Everyone, I hope someone can offer some suggestions or advice. I don`t post here often, I did before Cool Running went away, but I do read alot on these boards. I am a veteran runner of many years. I log about 20-30 miles per week, 3-4 day a week runner. In the winter I may up it to around 30, but usually no more. This is just do to time constraints and work schedule. It has served me well and met my needs. 5-K times are around 20:30-21:10 on an average, and 10-K pace around 42:00. I`m happy with that. My question is this, the last month or so, I have been plagued with SUPER tight hamstrings and calves. I stretch after every run, as I always have. I mix running on grass and roads, and I don`t add huge amounts of mileage at once. I have done nothing new that I can remember to cause this. I do minimal speedwork for my mileage base, but only in the winter months. That is because I don`t race in the summer. I just try to keep my fitness. My company switched from a 5 day work week to a 4 day, 10 hours per day schedule. The only change that I have made is running at night vs 5:00 a.m. Guy`s I`m serious. This is chronic. I have had "dead legs" before and this is how it feels. But in the past this has came only after too much mileage, hillwork, speedwork, things like that. I cannot find an answer. Right now they hurt so bad, I can barely stand to have them massaged. I am taking a week off, buying new shoes, and starting back easy. I need to get back in shape for all the fall and winter events that I like to do. If anyone has had or has a similar situation and can offer any advice, I`m all ears. Thanks to any and all replies.

No changes worthy of mentioning..... I`m eating the same way I have for last few years. BTW, I`m also certain that I`m well hydrated. This is what is so frustrating.

Good point. It certainly may be, because that is indeed when most of this started. That change in work schedule really took a toll on my workouts, especially with the July and August heat. At least when falls gets here, I can go right at 5:00 from work, instead of waiting until 8:30 or 9:00 when things cool off and your so tired it makes it almost a burden. Definatley something to consider. I might benefit from just a few easy stretches before I head off to work. I appreciate your thoughts.

Try walking for ten minutes prior to your run and another ten minutes after your run. I suffered constantly from sore muscles and started walking for warmup and cool down, also do very little stretching now. It has been a world of difference. Just something to try.

Good News for you! I have had chronic tight calves, and achy hammies ever since I got to the midway point in my HM training, and my mileage went to 20+ miles a week. What ended up being the magic for me was longer warm up, sports deep tissue massage, and I needed more stability in my shoes. It seems my arches were flattening out too much and as the mileage of the runs got longer, the more nasty fatigue it was causing my lower legs. Since going into more stability, my legs are getting better. They are far from perfect, but overall much better than they had been. I started doing Yoga also, which has made a difference in overall relaxation and flexibility.

...add to all of that--before and after run foam roller sessions--slow, painful, and worth every bit.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned that I found affects me is the amount of time I spend sitting at work. Perhaps, it is the increase in the amount of time you are spending at work. I now take a couple of walking and stretching breaks at work when I am hitting around 30 miles a week. Yes, I look like a geek but it beats the heck out of feeling horrible. Good luck.

Everyone, , I have been plagued with SUPER tight....... calves. Thanks to any and all replies.

Thanks