Finally making progress

[backintime]

Not as much as I'd like but it's there.

I just keep.saying "I will not quit" over and over to myself.

Latest problem is my calves. So I'm jeffing based on my calves. Jog slowly til calves cramp, stop, stretch it out, walk til it doesn't hurt, rinse and repeat. I'm gradually getting further between stops. They don't hurt the next day so I think I'm ok.

I keep telling myself that at some point it will click like it did before.

But I'm out there, I'm doing it and I will not quit.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

I like your mantra! It’s similar to mine “don't be a wimp. Just do it” and has helped me in numerous tricky situations 🙄

Sorry to hear your calves are causing you grief but it sounds as if you’re managing it well. Good luck!

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks IP, I am doing calf raises all over the house to strengthen them, but I also need to get some kms in my legs and this way seems the easiest way to manage the whole thing.

In general, my body rises to the occasion, so I'm trying to have faith in myself, chase away the gremlins and just keep plugging away at it

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to backintime]

Whatever it takes….🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

It's tough coming back from injury. A heightened sense of awareness of any niggle, ache or twinge. A lack of confidence in our bodies. But you're right - it will click again, when you least expect it. Have you tried calf sleeves? I have some relatively cheap ones from amazon which I really like when my calves/shins play up. I wear them for the run and leave them on for a few hours afterwards when I can. They really helped me when my claves and shins were aching as I byilt mileage back up again.

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

Thanks Linda, I hadn't thought of those, I may try them out if they're not too expensive

[Frenc Half Marathon in reply to backintime]

Hi backintime, they’re really good value, as linda9389 says, from Amazon. I swear by them especially on longer runs. Mind you, not always so much fun in the heat! Best of luck 🤞.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to linda9389]

Yes I used these in the early days when my calves and shins hurt so much and they were really good!

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon]

Hi backintime.

The first thing I check if I start getting calf cramps is to make sure I've drunk enough water and that I'm not low on salt. It's easy to dehydrate in this weather. You can buy electrolyte mixes to add to your drinking water or just make your own (it's mainly salt that's needed). Potassium might also help (i.e. bananas!)

Have you tried calf stretches (after a suitable warm up)? I think that might be more effective than strengthening.

Hope it settles down soon.

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to SkiMonday]

Thanks skimonday, yes I do stretches after warm up and before a run (and at the moment during a run lol). Also after a run. I drink a lot of water, but in this heat maybe I need to up it a bit more, or add electrolytes (good idea, thanks). I'm allergic to bananas, or I woukd use those. Plus I just got over a stomach bug, but I made an extra effort there to stay hydrated, maybe I didn't do well enough ...

My calves always used to get a bit stiff but I voukd always just run it off after 5 mins, since coming back from the IC they've been much worse (also 100% working from home so less exercise in general, no stairs on public transport, escalators, etc.)

I'll try electrolytes, more water and more stretches...

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

Well done on getting out and persevering. 👍🏻

Yes, if its actual cramps and not just aches that points to dehydration. Aim for that 2l or more per day. Pickle juice can help restore electrolyte balance if you're a pickle fan 😁