Back on my bike this week: I have had some... - Bridge to 10K

Bridge to 10K

16,525 members26,586 posts

Back on my bike this week

JoolieB1 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate10
8 Replies

I have had some pains in my calves on and off now for three weeks, feels like a burning sensation, feels different to shin pains I had some time ago. Tried reducing distances, running on grass etc but even on my 5k run on Saturday, pain was so bad I had to keep stopping and stretching. Feels like a muscular pain and I must conclude I have some sort of injury which is horrible. Frustrating that I have a running setback after doing so well but not giving up completely. So frustrating to not be able to run 5k when I have run many 10ks and even 15!!

Have a 10k event in 3 weeks too. I have a plan - no running this week but to maintain fitness, I am getting my bike out of the shed and will be using that again so I am keeping fit with low impact on my legs. Will keep up my stretch n flex exercises in the meantime. Can't afford a sports physio so will just have to rely on common sense. Any other thoughts? Julie

Written by
JoolieB1 profile image
JoolieB1
Graduate10
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
8 Replies
Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate10

Sorry to hear that Joolie. Have you got a foam roller? If not, then a rolling pin works too. Sit on a chair with one leg bent and just roll the pin up and down the calf.

I also give my calves a bit of self massage when I'm sitting on the sofa at night. You can actually get in quite deeply, so maybe worth a try.

Stair raises and drops are good for stretching the calves as is standing on tip toes and rolling back on your heels. I hope something works for you. Keep us posted.

Hi Julie, sounds like you have a good plan, and you're being very brave to withdraw from running completely... I'd just suggest with bike riding this can still put strain on your calf muscles although it must be different ones to running - I've had some painful calf cramps from cycling before, and the tight hamstrings can end up pulling on my lower back too. As you're already suffering, I'd recommend doing good hamstring stretches after cycling to make sure you don't get any other strains. The additional stretches may help too? Hope the stinging calves fix soon.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10

I have no advice really... the strength and flex help me, but maybe as Irishprincess says, a touch of massage. I always massage my legs after my post-run shower.

Cycling is good.. but maybe gentle cycle rides and not too strenuous. it is a worry, so hope it sorts soon x

boptillyoudrop49 profile image
boptillyoudrop49Graduate10

Is it both calves Joolie?

JoolieB1 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate10 in reply toboptillyoudrop49

Yes, annoyingly! Went for a bike ride today, nice and slow and did 17 km so at least it was exercise. Resting now til Wednesday or Thursday and will see how my legs are then and decide what to do! Had it a couple of weeks ago, blamed skipping that I had tried the week before but no idea why it is back. Only been doing 2 x5 and 1 x10 per week. Even doing 5 has become horrible

Noaky12 profile image
Noaky12Graduate10

Oh no Joolie. What a buggeration!

Another stretch for the calves that I really like (no idea what its called though). Stand with your feet about hipth wide apart. Turn your feet inwards (as if you were doing the birdie dance - ahem showing my age) the lean forward arms shoulder with apart putting your hands on a wall or door or edge of your worktop & lean in, hold it & you'll feel your calfs stretching.

It might have been easier to do a You tube video after that description!

I hope you get sorted really soon. X

Mat30 profile image
Mat30Graduate10

Grrr that's not great news but you sound as if you are being sensible. I hope it sorts itself out soon.

JoolieB1 profile image
JoolieB1Graduate10 in reply toMat30

Rest is a wonderful thing, better than medicine. Frustrating though, want to get out running but my time will come LOL

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Unwelcome Gremlins sent packing this morning, yes oh yes!

Running got a bit rubbish for a couple of weeks, last run was 5k 10 days ago. After that run,...
Dowat profile image
Graduate10

My Running week

Hello all you lovely people I hope that you are all well. My running week/s now consist of working...
Mat30 profile image
Graduate10

Finally back on the paths….

Nothing special today, other than after 2 weeks illness and work, I’m finally back on the paths…....
CBDB profile image
Graduate10

Will this do?

My two runs this week. Tuesday, a hot sticky 5k along the canal. Not enjoying it and thought I'd...

My mojo coming back!

After my recent HM, I have to say that I fell into a bit of a hole. I was a bit tired - but more to...
Bazza1234 profile image
Graduate10

Moderation team

See all
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministrator
Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.