Off the IC, back in the great outdoors!

[Runninginsingapore]

Today was my first run for 10 days after pulling a muscle in my calf. I took my time healing, with lots of ice and rest. I did make it to the gym last week but focused on core exercises and avoided the treadmill!

So this morning I set off early to avoid the heat... it’s been really hot here the last few days and we’ve not had any rain either. It was a very slow start as I have really missed running and the last thing I wanted to do was injure myself again. I made it to the park in possibly my slowest time ever and then relaxed as I realised that my legs felt fine! My aim was to break myself back in with a 5k, but I felt fine so decided to run for an hour... I took a couple of water breaks, but ended up running just under 9k in 1hr 10mins.

It was so nice to be back outside. I don’t listen to music, I enjoy watching the world around me and listening to my feet. The park is always busy with different exercise classes in various locations, as well as other runners and walkers. I feel like part of the community when I’m there and I have missed the peace and general sense of well-being that I get when I’m out.

I am so glad I started this running lark! Thank you all for your encouragement!

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

What a lovely post runninginsingapore. There is nothing like a spell on the IC to make you appreciate your running. It sounds like you are now fully recovered. Let’s keep it that way 🏃‍♀️

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

wow, what a beautiful place, and well done on your run

[O505k Graduate10]

So glad you are back doing what you love.

[Jonno34 Graduate10]

Hi Curious to know about your injury. I was on the treadmill the other day. This is where I currently do my running due to summer heat. Did the 5 mins warm up and was settled in with 5 mins left of a 30 min run so 25 completed. I then started to feel a little niggle in my right calf which got tighter very quickly it was a bit like a crap but not the same. I straddled the machine and stretched it rotating my foot then attempted a restart. Quickly became more difficult so I aborted. Like I said it felt internally like a cramp, almost. There was no visible or "touchable" evidence of cramp. Been nearly a week and it is improving but still feels tight. Is this similar and is it not unusual to sustain such an injury when warmed up and well into your stride/routine?

If anyone else can add I would appreciate it. I had some ligament damage a few weeks back then fell and damaged my big toe so am very frsutrated!

Off for a massage now to see if that helps.

TIA

[Runninginsingapore in reply to Jonno34]

That sounds how I felt.... I thought it was cramp initially as I had a sharp pain that blossomed out to my whole calf. Like you I was near the end of a treadmill run... 4.2 km in to my 5km target. I also tried to stretch it out and start again but it hurt too much, so I limped home. I iced, elevated and rested my leg for 3 days after and took it very slowly to heal. I was gutted, but it gave me a bit of a wake up call too. The treadmill is good, but I always feel that I should try to improve on my last performance - a higher gradient or a fraction faster each time. When I run outside I listen more to my body and change my speed according to the weather or the slopes, or how tired I am. For some reason I don’t feel the need to push myself as much.

Anyway, I hope your leg heals well soon so you can get back to enjoying your running too.