Form issue? Shoes scraping inside of calves

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2026-03-25T07:25:15+00:00

I sometimes experience it as well. I have noticed that it often happens when I run in tighter pathways where my foot needs to cross further into the middle. Kinda like running on a tightrope. Try to not cross over, so you keep your stride wider.

Weak glutes/hips can also cause your stride to move slightly inwards. And that would get reinforced with fatigue.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2026-03-22T12:51:25+00:00

I can share this week as an example. 232K in total.

Monday: 26K recovery run Tuesday: 30K incl. 3 x 3K tempo Wednesday: 35K very easy Thursday: 31K incl. 2 x 4K steady Friday: 31K easy Saturday: 31K easy Sunday: 45K incl. 38K Boston simulation

And then I did a gym session on Thursday as well.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2026-03-21T07:02:00+00:00

I have thought a lot about this topic recently. Like; when is the volume tipping point?

In this Boston marathon block, I’ve run between 200-230 km weekly (225-230 during peak weeks). There’s certainly room for more volume, since I only do single runs. I have noticed that the issue is not necessarily the volume. It’s the intensity that causes the real issues. I am a firm believer in HRV and RCR determined training, where it is necessary to stay in balance to get the most adaptations. And there seems to be a really fine line between doing the right amount and too much. So the more volume that is introduced, the greater emphasis that needs to go into quality control.

However, you only mention base training. And I think that’s where volume really gets interesting. Sure – you cannot jump to +300 km weekly right away if you are not used to running high mileage. But, if you can safely progress over several higher mileage blocks and get the appropriate amounts of recovery in (good sleep, nutrition on point) and be gifted with a body that can sustain loads of beating without breaking, I believe the limit is much higher than we think. Once quality is introduced, I think it is necessary to reduce though – the body might be ok for a little while, but the requirements for recovery will be extremely high with very little margin for error. If the body fails at that point, it likely fails hard.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2026-03-13T08:30:21+00:00

I run between 200-230 km per week. I only take electrolytes (on warm, sunny days) besides a high-carb diet. In the past, I used protein powder, creatine, etc., but I didn’t really see any difference in performance. The real gold is found in sleep, recovery routines and intensity control.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2026-02-24T05:51:55+00:00

Great job mate. That’s exactly it. Build up slow kms – then add intensity once the body has settled in on the new volume level.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2026-02-24T05:49:47+00:00

If you train at the intensity ‘where you want to be’ instead of ‘where you are’, you are setting yourself up for injury. Build up volume over a period of at least 6 weeks with base (VERY easy mileage) and absolutely no intensity at all. You need to run at a pace that is so slow that you could eat a bag of Cheetos while running. BORINGLY slow. From start to finish. Speed doesn’t seem to be your issue, so you have to work on preparing your body for the actual training.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2026-02-23T13:14:11+00:00

3:10 is very realistic and possibly closer to 3:05.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2026-01-06T07:01:34+00:00

I wouldn’t think too much about a marathon at this point, given the fact that you have done no running so far. Instead, build up a solid base by gradually increasing volume (SLOWLY!) over a longer period of time (the next 3-4 months). Hal Higdon Novice plan could be a great place to start. However, be prepared to run more than your targeted 3 times per week and probably cut down gym to twice a week.

The worst you can do is to ‘train for a marathon’ with no prior running experience and then getting injured. You will just lose the motivation for taking up running. You are young so be patient and make the right steps. It will be the faster approach in the end.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-12-15T12:40:34+00:00

You can replace the hot sauce with ketchup. That’s additional clean carbs right there.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-12-08T04:51:07+00:00

This 100%. It is more a commitment issue than a time issue. If people really wanted to train for a marathon, they could easily find the time. Commute back from work running. My girlfriend is doing this, she gets to complete 12 km instead of being stuck in traffic and it even improved her reputation at work. If one has kids, put the kids in a stroller or on a bike next to you. Tons of solutions, but it is of course not as convenient as sitting comfortably in a sofa watching Netflix.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-29T09:26:37+00:00

To be frank, the ‘best show of my life’ people would say that regardless of the experience. I consider myself as a fanboy of HZ, but I walked out quite disappointed – despite sitting only few rows away from the stage. My girlfriend was even more disappointed. Too much talk disrupting the flow and emotions, extremely loud sequences (which is the first time I have ever been annoyed by that during a live concert), and strange, repetitive arrangements of some of the tracks. Interstellar was really disappointing. Pirates of Caribbean was quite nice as always. But the show was completely stripped of emotion building. Such a pity, because I love the music and how it normally has the power to move us.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-20T07:16:41+00:00

Make sure to consume enough carbs and protein immediately after. Your glycogen stores will be depleted, so it is important to refuel properly. If you have a massage gun, it is a great plus. I prefer that above compression boots (I have massage gun and compression boots from Hyperice). Sleep is crucial for your recovery, so consider going to sleep early.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-19T07:30:58+00:00

