Please can someone help a very fed up runner. I have been consistent in my 5k runs for the last 3 months, 3 times a week. then two weeks ago started to increase distance, but only a bit at a time, got up to 7K this week. Then this morning went out for a pootle and was only going to do 5 or 6. I felt slow but kept going, then got to 4.8K and my calf hurt, then suddenly went ping!! I tried carrying on but just couldn't as too painful, even had to call my hubby and ask him to pick me up as I couldn't walk.
Went to physio and apparently have torn a muscle, and can't do anything for at least a week and then its going to be slow recovery. To say I am gutted is an understatement, I thought I was doing so well to have not had any injury. I am now worried about losing fitness and having to start all over again, and then be frightened it will happen again.
Any advice would be very gratefully received.
Yours
Fed up hop along runner!!
Written by
Manxy72
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Sorry about your injury Manxy72, I think the only thing that you can do is a full rest off running, take advice from your physio on how long you cannot run, if off running for more than two weeks restart at week 3 of C25K, but it important to take advice from a professional such as your doctor or physio.
It happened to me, not quite as seriously by the sound of it, when I was halfway across the bridge to 10k. You will have to wait out the recovery period, but you should then get back to 5k reasonably quickly without too many problems.
Since then, I have worn compression socks on long runs, and (when I remember) done calf raises to strengthen the muscles - that’s standing on one leg and raising and lowering the heel for as many reps as possible. You can start these as part of your rehab programme ......
It’s a bummer, but you’ll get over it. Best of luck 👍
Ooch Manxy, It depends whether you have torn a muscle or over stretched it. Complete rest first and see how long it lasts. Don’t run in pain or take painkillers to run.
When I had a problem I went straight to a physio recommended by my running shop. £45 was a good investment as it gave reassurance and exercises to do to strengthen the calves to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Good luck
Edit: sorry HU froze me out so I didn’t see the end of the post. Well done for getting early expert advice. Just take time, it will be worth it in the end.
You will get there.. you will, honestly... I had a calf tear.. and was off for much longer before I was allowed to run...I had rested for two weeks before I saw my physio...the runs were still there and they waited... do exactly what your Physio said...and the comeback is slow...but it happens... If you have time... this was my return post...it will reassure you...
Hard to tell you exactly what to expect because it depends on the severity of your tear...I had a nasty one just before I graduated which kept me off running for three months in total (😩). However, I found a fab physio who set me on the road to recovery with massage and exercises after the initial rest, ice and elevation. I really did hobble around for a couple of weeks too! The good news is that although I had to take a few steps back and build up my running again (this was several years ago), I had no further problems with my calf and went on to do a half marathon too! Sadly, injuries happen - they are FRUSTRATING😩 - but sometimes part of the journey. You will get back to where you were but take it steady and listen to your body. Its great that you went straight to your physio to advise you, mine has been amazing with a couple of injuries - worth her weight in gold! Good luck and I really hope you are back out there soon.🙂
Well, it happens, unfortunately. I hurt my knee so had to go all the way back and repeat it all. Then on my very graduation run l hurt my ankle so (yep) l repeated the entire C25K. Each time l was out for months, 2.5 and 3 respectively. My original post is pinned somewhere, you may find it, but the point is, that's when l started to take serious care about my gear, hydration, food intake, training, advice from this priceless forum and listening to my body's warning signals. Several years later, injury free since, l completed my first marathon.
Don't despair, ever. You will recover and the runs will be waiting. Get good advice, believe in yourself, take your sweet time and you'll reach whatever your target may be!
Thank you so much everyone, I don’t feel so alone or fed up today. I am resting and doing what my physio has told me to do and I will be back fighting fit! Xx
Oh dear, that's bad luck. If it's better in a few weeks, you shouldn't lose too much fitness. I missed about a month last year with a sore hip followed by a week away, but when I ran again I could still do the same distance and speed as before. So just rest and don't worry. (I did some cycling instead, which may have helped.) You'll soon be back running again!
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