Why do I have sore calves when running the mile?

Question

A week ago i was running 3 miles (I'm in 8th grade, 110pds, 5'5'') and my calves or achillies got tight like there was lactic acid in them. i stretched them out and did some sprints and they were better. Whenever i do sprints they aren't tight but when i do long distance they are. they weren't tight a year ago when i ran a 6:03 mile or a month ago when i did a 6:22 mile. but during my meet it was really tight and i got a 7:10. what's the cause? my short strides? and what can i do to loosen it up

Answer 1

you might be running too much on the balls of your feet. i suggest if this is the case to try to have more foot contact with the ground even though that creates more friction because you don't want to wear out your calves quickly but save them for a final sprint and try to use your upper legs during the rest of the race. try to not really land on the heel but slightly on the outside of your foot and roll over onto the rest of your foot and try that stride. i'm no expert but i've participated in xc for 3 years and my coach is very experienced so i'm giving personal knowledge.