Are these injuries to my calves ever going to end?

Things don’t always go to plan. 9 weeks before my marathon training starts, I was running the runs of my life. Everything was perfect. I was enjoying time on my feet and was progressing so well. My running felt so natural and my fitness base was spot on.

And then – disaster.

It all started with a slip at the basketball court, during a friendly game of Dodgeball. After the slip I thought – oh I better go for a run, since I was all dressed for it and – the pain wasn't so bad! That was the end of my merry run.

Two months on and I am still managing this injury. My dear chiro said that it is a result of overuse, not enough rest, and zero stretching. Now to manage this problem I do everything opposite – underuse, too much rest, and OCD in calf stretching. It is slowly getting better, but, have to say it is a less than stellar start to my training. The worst part is, that PAIN that comes with every stride! I feel like I have no control over my body any more...

back on the road

After 15 long, arduous days off the road, I am finally back. After my calves BOTH blew up during my first training session for the Amsterdam marathon in October, my legs simply had enough and decided they won’t even let me walk like a normal. So during my first week in rehab, I was shuffling around from place to place, unable to lift my feet off the ground. Luckily I didn't meet anyone new or I would have given that person a nice static shock.

Luck also has it that the World Cup was on, so there’s one more reason not to run.

Yes, Messi agrees too...

Anyway, so during these two weeks, apart from watching lots of football, I also massaged and visited my chiro more than usual – “I don’t know your calves – seriously – I fix 1 thing and 5 more things come up!”. I complain how expensive it is to see him – he said – “It is going to cost you a lot more if you don’t listen! Now – don’t do anything for two weeks – no climbing, no weights, minimal walking, and most importantly – NO RUNNING!” Every km you run will increase your recovery time by one week. Understood???

I listened.

Those two weeks felt long. I go on Strava and see my friends do their runs, yet here I am, at home watching world cup replays, and only annoyed at myself for not resting enough thoughts was running in my mind. All I can do is to kudos my friends and comment on how I hope to see them soon….man – I was so depressed during the first week, I cannot even make myself read Runners connect or similar articles. It made me even more annoyed at myself.

And lo and behold, the second week came. By some miraculous reason – I can walk again! Two weeks later, today, I started running again. In pain but I am running.

I’ve learnt my lesson.