Week 6 block

[park79]

Aargh! All was going so well! I seem to have hit a point where my right calf just *doesn't want* to do a 25-minute run.

I have tried W6R3 twice - the first time I got a pain at the top of the back of my right calf after about 15 minutes, which reduced me to a hobble for a bit, but then I managed to press on (but was limping for the rest of the day). I backtracked and redid W6R2 again (which is two bouts of 10), which was fine. Yesterday I went back to have another go at R3 again, and this time got the same problem after 7 minutes. I did manage to pick up again and did a slightly awkward and slow 15 minute run.

This is sore, I don't know what is the best course of action, and is hampering my ability to run at a speed that actually constitutes exercise.

It feels muscular and is eased with Ibuprofen - does anyone have any ideas about how to get through this? I have been told two things: only warm up with the walk (not other stretches) - I did this, and it still happened. And: just keep on going through it - which seems like an impossibility when the pain hits.

[pollyp1 Graduate]

You know whether you're capable of running on it or not - if it feels impossible don't continue: better some time on the injury couch / with a masseuse or physio / sticking to what IS comfortable and gradually extending it, than a long term injury.

I got through c25k injury free and then tore a calf muscle (luckily not to badly but it took a good few weeks to heal and I had to take it quite slowly for a while) about two weeks post-graduation trying to mimic the running style of the women runners in the Olympics!

Frustrating, yes, but listening to YOUR body is the sensible thing to do. Good luck.

Also: ice packs are great and, if you think it's bad enough, talk to your gp.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Definitely, do not run through it..if it keeps happening, there is an issue..

RICE is the way to go.. and then maybe get it checked out properly. Better as pollyp1 says, some time on the IC healing, than being crocked for a very long time

[MrsPsycho Graduate]

are you hydrated? I find that my legs hurt more if I haven't had a glass of water before I go for my run and maybe you could try a couple of stretches whilst the trainer is explaining the programme for the day. See if that helps?

[McFitty Graduate]

Please don't take this as expert opinion, cos I'm no expert but this sounds just like what happened to me on week 5 run 3. Following advice, I did lots of calf strengthening exercises, reduced the length of my stride and...

Yep, you guessed it, ran slower than I believed constituted exercise! Even though I thought I was going slower than slow McSlow, I found a slower gear still and it got me past the 12 minute mark where my calves would literally seize and the pain kick in.

If it's injury then it's obviously different but just wanted to let you know (a) you're not alone and (b) it really is possible to go slower!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to McFitty]

As long as we don't actually stop running McFitty it is fine!Fine!!!

I have a favourite Abba track that I run sooooo slowly too..just for the fun of it... I did it on a warm up last week.. a bit like playing Giant's Footseps...I think folks who may catch a glimpse of me, think I am loopy..but hey who cares xx

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Lots of good advice above. In addition i would begin stretching thoroughly after each run, and begin exercises for the calves, lots on line but if in doubt get it checked out by a sports physio first.

[melly4012 Graduate]

Also agree with the advice above. Slow is fine. I have had that exact issue before which I mistook for knee pain but actually was tightness at the top of my calf. Have you had a gait analysis and do you wear shoes specific to the way you run? When I finally bought some proper shoes I found that little niggles I'd had throughout the programme just completely disappeared - proper shoes can make all the difference.

My calves are particularly tight and I actually have to stretch between the walk up walk and the run too. This seems to be advised against generally but I can't get through a run without doing it. I suppose there must be some individuality there depending on our bodies' needs. Don't run through pain and check with a sports physio if you really are struggling. Sending healing thoughts your way.

[park79]

Thank you all for your comments - all very helpful indeed.

Some reflections on what has been offered: I suspect I have not been sufficiently well-hydrated so that could well be an issue; I have in the last six months had some physio on the knee of that leg - because the knee problem had abated I thought all issues had gone away entirely; I need to maintain the stamina and strength I have built up - probably some swimming while I rest the knee would help with that; I'm normally in a bit of a rush by the end of a run to get in the shower, get breakfast and get off to work, so stretching afterwards has been a low priority.

I haven't had my gait looked at, and the trainers I have are Decathlon specials - hardly top-of-the-line, but having not owned a pair of trainers (Merrell walking shoes, yes) for fifteen years I had forgotten what they felt like!

Once again, thank you for all the cheery support and the well-wishing, and likewise many blessings for your own running!