W7R1 Done but next day.......

[johnt46]

Hi, after spending two weeks off with slight injury to right calf, (I'm learning), I decided on Tuesday to do W7R1 on treadmill in my garage "just in case", boring to say the least, but it was absolutely coming down in "stair rods" outside, another reason for the treadmill. But I did it and was really chuffed with myself. I did all the stretches, including the eccentric heel drops on the stairs when I got in. I have been doing these on a daily basis, gradually increasing to up to fifty on each leg. I do ten on one leg then ten on the other, etc. when I've done thirty, I then do the next twenty with the knee bent, which you can really feel! (but I do them very slowly) I found this exercise on the forum that some one had recommended. verywellhealth.com › ... › Orthopedics › Sports Injuries › Tendonitis , This helped my achilles tendon problem, but I also read that it is very good for strengthening the calf muscle, so I have carried it on as I have reoccurring calf problems.

Yesterday I did my heel drops as usual, feeling no after effects from the previous days' run, no problem. I noticed more of a "spring in my step" going upstairs several times and attributed it to my calfs getting stronger, then without warning I felt a pull in the lower medial gastrocnemius, nothing severe, but deflating all the same! Today it's not really painful but I know it's there. I thought I had learnt all my lessons during this long journey, (I started in July aged 72) I now take things slowly, I've done everything advised on this excellent platform, but I can't understand why I keep getting these set backs, achilles tendon problems, Pulled calf muscles, knee problems etc., etc., however, after having my moan, I still intend to carry on, and any advice would be welcome!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

If you felt better before it happened maybe look at how many days off you are having. Also with stretches is it a physio led advice you are looking at? More is not always better. I have had a bit of physio and three session of 10 is the most they have recommended in one session, some conditions they have told me to do it twice a day so maybe think about bringing down the intensity of your stretch sessions in case one of those extreme calf stretches has just tweaked something. I hope you get to the bottom of it. Injury and running is a game of paitience I am afraid but when you finally get there it will be worth it. Take care. Rfc x

[johnt46 Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Thanks, I see what you mean, maybe I'm trying too hard. I have learnt, the hard way, to have more than one rest day if needed, to make sure injury is fully healed, hence the two weeks off, now on my third rest day since that "Tweak" looking to try tomorrow W7R2.