First 10k race

[Saz17103]

I’m signed up to do Race for life in 10 days time. I have been training since last May on and off for a few months down to two ankle injury’s but been fine all year. I have been running 3 times a week and have reached the 10k a few times.

I now feel a little niggle i wouldn’t even call it pain in one of my calf muscles. I really wanted to get in another 4 runs before the race and resting the two days before. I really don’t want to risk it getting worse and not being able to do the race. Like I said there is so pain. Would not running for the next 10 days affect my fitness for the race?

Do you think other exercise would be better like bike riding or extra strength training?

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

It is a bit of a “thing” to get various niggles days before a race. I think we’re super-sensitive to how our bodies feel at that time. I know I usually feel a few aches beforehand but mostly they mysteriously disappear during the race!

Not running for 10 days will not affect your fitness at all and the rest will probably do you good so you’ll be well rested when you get to the finish line. It’s probably not a good idea to start different exercise at this stage but if you normally bike ride then carry on.

But if you have no pain then it sounds as if you could do with a good stretch and foam roll. If you don't have a foam roller you can use a tennis ball on your calves. And you can successfully massage your own calves. Use a little oil and get in there!

Good luck for the race 🍀 If you want a pom pom cheer then watch out for the Events post on the Marathon and Race Support page. But have fun and enjoy the day!

[Saz17103 Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you will take the rest gladly. I have found the base point for the niggle in the calf it’s a slight tender red mark just above my ankle bone on the inside.Must have been shooting the very slight pain upwards. Will look for the tennis ball.