by Earl Kunkle
Ground contact is crucial when running, whether covering long distances, sprinting, or making quick directional changes on the field. Each step involves your feet hitting the ground, where the lower limb muscles absorb impact and then contract to propel you forward. The calf muscles, including the often-overlooked soleus, play a key role in this elastic energy return and are vital for running endurance and speed.
Training the calf muscles, particularly the soleus, can significantly improve running efficiency, speed, and endurance. Unlike the gastrocnemius, which is more involved in explosive movements, the soleus provides the endurance needed for sustained activities like distance running and helps stabilize the ankle for efficient push-off and smooth strides.
