Getting back to running after injury - when to start?

[Firehorse1]

Morning, folks!

I pulled/strained my calf muscle 3 weeks ago. I completed C25k in July and had been consolidating for 3 weeks or so, running for 40 minutes every other day.

I was hobbling around in for 7-10 days and since then there has been huge improvement. I feel no pain now, and can walk briskly for 45 minutes without feeling it. I am massaging the muscle and doing stretches. I intend to go for hour-long (plus) walks every day over the weekend - as long as there is no pain, of course.

When do you reckon I could try a short run again - say for 5 minutes to see how it goes? I really do want to be careful and would hate for the muscle to go again but also I am so keen to get back to running.

All advice gratefully received - thank you!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

As stated in the guide to the plan, healthunlocked.com/couchto5... you lose no significant condition in the first two weeks of non running.

After that loss of condition is gradual.

All any of us can do after a lay off is to go out and see what we can comfortably manage, then build back up gently, using C25k or something similar as a guide to weekly increase.

[Firehorse1 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you x