appear to age more quickly than other muscles
  • Strength conditioning of those muscles might address these issues

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/...th-training-may-help


So... squats?


Isn't that the answer to everything?

Never had a problem that a good squat couldn't solve.

Swimming Workout of the Day:

Favourite Swim Sets:

2020 National Masters Champion - M50-54 - 50m Butterfly
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [JasoninHalifax] [ In reply to ]
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I pop a squat every morning and it makes me feel better
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [kitch] [ In reply to ]
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kitch wrote:
I pop a squat every morning and it makes me feel better

be interesting to see how the results of the NYT piece varied depending on the test subject's preferred evacuation posture. maybe it's these toilet seats that are letting our calf muscles wane away.
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [klehner] [ In reply to ]
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I bought a pair of Altura shoes this year & within a week the zero drop had placed enough stress on my achilles that it was barking at me. To no surprise not long after, I had a season threatening injury that has left me with only able to compete 2 triathlons not close to 100%. My run basically has been destroyed all season post injury. I can run but not fast. I credit it to not only age, but the injury which resulted from too much stress which weakened me & then tore my soleus (per the doctor) during a race. Yes, I noticed this & totally agree age really wreaks havoc on the calf area from my personal experience the last few years. *Note: the shoes are sitting in a closet & I've gone back to the wicked awesome 10 mm drop of Adidas.
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [klehner] [ In reply to ]
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There is also data in older adults that neuromuscular function decreases with aging.

Which leads me to the question if you do things to combat that, do you atrophy/age muscles around the calf/ankle as fast? Can you stave off that decline for another 2-3 or 5 or 10 years?

Brian Stover USAT LII
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [desert dude] [ In reply to ]
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desert dude wrote:
There is also data in older adults that neuromuscular function decreases with aging.

Which leads me to the question if you do things to combat that, do you atrophy/age muscles around the calf/ankle as fast? Can you stave off that decline for another 2-3 or 5 or 10 years?


I would say "yes, but...". I think the workouts can be changed to combat these particular issues and give older runners their best chance from an injury/strength/performance standpoint. However, I would still expect to see eventual performance loss generated by the necessary reduction in total milage from those workout changes.
Last edited by: SH: Sep 10, 15 7:05
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [Rocky M] [ In reply to ]
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Rocky M wrote:
I bought a pair of Altura shoes this year & within a week the zero drop had placed enough stress on my achilles that it was barking at me. To no surprise not long after, I had a season threatening injury that has left me with only able to compete 2 triathlons not close to 100%. My run basically has been destroyed all season post injury. I can run but not fast. I credit it to not only age, but the injury which resulted from too much stress which weakened me & then tore my soleus (per the doctor) during a race. Yes, I noticed this & totally agree age really wreaks havoc on the calf area from my personal experience the last few years. *Note: the shoes are sitting in a closet & I've gone back to the wicked awesome 10 mm drop of Adidas.

It's not very scientific to mix two independent variables into an experiment -- in your case age and the move to zero drop. The move to zero drop must be handled gradually and slowly. I guess the older you are, the slower you will adapt, so the slower it should go. I'm not sure it follows, however, that zero drop is more dangerous than 10mm drop (for previously adapted runners).
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [klehner] [ In reply to ]
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Ken,

It's called, "Old-Man-Calf-Syndrome"!

In my few limited attempts at a come-back to running, it's cut the whole thing short and I have retreated to the bike.

I've talked to a number of other 45+ runners, many from a higher performance back-ground, and it's always the same story - this mysterious locking-up of one or both calves after a relativly speaking very limited amount of running.

A chiropractor friend of mine thinks that it may be because of nerve compression in the spine. You don't even know that it's there - until you start running and then, after 10 - 15 . . . wham! Your calf completely locks up!


Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [Fleck] [ In reply to ]
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It seems that most of the "injuries" that I get are just cramps that present themselves in unexpected times and places.
This was the case with the last calf "injury" I had.
No good taking time off and waiting for a cramp to get better.
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [dirtymangos] [ In reply to ]
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It seems that most of the "injuries" that I get are just cramps that present themselves in unexpected times and places.

For me, and the others I have talked to about this Old-Man-Calf-Syndrome, does feel a bit like a "cramp", but how could it be a classic cramp, when it comes on 10 - 15min into an easy run?


Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [Fleck] [ In reply to ]
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Steve, so far, at 58, I guess I am lucky. Have never, yet, had this issue.

Any thoughts on why some do, and some might not?

Dave Campbell | Facebook | @DaveECampbell | h2ofun@h2ofun.net

Boom Nutrition code 19F4Y3 $5 off 24 pack box | Bionic Runner | PowerCranks | Velotron | Spruzzamist

Lions don't lose sleep worrying about the sheep
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [h2ofun] [ In reply to ]
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Dave - see post #14


Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [Fleck] [ In reply to ]
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Fleck wrote:
Dave - see post #14

So, can this be proven?

Can it be treated?

I must have the wrong old running friends since I have not heard any of them complain about this, yet.

Dave Campbell | Facebook | @DaveECampbell | h2ofun@h2ofun.net

Boom Nutrition code 19F4Y3 $5 off 24 pack box | Bionic Runner | PowerCranks | Velotron | Spruzzamist

Lions don't lose sleep worrying about the sheep
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [Fleck] [ In reply to ]
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Old-Man-Calf-Syndrome, huh? So that's what it's called.

Calf muscle tear last summer, off and on tendinitis this summer for me.

king of the road says you move too slow
KING OF THE ROAD SAYS YOU MOVE TOO SLOW
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [h2ofun] [ In reply to ]
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So, can this be proven?

Can it be treated?



Dave,


I don't know on both counts.

I must admit that I've not really tried to figure it out. As noted, I've tried a couple of "comebacks" to running, and this calf thing has flared up each time. I just say screw-it and retreat to cycling! :)


Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [Fleck] [ In reply to ]
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I started experiencing the same thing this season. Calf cramp about 3-4 miles into an easy run. I stopped running for a week then tried to go back. Same thing. Now I'm taking more time off and hoping it will fix itself. I'm also debating switching away from Newtons. I've been running in Newtons for a long time and hate to switch and haven't decided where I'd go with shoes.

Relevant data: 52 years old competing in triathlon for 33 years.

-- Scott
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [TriScott] [ In reply to ]
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I'm 51, dealt with calf issues on and off for years but have kept them at bay for the last two by:
  • letting the last injury heal completely (long rest);
  • running slower;
  • running consistently (4-5x a week);
  • switching to Hoka's (first Bondi, now Clifton).


This combo has worked for me. YMMV.

At this stage of the game I'm happy to still be out there (albeit, slower) and injury free. Got a local 10 miler on Sunday, so I'll see just how much slower then.
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [klehner] [ In reply to ]
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I've had many lower leg issues now that I'm in my 50's. Would it be too extreme to contemplate having my legs amputated below the knee and getting some high performance Blade-Runner prosthetics fitted?
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Re: Aging, calf injuries, and running speed [Rocky M] [ In reply to ]
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" *Note: the shoes are sitting in a closet & I've gone back to the wicked awesome 10 mm drop of Adidas."


In a closet?? Get out the lighter fluid!
Last edited by: mdtrihard: Sep 10, 15 14:58
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