Calf tear update for HUHM Autumn group and anyone who read my post about getting injured 5 weeks ago

[Celeriac]

Hello everyone 👋 Thought it was time I did a little update on my progress. I must admit I haven't really been on the site much at all since it happened as I've found it a bit hard to read lots about running. I've tended to shy away from clicking on the emails to read the posts. It makes me feel a bit bad and I do apologise and really do still wish everyone well and hope you are continuing to enjoy your running 😊🏃‍♀️I'm still waving pom poms be it from behind a wall! 🙈

Well the upshot with my calf is that I think I've been very lucky and only had a moderate injury. I couldn't get a timely referral from the doctor for physio and didn't really have the funds to pay so opted to go it alone with the rehab. I trawled the internet, printed off various programs and then read through them all and followed bits that felt right from each and didn't do anything at all that was painful. The best one I found was 'Boston Sports Medicine & Research Institute' (see photo) and mostly followed that.

I didn't leave the house for about 10 days but after that started going for daily short walks, (1st one was about 10 mins very slowly!) and I've now built up to an hour of walking normally. I've been doing toe raises for 2 weeks now and now can go up on both, down on the affected leg without pain. I'm going to continue with the strengthening for a little while longer and then very cautiously try tiny jog segments as part of my walk. I know I'm going to be desperately worried about doing it again or going back too soon. That's the one downside of not having a physio is not feeling confident about going back to it. At least I know I will just stop if I feel any discomfort. Perhaps in a few weeks I can start C25K for the third time!! Third time lucky eh?🤞

Shout out to Linda (can't remember how to tag properly but I'm sure you will all know 😊) for recommending chair cardio to me. I've found it great to keep me in an exercise routine without any weight bearing or impact on my legs. It is really hard work too! That's one thing I will take from this (along with a whole new respect for being able to run) is the joy in discovering new ways to exercise and the importance of flexibility and strength. I will also now keep strengthening exercises part of my routine. Injury has given me that shove I needed.

Hope my post helps others and again happy running all. Keep strong and healthy 😊🤗😘

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Great to hear from you!!

That looks like a solid plan, you are wise to be cautious, but don't worry you'll be back running sooner or later xxx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

That sounds really good Celeriac - you have been very disciplined and hopefully it will pay off. C25K is a great way to ease back in - those short intervals give you confidence and you can stop after just a minute or so of running if there is any pain. I don't think it will be too long before you're back to form with renewed enthusiasm and, exacly as you say, a renewed respect for being able to run. Still sending healing vibes and patience your way 🤗