So now I have a 2nd running injury. Very frustrating and very common when starting barefoot running. It takes the body time to adapt. (A middle age 56 year old body even longer) This time it's my right calf muscle. 3 weeks ago it was the left calf muscle. The calf muscle and achilles tendons are very vulnerable to injury because of the midfoot strike in the barefoot running. It will take them time to adjust. In the meantime all I can do is listen to my body and back off until these annoying little aches and pains subside. What's interesting is that the muscles in front of the leg get sore when running with shoes due to the heel strikes these shoes encourage. Luckily I've got cycling to fall back on and I'll continue to walk with short (100 yard) running spurts to test the healing of the calf muscles. Next week I'll give you tips to avoid the mistakes I've made.
By Dr. Scott Hamilton of Coastal Podiatry Associates, Myrtle Beach SC.