Calf coaxing number 2.

[Elfe5]

Recovery run number 2 was slightly less cautious than number 1 and calves seem ok, just the uninjured one a bit tight ( & I was sure I stretched and rolled them both in fair shares!) I was saved from excess enthusiasm by an elderly dog walker who was staggering along slowly. He cheekily shouted " You're going too fast" to tease me as I began to get carried away on a downhill stretch - sighed ruefully and slowed down! So happy to be out there however limited.😀

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Keep stretching and rolling every day. And try heat pads on tight muscles and then foam rolling. A little tip from my (latest) physio 😏

And running downhill just makes me go "wheeeeee" every single time 🤗🤗🤗

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Good advice thanks 😃... and yes, the temptation of downhill!

[Anthie Graduate]

Ahaha always the teasing passer-by when you practise... We get lot of remarks from other sportsmen or cyclists when nordic walking as they think it's only walking with sticks. I'm glad to hear you could enjoy the run though despite the other calf's issue (so Beethoven's 7th in your ears??). Have you tried to roll and massage with some warming up balm like tiger balm or something similar before going out for the run? I remember an Irish student at the hall where I was (years ago) who always borrowed my tiger balm before going to her rugby training. Apparently it helps keep the muscle warm and relaxed. I only use it when I have a sorethroat or bronchitis!

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Anthie]

I haven't even heard of tiger balm before- thanks for the advice. I haven't organised Beethoven yet! I went out with Laura and used the run/ walk sections flexibly to gradually increase the running. 😄

[Anthie Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

You used the stepping 5K+ programme or W9? I find the stepping thing unbelievably complicated and the music even more horrid than on W9! For the Tiger-balm, you need to find a Chinese grocery store (it's Thai in fact) or a very diverse chemist's store... I'm not sure they have it at Boots but they probably have other sports balms. My Irish flatmate preferred the tiger balm texture and hotness! More happy running in the meantime!

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Anthie]

No, just W1R1 because it is in 60 & 90 second timings - so I just ignored the run /walk instructions and used it as a timer - easier than repeatedly looking at a watch. I made each run a bit longer as I went along - so 90 seconds, 3 mins, 5 mins etc. It was a good way of warming up my calves gradually & checking all was well.

[Anthie Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

How clever!! I didn't even think about it! I saw that some suggested to try doing the programme again as a kind of Fartleks: running slow on the walking parts and accelerating on the running parts. I'll try it on holiday, for the moment I'm trying to make it to the end of the week with a couple of gentle runs before Xmas Eve... Have a lovely week!

[Anthie Graduate in reply to Anthie]

Have just mentioned you in a reply post to Late-starter about music podcasts... Hope you don't mind.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done.

Running downhill can increase the loading on your legs by as much as three times over running on the level, so take care charging downhills with a recovering injury.

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Good advice thanks- I really wasn't charging, just becoming a bit more enthusiastic, but reined back in. 😃

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well done.... keep strengthening, stretching and rolling those calves ! Sneaky blighters

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I am thanks- the rolling pin lives on the radiator now- so it's good and warm. 😀