Postby Spiritsword » Sat Sep 04, 2004 7:28 pm
I've run for quite awhile. My dad got me started in Jr. High and I ran CC in HS (but really only because my HS didn't have soccer, otherwise that would've been my Fall sport). I trailed off in college but started up again awhile back. I've been continuing to run for some time now.
It's really a mixed bag for me. I run 4 times a week or so for 30 min 3-4 miles a time. I rarely feel "good" either while running or after I'm done. I run to stay in shape, basically. I'm not really built for long distance running, though, and it's exhausting to me. So it takes a lot of self-discipline for me, and I'm getting somewhat burnt out right now (also because I run alone--it would be more fun if I had someone to run with). Since walking and biking just don't give me enough of a workout, I stick with running.
It will be better once Fall weather hits. Fall and Spring are great times to run. My body can't take over 90 degree heat indexes anymore, I flirt with heat exhaustion every time. I'd rather run in Winter than really hot Summer weather.
As for stretches, put your hands against a wall , put your feet out behind you, so it looks like you're trying to push over the wall, keep one foot flat and put the other forward about halfway to the wall, then lean a bit and push, till you feel your calf stretching. Repeat with other leg. Also, toe touches (standing) with your legs crossed to stretch out one calf, then cross the legs the other way (L in front of R, then R in front of L) and touch the floor (or toes) again. Those are the best ways I know to stretch those calves. ^_^