mid sole cleat

I’ve tried two rides so far and noticed a big difference. For the first time in a year I got home with quads feeling more tired than my calves, normally my calves give in before anything else starts to hurt. The dull ache I have been experiencing in my calves after rides was greatly reduced and the next day my legs felt almost normal. I can’t say for sure about power output but my legs felt like they had more kick on short climbs – I’ll test this more on some hills where I know how long it normally takes me this week. It’s early days but maybe I could be onto something thanks to doctor google, time will tell!

There are some small issues to be sorted, the cleats need to be made more secure as they started twisting around after clipping in and out a lot on the mountain bike. On technical descents the foot position felt a bit strange as its harder to drop your heels down and get your weight back but I think I can adapt to that with some time. On the road bike there might be an issue with the feet hitting the front wheel when turning since they are closer together.

more info here:
stevehoggbikefitting
Joe Friel and method for setting up here

I’ve seen masseurs, physios and several specialist doctors. Each person I’ve seen has initially said the problem is fairly minor, the muscles are a bit tight but in good condition, a few weeks and I’ll be fixed. They gave me possible solutions, nothing definite but something to try, and all requiring ‘just’ a few weeks to see if it was beneficial. Suddenly months have disappeared, I’ve wasted a lot of time and money and I’m no further forwards. I’ve tried complete rest, gentle exercise, lots of stretching, ice, heat, anti-inflamatories, eccentric calf strength exercises, a bike set up test, supportive insoles, magnesium supplements, vitamin D supplements, iron supplements, K-tape, killer deep tissue massages, acupuncture, dry needling, swimming, core strength work, foam rollering, an ultrasound scan, MRI scans of my back and legs… the list goes on. I can confirm that every other part of my body works perfectly but I still have no definite answer as to why my calves hurt and suddenly loose all power after a certain amount of time.

I wish I had a broken bone, at least then there is a definite time span until it’s fixed. I’m used to working towards goals, you can do anything with a target and something to aim for. As a cyclist you learn to suffer, to challenge yourself mentally. This has been far harder to deal with than any painful training or racing. On the bike suffering brings progress and improvement, I’m just going backwards with no end in sight. Riding in the Alps is all very well but I came here for racing, the world cup season is in full swing and I want to be there. I can’t help but feel by locating myself in one of the best places possible for racing I’ve put myself in the torture chamber and thrown away the key. For anyone lacking in motivation for the next hard training session I can give you a million reasons why you should appreciate being fit and able to race.

A process of elimination means I’m hopeful that I’ll have a proper diagnosis very soon, there are very few things left that it can be at this stage. Maybe then I’ll be able to do something about it.