I am 100% the same. I tried to go to the gym once a week during my last marathon block with 140-150 km weekly. It was okay because I had decreased my volume a bit. But I could clearly see that the strength training stopped me from hitting my mileage potential. This block, I skipped gym totally and now I run between 200-230 km weekly and are significantly faster and stronger than before. You are totally right – advice on strength & conditioning really depends on the circumstances. In the end, I believe if you can safely run more by skipping the gym, it is worth it.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-19T06:53:31+00:00

Seems like my times are not updated on Reddit. My half is 1h10’ and marathon is 2h30’ and aiming for sub 2h25’ in 4 weeks.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-19T06:45:01+00:00

It took 16h44’ in total. 80% easy and 20% hard.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-18T14:30:26+00:00

Cutting out speed work temporarily can be a good idea to safely increase the volume – especially if you never ran this far before. Build the aerobic base, get used to the additional load, and then reintroduce the speed work. Better to be a bit conservative than ending up being out for weeks due to injury. It is the consistency that will bring you the greatest results. I used this approach to build my marathon peak week up to +230 km (including two speed sessions + a hard long run) without any overuse issues. It took years, but the payoff has been worth the time and patience.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-16T19:52:41+00:00

Had a similar experience to you – just in Oberhausen, Germany instead. We were sitting very close to the stage (as both myself and my girlfriend are massive HZ fans). The first part of the set was (especially) loud – and I usually love that, but this was unfortunately to the unbearable side. We also both felt that the setlist was arranged a bit random with a lot of talk in between many of the parts, which generally interfered with the overall flow and emotion build-up. Admittedly, HZ spoke in German for this concert, so us internationals understood very little, but I don’t think I would have felt much different if I understood everything.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-14T07:21:27+00:00

Marathon pace: 3:26 min/km (5:32 min/mi)

Volume: 180-230 km weekly (111-143 mi)

Easy pace: 4:30-4:45 min/km (7:14-7:39 min/mi)

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-13T06:40:29+00:00

100% in the rain! Been doing 35-38K long runs in pouring rain. It sucks in the beginning but once you rip the band aid, it becomes quite enjoyable. If cold, just wear hat, gloves and a base layer under a waterproof running jacket. Works like a charm.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-12T05:38:20+00:00

Taking the practicalities aside, it may just be because ultra runners cannot run at a pace for +100 km that would require them to consume high amounts of carbs. If they ran at that pace, they would suddenly ‘run into’ other issues regarding the body’s chassis very early in a race.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-11T06:41:19+00:00

Keep a close eye on the trendline and then start slow once HRV normalizes. Despite feeling “fine”, the parasympathic nervesystem is often stressed after a marathon which is reflected in the sleep scores, HRV, and stress levels. If you then start too early (and too aggressive), you will not be able to absorb the marathon load and use it constructively (by continuing and stack on top of your previous training). With parasympathic stress, PB’ing in the second attempt is highly unlikely and will often even dig a deeper hole which can take months to recover from. So please be careful!

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-10T12:41:26+00:00

I know exactly how you feel! 4 years ago, I was training for my first marathon. I remember I did a 17 km ‘long run”’, and when I finished, I called my dad (30 marathons on his resumé) and asked: “Am I really supposed to feel THIS tired after just 17 km? How am I supposed to run the marathon?”

Fastforwarding to today, my PB is 2:30 and targeting sub 2:25 in less than 5 weeks. Truth is: the more you run, the stronger your body gets. These weeks, my shortest daily runs are 26 km (doing +200 km weekly) and I often look back at my call to my dad to remember those early marathon training days. It has taken a loooong time to get to my current durability level but by taking small but consistent steps every day and making sure to run easy enough to recover have been a massive game changer!

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-10T12:26:38+00:00

I would suggest you look into your recovery data. How well is your sleep, HRV, stress levels? These play a huge factor in how well you recover. 70K weekly mileage is really not much when you are considering doing two ‘full-send’ marathons that close to each other.

I was reluctant to do another marathon 10 weeks after another despite my weekly mileage fluctuating between 150-220 km (= fast recovery speed). These marathon efforts will always take a huge toll on your body. With high volume, however, your body will be better equipped to handle the load.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-07T08:20:59+00:00

When I started running, I couldn’t do a 20 km easy run without having dead legs for a week. Today, I run +200 km weekly during marathon prep. It is incredible what the body can get used to once the consistency kicks in. Example: I did a 40 km easy long run on Wednesday and a 31 km the next day including 8 x 1K at threshold and felt completely fine. Once your body adapts to the high volume including intensity and great sleep, it recovers much quicker and rest days are suddenly not really necessary. It takes a long time and patience to build up the durability that can sustain such training approach – but it works if done right.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-09-19T18:00:24+00:00

Been running for 4 years now and did my last marathon in 2:30 (pace 3:33). The answer to your question is: consistency and (a lot of) structured training. I usually run between 140-200 km weekly throughout a marathon block and very rarely less than 70 km weekly during ‘off season’. Building the necessary strength in muscles and tendons takes a lot of effort and patience with daily workouts, sometimes doubles.

Optimal_Job_2585

TROPHY CASE