Autumn 2020 HM Group - I've got the calf tear blues... 😞🤕

[Celeriac]

Hello everyone

It's taken me a while to write this post as I've been feeling quite down about my recently acquired injury. Some of you may have seen it on the Strava group, it happened on Friday (31st July) morning.

I didn't seem to get much warning really. After my previous run, my calf felt tight and a bit stiffer than usual but not that much to speak of. It was a new thing though that I hadn't felt before, I'd had niggles in the other leg, heel and hip and had been cutting back because of those but this was new. It still felt a bit stiff when I set out Fri morning so I took it slowly and thought I'll just do 5K even though I had just had a week of cutting back and wanted to do more. Anyway about 2 miles into the run my calf was hurting a bit more and I thought 'I wonder if I should cut this short?' then I stepped up a kerb and felt a 'pop', said "ow!" and stopped.

I then had to very slowly shuffle home. I didn't have my phone with me (I'll never do that again now). I have recently bought a Garmin that I can play music on so don't need my phone (or so I thought!).

When I got back I got out the frozen peas and had a video consultation with the docs. Calf tear. After I'd been laying down a while with the peas, I could barely get up and put weight on it. Pretty miserable day. I kept thinking about I wouldn't be able to run for ages, how I'd lose all my fitness, how I'm a middle aged, late to the party, a large framed woman and how did I ever think I'd be able to sustain this distance building running malarkey. Clearly I'm not cut out for it. I've been found out. This pretender needs to give up now.

I must admit I've found it hard to come on to the site and read how everyone's doing without feeling a bit sorry for myself and dare I admit to you, jealous? I don't feel proud of that because it's not nice but it's how I felt.

linda9389 sent me a message asking how I was and it was a bit of a turning point. She reminded me that some people on here have been through similar things and might have advice for me or at the least be interested in my story. She encouraged me not to disappear. Thanks Linda

I am slowly improving but I know it'll be a long road back. I can walk round the house now with short steps, haven't been out yet. I'm doing some little exercises from the internet, ankle rolls and bending and stretching my leg. Hoping to have a walk outside in the next few days.

I thought about changing my profile pic to something more sombre(!) but then thought no, it reminds me of the joy of running 😊 The pic I've added to the post shows me unashamedly ignoring the advice to avoid alcohol in the first 72 hours. I promise I'm taking the rest of the advice seriously but that would've just been a bridge too far......!

[Hidden]

What a raw and honest post. Thank you for being so open. I hope you get back out there. Many of us have been there too so can understand the feelings you have had and are having. I ran only twice in 5 full weeks at the start of the year with Achilles problems and frustration was the main feeling. You will be back and it may be a slow and staggered journey but you WILL come back and as we know, 'The comeback is bigger than the set back.' Wish you well 😊

[Celeriac in reply to Hidden]

Thanks GTFC, yes, it is massively frustrating. I've never been sporty and been enjoying the running so much. It's agonising but I'll just have to be patient. If, no, when I come back, I'll be shouting from the rooftops!

[RunUsagi Marathon]

Oh no! I hadn't registered it was so nasty. I think no alcohol is definitely a step too far under the circumstances. Please take it steady and keep us all posted - won't be the same without my running twin x

[Celeriac in reply to RunUsagi]

Thanks Running Twin, you'll have to do it for the both of us now. I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines!🤗 But will hopefully be back to do mine at a later date 🙏

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

So sorry to read this Celeriac🙁 - it's so frustrating when things like this happen.

I had a nasty calf tear when I was at Week 8 of Couch to 5 K. I wasn't even running when it happened, I was in the playground at work! As I turned, it felt as though something had just hit me hard in the back of my leg...I actually looked around to see if someone had thrown something at me!

I was on the injury couch for a fair while but eased myself back in to the programme carefully...and am still running nearly 5 years later! The calf tear healed well and has not given me any problems since.

So, please don't give up on that Half Marathon dream because you absolutely will do it, if that's what you want. 💪There were times I came on here and felt that runners envy too but overall it really helped keep me motivated because I just knew that running 💕was something special to me.

Take care and all the best for your recovery.🙂

[Celeriac in reply to Sandraj39]

Ah thanks Sandra.

It's so good to hear that you came back from it and it hasn't given you further trouble. That's a big fear for me at the moment that it'll always be a weakness now. It's comforting to know it wasn't like that for you so thanks for letting me know 👍

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Celeriac]

I would also recommend finding a good sports physio if you don't already have one. Mine gave me massage ( when it didn't hurt so much! ) and also a programme of rehab exercises to help rebuild some of the strength in my leg. x

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

So glad you posted! Lots of people here will understand exactly how you feel on all counts. If it's any consolation I have a lot of envious feelings for that glass of wine of yours!

