So, I’m a middle aged man who has been club cycling for the last few years and decided to start running 25 years after my last real runs following a back injury (disectomy)
Run no. 1 last Saturday was great and I was pleased I was off to a positive start. I knew there would be biomechanical changes in my body but felt ok and stretched off with just mild quad aches the next day.
At the end of run 2 on Tuesday I felt a real tightening between my calf and ankle as I cooled down I was left with mild pain when I walked.
After 2 days rest and a gentle 12 mile static cycle I tried run no. 3 tonight. My lower left leg felt a little tight but then half-way through the 3rd interval I felt a ‘twang’ and couldn’t go on. It was very painful on impact between calf and heel and I hobbled home 😞 for RICE.
It’s either calf strain or achilles tendon related but bloody sore. Any ideas on what I could be doing wrong?
That sounds painful and serious, I’m not experienced enough to offer any kind of advice, except that when people have posted similar most people recommend going to see a good sports physio if you can. A delay to your running journey for sure, but not over. And a physio will help with what other exercises you could do and be ready for this when you’re healed. Hope you’re on the mend really soon.
It is a good idea to do a good month or two of solid walking before C25K.
Please check this out professionally, but if your main exercise has been cycling you may have shortened hamstrings, which places pressure on the legs. Lots of stretching and fast walking, calf raises and drops on stairs. I have been on a similar journey nursing an old ankle injury so only cycled for 12 years. I have taken it steady with running and only run on grass in our local parks. It took me 4 months to complete the 9 weeks but I feel so much more alive, my body is more toned and I feel younger too 😀. So keep at it and listen to your body and physio!
Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.
This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run and dealing with injury.
Running works leg muscles very differently to cycling and Hidden may have indicated a possible cause.
If it persists then please consult your GP or physio.
This forum is run by volunteers and we have next to no tie in with the app, although we do our best to push this advice with messages when people first sign up to the forum.
Shame. It wasn’t a criticism as it is very good advice!
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How is your running going? Did you manage to get your injury healed up?
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Thanks for asking! I laid off for a month and then restarted. I got to Week 5 and I had a reoccurrence of the same injury. I’ve had a gait test (neutral pronation) and new custom fit insoles and stability trainers. Another month lay off and I’ve just restarted Week 4 tonight. It was tight again at the end, so will keep stretching but I might need to see a specialist if it goes again.
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I applaud your determination, well done for sticking in there!
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