42 weeks of running and now my first 'injury.'

[oofyprosser]

No shinsplints, not even a stitch; I went from couch to being able to run - slowly - for 45 minutes after 42 weeks. Until last week, that is, when my right calf started aching immediately after a run. Following online advice, rested it for a week and today, feeling zero pain in it I went out for a run. 10 minutes in and my LEFT CALF started hurting and forced me to stop. Obviously I've been compensating for the healing right calf and that has put too much pressure on the left one. Does this mean I'm going to have to put my running on hold for at least two weeks now? If so, how much fitness will I lose? I'll still do yoga and upper-body weights - my other two exercise staples adopted during lockdowns 1, 2 and 3. But I really hope my new-found fitness doesn't suffer too much. Plus the mental-health benefits of running have been invaluable for me over the past 10 months. Any suggestions for aiding - and speeding up - recovery?

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Before you panic too much over an injury think about when and why it hurts. Are you doing a warm up before running? If it’s very cold maybe doing a warmup in the house before you start would help. What about stretching after a run? Does anything else trigger the pain eg if you go for a slow or brisk walk? Take care 🤗

[oofyprosser in reply to Grannyhugs]

Yes, mustn't get too frustrated about it (there's quite enough going on out there that's way more serious). I am doing a proper warm-up indoors first, but maybe not enough post-run stretching. Walking was fine yesterday, it was only getting back to running that set the other calf off today. I think I've just got to be a bit more patient and take things slowly...which i kind of knew, but didn't want to admit. Shame my physio's closed until further notice! Thanks for the message.