I've had various injuries over the last three years of running - I was late to the party too - left knee, right quad, left hip, right hip, left foot ... so far no particular area of weakness has made itself known more than once, I just seem to be working my way thru the lot! Some injuries recovered quickly, others took longer but I can honestly say my appreciation of running has increased with each and every one of them. I've become more and more determined. I also enjoy the return more each time (I repeated C25K after myblast layoff and loved every run, I'm not ashamed to admit I publicly whooped, waved my arms and cried for the first few steps of W1R1 😍).

Once you've stopped drinking 😜, take a look for some seated cardio workouts on YouTube, find some core strengthening routines - come back stronger than ever.

We'll all be rooting for you and will be waiting to cheer you on your first run back 😊

[Celeriac in reply to linda9389]

Thanks Linda

It's good to hear that you have come back fighting from many injuries. If I move too quickly and feel a pull in my calf it's so hard to see an end to it, even though it's only been a week. I too had a previous injury, well it was Achilles tendonitis on the other leg which made my heel really painful and it went on for weeks, I couldn't run on it. Sometimes it just feels like you're lucky if you don't have a problem but I guess that's what you meant about feeling so joyous when you were able to get back to it. I think I will too.

Ooh....seated cardio workouts! I didn't know that was a thing. I'm certainly intrigued to find out - will have a look. Thanks again.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Celeriac]

Try looking up Caroline Jordan on You Tube. Her seated cardio really is seated - some routines aren't!

Recovery is a real roller coaster - it can seem like there is no end, no improvement but then the next day there's a huge change for the better. It really is a case of one day at a time, knowing that one day it will be in the past.

[Celeriac in reply to linda9389]

Hey Linda

Just to say I'm just watching Caroline Jordan on You Tube - wow - she's one ball of energy! Looks brilliant. Was thinking I'd have to join the gym to do some cardio - will def give these seated workouts a try as I don't really want to go to the gym. I'll modify for my calf of course and wait till I'm more healed but just wanted to say thanks - they look great and I love her energy! 😀

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Celeriac]

She does 'grate' after a while, but she's very positive and that can be helpful too. There are a whole variety of routines, some harder than others !

[lexi6 10 Miles]

Here’s to a speedy recovery for you 💐

[Celeriac in reply to lexi6]

Thanks Lexi 😊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Aww Celeriac I’m so sorry. As everyone has already said, you will be back. It might take a while, but you’ll get there and we’ll all be here to support you along the way. Chin up. 🥰

[Celeriac in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks cheekychipmunks. It's really nice to know I've got some support out there! 😊

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Sorry to read about your woes, but thank you so much for posting!!!!

xxx

[Kevin41 Half Marathon]

Wishing you a speedy recovery and only a short rest on the injury couch. Thanks for sharing, I think we all have the same feelings and thoughts when we suffer a set back. On the plus side there’s a really good training program that helps to get you back to 5k and beyond when it’s time to come off the couch........

[Celeriac in reply to Kevin41]

Hehe...thanks Kevin. That'll be my 3rd time doing C25K. I do genuinely miss that plan sometimes, the structure of it. Well, this'll be my chance to do it all over again 👍

[Run46 Half Marathon]

Oh bless you C, such bad luck...I feel your pain and totally understand your need for a little boozy treat. A girl can't be expected to give up everything she loves 😉

I'm trying to be so careful with my couple of niggles while on my HM plan but how can you watch out for something that comes so out of the blue even when you're taking things sensibly! 😖

Crossing everything for a speedy recovery for you 🤞😘

[Celeriac in reply to Run46]

Thanks Run46. Yes, it's very difficult trying to juggle aches and pains whilst also increase distance. It's like a tug of war in your head - you need to run further - you need to cut back - you need to push yourself - you need to rest. It's hard to manage.

I think I was a generally a bit burnt out. I'd gone from C25K, to 10K to HM training. I did consolidate after each achievement but looking back, I should've had more cutting back weeks, by the time I did cut back I think it was a bit too late. I'd say try to have a week off every now and then maybe. Easier said than done and it's easy for me to pontificate from the IC!!

Anyway good luck with the training, I'll keep following everyone's progress 😊

[triumph-tiger Half Marathon]

Very sorry to hear that - hope you get better soon. I agree doing C25K could be a good way to get back into it. That's actually how I started running last year: doing C25K as a way to help slowly recover from a badminton injury (after the initial weeks of rest and then physio of course!)

I also have a Garmin watch with music. When I first got it I ran without my phone, however must admit most of the time these days I take my phone as well (unless it is a very short run near home). Partly in case of emergency, though also because the watch seems bit less reliable if trying to use it for music & GPS tracking...

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to triumph-tiger]

Really? that's not good. Where's the point int a sports watch playing music if it then mucks up GPS? Have you tried calling them about it? I've found their help department is really friendly and helpful.

