Injured with 5 weeks to go

Morning all,

I'm looking for some advice, I foolishly over cooked the HM last Sunday and have not been able to run since with a sore calf / knee. The physio says it's not a pulled muscle more of a spasm but I can't walk on it properly let alone run.

I've been following my running clubs weekly marathon training schedule but have now missed 1 week ☹️ with a possibility of missing another week. This week's long run is a cut down week but next Sunday will be 3 hours. The longest time I have run is 2.40 hours and felt fine.

My thinking is that if I can do next week's long run, then I should be ok for marathon? Or should I defer my place until next year?

I've been running for just under 2 years now, completing my first HM last Oct and have been running 5 days per week since November (I was running 3 x days pw prior to that)

I'm getting a bit anxious about it so any advice would be much appreciated 🙂

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

If your leg is better in time for the marathon you don't need to defer. Just try to keep as active as you can and see how you feel for next Sunday's run. Maybe you would be better off doing a shorter run, but let's see. I had a similar problem recently, although I only had pain in the calf. I think it took about two weeks to go away, I'll have a look...

Don't worry! What marathon is it? Brighton?

[Hidden in reply to roseabi]

Hi Rosabi, thank you so much, yes it's Brighton. I think we only have 2 long runs to go before tapering so I'm worried if I miss next weeks long run then I won't get the base mileage in, this is my first marathon though you can probably tell!!

My leg is getting better and I've booked a couple of spin classes in next week and I might be able to get an easy run in

But thank you for your message it's given me much needed reassurance 😃😃

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to Hidden]

Can't find when my calf cramp problem happened, possibly it was longer ago than I thought! 😂

Anyway. You don't need to worry about a base mileage so much, particularly for a first marathon. You have been following a training plan, getting in a good variety of runs and building up the distance, so it's all good. Things often will go pear-shaped during a training block, and many of us don't get as far as planned during training - we just have to adjust and roll with it. You will be looking to finish the marathon (with a smile if possible!), so take it easy on the day and take walk breaks as needed. A good idea is to walk through the water stations - if you plan to use them?

Spin classes and an easy run are perfect!

xxx

[Hidden in reply to roseabi]

That's really sound advice and I really appreciate you taking the time 😊

I was planning on using the water stations so walking through them will be a good plan for me

I am not worrying about my time, I just want to get around the course.

Will you be running Brighton this year, I think I have read you have run Brighton before?

Thanks again Rosabi, enjoy your weekend 😄

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to Hidden]

I am running the 10k, I have a plan to only do new things this year! I am not feeling match-fit either, so I'm not expecting any PBs 😂

I have run the Brighton Marathon three times - I love it because it's my local marathon and it's fabulous!

Have a great weekend xxx

[Hidden in reply to roseabi]

Hi roseabi - so i've had to defer my place i'm on week 3 of no running at all and the physio says i might be able to start back gently next week - so i dont think i will be fit for the marathon! I think its the right thing to do, i want to run the race well and not worry about aggravating an injury.

I have learned a lesson though and i'm looking forward to getting back to running soon. I will definitely add in strength training and cross training days to my schedule and i'm looking forward to some summer trail runs with the running group and hopefully will come back fitter and stronger for next year.

good luck with your 10k

😀

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to Hidden]

Ah that sounds very sensible - well done for making the right decision! Next year will be fabulous!!!

And thank you! xxx

[misswobble Marathon]

There’s a lot of it about! You’re not alone here. Quite a few posting the same in the past few days.

I hope you can get back to running pain free soon. Good luck with everything 🙂💪👍🏃‍♀️

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

Hi Misswobble thank you for your message I've been out for a gentle walk and it's definitely on the mendHave a great weekend 😊

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Good! Glad to hear it 🙂👍

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

What not to do

Lol that's not me!!