Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Motivation Sideswiped

I was really motivated and excited to get a run in. I even woke up BEFORE my alarm and hit the pavement by 5:30am. I got about 3 blocks in and BAM... the calf pain. I tried to "run it off" for a couple more blocks but it was getting worse. So I turned around and went back to bed.

Crap. What am I gonna do? How long should I rest this little pulled muscle thingy? It was feeling fine walking, but running hurts. Now it hurts to even walk.

16 comments:

Jon (was) in Michigan said...

Pulled calf muscles do indeed suck. I pulled one in the last two miles of a 15K race. It took a long time to heal. As I recall, I took some time off (a week?) with no running at all, then went back to running short distances at slow speed. When it felt like it was going to tear again, I would stop running.

It will heal. It just takes time.

Amy said...

No advice...just want to let you know how much that sucks :o(

Amber said...

Ugh - that sucks!

I say rest it up until you can run with no pain!

Is it possible you need new shoes??

Patricia said...

Is it possible that you are dehydrated? I just ask because when I am dehydrated, I get a very sharp, feels like a pulled muscle but worse, pain in my calf and it just doesn't go away until at least 12 hours after I'm hydrated.

Just a thought.

Christie said...

Dang. That sucks. Sorry. I guess you have to play it by ear. Some pains disappear as mysteriously as they came. Well, that's what happens to me anyway. But yeah, new shoes maybe?

RunnerGirl said...

Ugh, those kinds of things are just no fun. I say get new shoes, even if that's not the problem, new running shoes are always fun!

Amy - the gazelle said...

I vote with the new shoes crowd - new shoes ARE fun.

I am so sorry 'bout the calf. How long did you go between runs? More than a week?

As a current member on the injured list, I completely understand the frustration.

Alisa said...

I too am on the new shoes train.

However, rest and time off is also probably in order. I'd say, take at least one full week off, then reevaluate.

Jess said...

Rest for a week. And ice it, baby!

teacherwoman said...

Hmmm. THis isn't the first time you have dealt with this calf pain. I would rest up. Wouldn't want it to get any worse.

That's the best I got for ya.

Tina Mickelson said...

Do you use a foam roller or a tennis ball on that area? If you have a previous injury to that calf you may have some scar tissue or irratic muscle build up that not only hurts but puts you more prone to injury. If you can't afford to go see a chiropractor who specializes in Active Release Technique then I would get a tennis ball, put it at your calf right above or below where it hurts, cross you other leg on top of that leg, go up on your arms so your whole body is off the ground and roll across the sore spots. It will hurt like hell but it will break up all the ablasion and you should heal faster and healthier. if you can make it out for an easy short run first your muscles will be warmed up and it will be easier to manage. Hope that helps.

jen said...

Ugh, that sounds awful. I have been there and I know how frusterating it feels. Definitely ice, roll, stretch, and rest. It won't be long. Hang in there!

Carolina John said...

hoo, that doesn't sound like fun. i'd give it a week of solid yoga then check again.

carrie said...

Boo!

X-Country2 said...

Oh no! Stretch, ice, ibu, rest. Get well soon.

ShutUpandRun said...

Ugh my husband is experiencing the same thing. No fun. Take care of yourself.