You’re right about the visual demonstration being a better teacher. And here is where many will divide over static versus dynamic stretching. Over time combined with the same “overuse motion,” a gradual tightening of the calf muscles was occurring until one calf (or the other) would essential “lock” to essentially prevent more fatigue …
You’re right about the visual demonstration being a better teacher. And here is where many will divide over static versus dynamic stretching. Over time combined with the same “overuse motion,” a gradual tightening of the calf muscles was occurring until one calf (or the other) would essential “lock” to essentially prevent more fatigue damage. He likened it to a frozen beef tenderloin versus one at room temperature—you get the picture. His approach first required prolonged static stretching (two minutes at a time with rest in between) but along with that, the knots or tighter/frozen areas of the muscle were “worked out” through direct pressure and massage. It was a “combination” where I would use a slant board device (search for “calf muscle stretcher” on Amazon). I actually built my own—about 43 degrees. My stretching morphed from “light and mild” before running to “more intense and prolonged” afterward—no more than two minutes duration at a time, and no stress greater than a “7” on a “1-10” scale. The younger you are the more naturally flexible, and you are simply attempting to restore (i.e., lengthen) the muscle fibers to a more optimal range of motion. With that said, you realize that the “hip bone is connected to the thigh bone” and so forth, meaning it’s not a “calf-only” issue. As complex as we are made, it’s all connected, although runners stress particular areas more as do baseball pitchers or tennis players. An extreme example of an almost instant muscle lock would be whiplash in a car accident where the body acts to protect itself. Repeated motions…versus extreme motions. Another thing I learned during this journey dealt with the cramping I would get in my calf muscles around the 10-mile point of a HM race. While I thought that was part of the same issue, a very wise massage therapist pointed out that I was describing classic signs of dehydration. In full disclosure, I rejected that…until I asked the David Goggin question, “What if?” (pg 346). Eventually, I went from carrying a bottle of water in one hand to wearing a hydration vest (in training AND in races) and went to an electrolyte mix. All this to say, nothing was instant…it was—and is—a journey… and you cannot “overdo it” in the process (remember the no stretching stress greater than a “7” on a “1-10” scale). If you’ve read this far, thanks…and I hope I adequately answered your query. Perhaps in some way, it will help both you and others.
You’re right about the visual demonstration being a better teacher. And here is where many will divide over static versus dynamic stretching. Over time combined with the same “overuse motion,” a gradual tightening of the calf muscles was occurring until one calf (or the other) would essential “lock” to essentially prevent more fatigue damage. He likened it to a frozen beef tenderloin versus one at room temperature—you get the picture. His approach first required prolonged static stretching (two minutes at a time with rest in between) but along with that, the knots or tighter/frozen areas of the muscle were “worked out” through direct pressure and massage. It was a “combination” where I would use a slant board device (search for “calf muscle stretcher” on Amazon). I actually built my own—about 43 degrees. My stretching morphed from “light and mild” before running to “more intense and prolonged” afterward—no more than two minutes duration at a time, and no stress greater than a “7” on a “1-10” scale. The younger you are the more naturally flexible, and you are simply attempting to restore (i.e., lengthen) the muscle fibers to a more optimal range of motion. With that said, you realize that the “hip bone is connected to the thigh bone” and so forth, meaning it’s not a “calf-only” issue. As complex as we are made, it’s all connected, although runners stress particular areas more as do baseball pitchers or tennis players. An extreme example of an almost instant muscle lock would be whiplash in a car accident where the body acts to protect itself. Repeated motions…versus extreme motions. Another thing I learned during this journey dealt with the cramping I would get in my calf muscles around the 10-mile point of a HM race. While I thought that was part of the same issue, a very wise massage therapist pointed out that I was describing classic signs of dehydration. In full disclosure, I rejected that…until I asked the David Goggin question, “What if?” (pg 346). Eventually, I went from carrying a bottle of water in one hand to wearing a hydration vest (in training AND in races) and went to an electrolyte mix. All this to say, nothing was instant…it was—and is—a journey… and you cannot “overdo it” in the process (remember the no stretching stress greater than a “7” on a “1-10” scale). If you’ve read this far, thanks…and I hope I adequately answered your query. Perhaps in some way, it will help both you and others.