Calf tear - reflection (sorry long post)

[Catho78]

Hi Guys. First I got to say love this community, I’ve been a lurking on here for weeks but this is my first post. I started C25K 7 weeks ago and I have fallen in love with running and this programme. I’ve tried it before without the app and always burnt out too soon as not good at pacing and jugging a timer, a screen shot running plan and my music always became an issue. I got to the beginning of week 5 and felt my lungs and legs had caught up, I ran for 10 mins seemingly effortless when I was stopped in my tracks by a calf pain, it was like I had been shot in my right leg and I had to hobble home. I rested for 10 days, no more pain, tried again with a gentle run. Initially it felt fine then 2 days later the pain in my leg returned and is taking forever to ease up. I’ve admitted defeat to the injury couch for now. I’ve had a consultation with a physio who says I’ve likely torn my calf muscle and I need to put C25K on back burner for now. Gonna take 6-8 weeks to fully recover. I’m now wearing heel raises in my shoes to let the muscle heal. I accept I need to rest but I miss it so much. I started running to de-stress and clear my heads and it did wonders. Counting down the next 3-4 weeks til I start afresh (leg permitting). At least I know I can do this programme, I need to go at the pace that my body can adapt. I will take 2 rest days between next time to recover fully. I’m taking this time to strengthen with strength and flex and get my nutrition on point. I am determined to be a runner for life, so a few weeks out now will give me the best shot at that. Thanks for being an amazingly supportive community. I’ve learnt see I much from you all.

[Roxdog Graduate]

Poor you, but it sounds like you are remaining positive. I wonder why you got the injury? I might be tempted to research what you can do to minimise the risk of it returning when you start to run again.

Having just been injured for 6 weeks I know how frustrating it cam be, but you seem to have a sensible approach and will be back soon!

[Catho78 Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

Hi Roxdog, thanks for your reply. I’m sorry you were injured also. Hope you fully recovered. The only thing I can think that may have added was the injury happened when I ran out of pavement so ran down a curb into the road. But I’ve done this before with no problem. I also damaged that muscle about 15 years again doing star jumps to Davina macall DVD! Physio says may be prone to injury once repaired but trying exercises I’ve been given to support and prevent injury for now. I’m determined to graduate, hopefully this year lol

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Feels like being shot is the classic description of a calf tear.

Take your time getting back and maybe read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... for advice on minimising impact, hydration and stretching after every run, all of which will help.

As you have discovered, old injuries often come back to haunt us, so take care.

Slow and steady wins the day.

[Catho78 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for the advice, will take it slow

[Jnubster Graduate]

Feel your pain! I tore my calf muscle 9 years ago then my Achilles 3 years ago! I was devastated as I’d started to get quite fit.

You need to rest and take on board the physios exercises. It can take a while to recover but don’t try to get back too soon. Make sure you’re fully healed, take care

[Catho78 Graduate in reply to Jnubster]

Hiya, thanks for your reply. Bless you calf then Achilles, ouch and so frustrating. I’m resting it up and doing my exercises physio sent. Gonna rest until given the green light, I really can’t run before I can walk right now. (Limping)

Did you manage to get back into running after you’d recovered? Just worried running might be a problem in the long run

[Jnubster Graduate in reply to Catho78]

Yes definitely listen to the physio I can say as hard/frustrating as it is - they know what they’re talking about!

At the time of my calf muscle I was not very fit tbh and definitely wasn’t running then! When I did my Achilles I was getting very fit and doing Zumba 3 x’s a week plus other classes. It was a severe shock for me and it took some healing. However I can say now I’m fitter, have lost quite a bit of weight and exercising is my friend again.

It will come unfortunately you do have to have a little patience (I’m not good at taking my own advice) Take care

[Catho78 Graduate]

Thanks

[Ginger28]

Hi Catho78This has just happened to me. Feeling very blue.

Your post inspired me not to give up but just hoping that recovery is not too long!

Hopefully 12 months later you're back to running properly!