I recently switched from brooks adrenaline to saucany guide. The change is interesting but I have noticed each time I run with the Guides I get sharp, intense calf cramps within a couple of kilometers of starting, usually on an uphill. I’ve been running for around 20 years off and on and don’t think I’ve ever experienced something like it.
I’ll stop and stretch the calves out a bit, and continue on, but my calf will be aching for several days afterwards.
I’m curious if anyone else has suffered a similar problem after switching to a more cushioned shoe, what helped fix the issue etc.
You sure you’re not straining them? You’re at the age now where calf tears start to show their ugly face. Though the sensation is more of a searing one rather than a cramp, so I’m sure you can tell the difference.
Could be, but my pace has been slow, my new shoes I believe have a higher heel which, I think, should decrease calf loading, and I was able to run through the pain and have it subside which apparently does not happen with a tear. Also, calf raises don’t seem to cause any pain, beyond whatever was lingering post run and in the day or two afterwards.
I ran again this weekend after a week off from the last time I experienced this issue and had no cramp, but, towards the end of the run I could almost feel like it was coming - but never did. No calf pain afterwards. I kept my pace 30s/km slower than usual for this run.