[triumph-tiger Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

TBH it works most of the time - just occasionally will reboot mid way through a run, which seems more likely if using music as well. Been through the forums and seems to be a known issue. Also since you have got me into using Komoot that is another reason to use the phone now anyway

[Celeriac in reply to triumph-tiger]

Thanks triumph -tiger. I actually can't wait to do C25K again, it is such a good plan. I WILL wait though of course.

I haven't had those issues with the Garmin, well not that I'm aware of anyway. I don't know what Komoot is but now I'm curious so will look that up. Something to do whilst on the IC!

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

I would be beating a path to a good sports physio! I have just had my longest injury event ever. My running has been messed up for the best part of four months and I too was tempted to stop posting and it was hard to read about other's continuing success. It wasn't that I resented it, I am really happy to see people do well, it was just a painful reminder of what I was missing.

As soon as I had seen my sports physio( delayed due to lockdown) everything changed. I had a clear diagnosis, a list of recovery exercises with videos to make sure that I was doing things correctly, and all of the angst about not being able to run was translated into determination to follow that plan.....it represented a path to recovery and every day of exercises felt like a step nearer running again. I need that sort of structure.

I think your initial reaction was absolutely normal (either that or I am a bit weird too 😂). Your recovery has already started.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

I agree with everything you say here BC - I couldn't have put it anywhere near so well though, in fact I don't think I realised why having a physio involved works as well as it does until reading this, but you have it spot on 😀

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Totally agree - my physio work was that first step back towards running and helped me feel as though I had a bit of control again!

[Celeriac in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thanks BC. Thanks for saying you felt the same, that helps a lot. I really am missing the running. Got the Parkrun email this morning and had to swiftly scroll past it.

I do think I can come back stronger if I do things right. I will certainly have an added appreciation and respect for being able to run at all! 🏃‍♀️

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Celeriac]

👍

[Deals1 Metric Marathon]

Ohhh no. Sorry to read this. Good, honest post and a lot of us have been there in one way or another.

Take care. Rest up. Wishing u a speedy recovery

[Celeriac in reply to Deals1]

Thanks Deals1, I am having a good rest. I'm determined to heal properly and get the recovery right!

[Guinea70 Marathon]

Really sorry to hear about your injury, I agree it really is hard sometimes to read how others are getting on when you're so down because of an injury, after I finished c25k last year my dodgy ankles decided they'd had enough and it took what felt like forever to get out again but I stayed in the forum too because it helped me alot just reading others experiences as it's such a supportive group we're all here for you, take care and wishing you a speedy recovery

[Celeriac in reply to Guinea70]

Thank G. I'm already feeling like it's going to take forever and it's only been 8 days! I see you have the 10 mile badge, great achievement 😊 Well done. That was my next milestone. I'd just got up to 9. Oh well, back to the start I guess. This running malarkey is like Snakes and Ladders!

[Scooter69 Half Marathon]

Ah bad luck. You’ll be feeling gloomy but it will get better and it’s nothing you’ve done, just to reassure you. I managed to tear my right calf muscle on a gentle 5k 48hrs after the GNR last year. Totally maddening! I’d agree with other suggestions to find a good sports physio if you can for massage and calf strengthening exercise. Good luck!

[Celeriac in reply to Scooter69]

It's hard not to blame yourself so thanks for that and thanks for your advice. I'm going to look into an appointment with a physio.

[Redcello41 Half Marathon]

Sorry to hear this, hope you recover quickly! The same thing happened to my Mum - she had to step aside to avoid the cat and then she felt something go in the back of her leg. The doctor confirmed later that she had torn her calf too. Do let us know how you get on, and hope you won't be on the injury couch for too long! 😀

[Celeriac in reply to Redcello41]

Thanks R. I've heard other people say they've had the injury from moving suddenly. Hope the cat appreciated your mum's sacrifice! 🐈😻

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to Celeriac]

Yes the cat almost got under my Mum's feet and so she had to move quite quickly to avoid the cat's tail, which didn't quite happen! 😀

[RunSkippyRun Half Marathon]

Hi Celeriac,

just adding my best wishes for a full recovery. Here's hoping the time on the IC is as short as it can be. Any luck finding a physio yet?

[Celeriac]

Hi Skippy

Thanks very much for your good wishes. I haven't been able to get a referral for a physio well the docs said it would be a long wait. With the whole Covid situation, things are a little tight so I'm going to do my best on my own. Still resting at present and doing short walks and ankle rolls etc. I have found lots of strengthening exercises online which I'll do but wait till I can walk normally before I try any of those.

It's getting slowly better every day.

I did my first chair cardio workout yesterday, was very tough on the arms!! 🏋️‍♀️💪😅