I’m new here. Suffering from injury. Advice needed.

[SilverRunner]

Hi there

Only just joined this group, but am now into the 8th week. I have to say I’ve really surprised myself. It’s a fantastic programme. I really didn’t think I could do what I have done. The last time I ran over 4km was during cross country at school 45 years ago. I have followed the programme religiously.

However, I strained a calf muscle 2 weeks ago, it was painful but I battled through it. This morning, half way through my 25 min run, I pulled the other calf muscle. I’m can hardly walk now. I’m stretching after my runs. What am I doing wrong?

Any advice would be very welcome. My next run is on Monday. I need to be better for then.

Thanks in advance.

Nick

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Sorry to hear about your injury.

That bit where you said “but I battled through it” is where part of the problem lies.

My ex had a fused ankle and was told that when one part of your legs is injured or not working as usual, the rest of your joints and muscles all have to work differently to compensate.

Your first injured calf may have caused the second.

Rest up for now - you shouldn’t run until you are pain free - and take the first runs back very slowly. If the pain is bad you ought to get physio or medical advice.

Hope it settles soon.

[SilverRunner Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Thanks very much for the advice. I know you’re right, I need to rest and recover. It’s hard though because I’ve not missed a run or had to stop during one since I started. So it means breaking my track record. Is there something I could do to prevent similar injuries when I start again? I do calf stretches after my run. Am I doing them wrong? Am I not doing them for long enough? What do you do after a run?

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to SilverRunner]

Honestly, none of us can know if you are doing them wrong.

That track record you are clinging onto tightly will have to break sometime - life’s like that.

There’s an idea in Buddhism about holding on to everything lightly as a way of avoiding (mental) suffering. Holding on to your record and your fixed running plan is just a source of anguish when something disrupts you.

You should probably break that track record (whether you need to or not) just to stop that mindset. But, with two sore calves, you really should take a few extra rest days anyway.

My pre- and post-run routine isn’t one to copy. I simply do the 5 minute walks at each end of run and try not to sit in one position for about half an hour after a run (tricky if I have to shower and head straight to work in the car).

I do some heel extensions if my calves feel tight and I use a foam roller during the evening after a run regardless. But that’s it. No complicated stretches. But that’s ignorance of what to do, and not a recommendation.

Let the legs settle. Take a break from relentlessly pushing yourself. Get out and gently walk some potential routes once the calves have calmed right down. And please don’t run until you really are pain free. Get physio or medical help if you have pain.

Good luck!

[QueenTea Graduate]

I know how you feel - so frustrating. I’ve not been able to run properly since graduating due to a pulled (I think) thigh muscle. Jay is correct that battling through can makes things worse. I did that & now have a knee problem as well! I think the body alleviates pressure on injury by using other muscles more & you end up twice as sore. I’m now resting, but doing some walking & swimming would be good, & it is getting better, but slowly. Take it easy for a while. 🙂