Need a runner's advice...really

DantheMan2517

Hi, my name is Dan and I found this group which I thought could help me get back into running. I've been out of it for a while after having a car accident that made getting back to the things I do difficult. However, the thing that's helped me the most is cycling.

But since I'm on MFP, I started running again to lose weight. I kinda hit a plateau with cycling and going to the gym. I really got into running. I love it. Right up until I felt a pop and pulled my calf muscle,

Can I get back to running? If so, what's the best way to recover? How long should I expect?

Dan

scottb81

I did the same thing when I was getting back into it last year. If it is a minor strain then you should be able to start running again within the week. It is minor if you are still walking around, even if it hurts some.

Don't stretch the calf until you can put your entire body weight on that leg and raise your heel. If you stretch too soon it will tear again. After the first day or so apply heat and massage. When the pain is mostly gone you can run, but take it easy for another week or so until it strengthens (no speedwork or sprinting up hills). If you feel that place in your leg getting very tight and painful during the run then back off and walk a ways so it doesn't pull again.

DantheMan2517

Thanks Scott, I spoke to a massage therapist who lends his services to athletes and to clients who've been okayed for rehab. He said that the "pop" I felt was probably a tear. He thinks that since I'm able to use a massage stick on it, and it doesn't hurt, that it's probably a smaller muscle in the calf group. You echoed many of the things he said, like no stretching and to lay off.

A question I have for you, though, is, what did you do in the meantime? I have a marathon in September. I got back into running for that and to lose some extra weight. Is using an elliptical machine at the gym an option? What have you done?

Thanks,
Dan

scottb81

The first time I rode my bike for three days and then started running again. I pulled it a second time a couple of months later and just kept running on it. That hurt a lot. Then I broke my foot and had to lay off for a month. During that time everything healed up.

I was guilty of too much too soon and not backing off when I needed to. Also, I was transitioning into minimalist shoes which added to the strain.

I would think that a bike or elliptical would would be best to maintain aerobic fitness while it heals. If a pool is available then pool running or swimming would be good.

Also, if you only have to stop running for a week you won't lose any significant fitness. If it is for more than a week then the cross training will help to minimize the loss. Since the marathon isn't until Sept this shouldn't be a big problem if the layoff isn't too long.

DantheMan2517

Thanks Scott, I find your comments encouraging.