I was a long distance runner until a car wreck required a total knee
replacement a few year ago) AND I am an exercise physiologist. I would
fully expect that, as a runner, you have over developed your gastroc (calf)
muscle. If you have a tendency to run on your toes it will be worse than
if you are a heel-toe runner. Over the years, that gastroc development
places a strain on the AT. When you ride, if you ride "heel" down you may
be over stretching an already tight AT. So, regular calf stretches and
adding an additional element to that stretch might be of assistance: Stand on a
step (after you have warmed up and stretched the calf). Allow the
heel to drop backwards and downwards off the step holding that stretch for 20
seconds. BE VERY CAREFUL. Do not bounce and Do not
overstretch. If you do so, you could blow your AT. It is not hard to
do that, especially if you are tight. If this doesn't make sense feel free
to call 620-725-3402
AND, try getting a "stirrup straight" product. There are a number of
options. Try Country Supply. If you order from them, put Rainbow
Meadows in the Country Care Code box at checkout and a small percentage of your
purchase will be sent to our Rescue:-)
