Possible injury...will be undertrained for Dopey at best

[J3nn78]

Hi
Background
5 years ago, I suffered a complete achilles rupture...actually severed it. Had it repaired and though I never regained full strength. I went on to run many half marathons and a full after.

This past weekend while going out for my 5, of 5,10,20...one of 2 back to backs planned. I experienced sharp pain in the lower back portion of my calf...just above the incision scar. I cut the run short at 3.3 miles...iced, rested, and felt ok the next day just walking. So I tried to go for the 10 miler. Made it about .6 miles before I knew there was no way I'd get through 10. I have visions of a tear in the achilles forming and am terrified of going through that whole ordeal again. I made an appt with my orthopedic surgeon for Wednesday and obviously canned trying my 20 miler.

My question...if I get an all clear from the dr. And it is just something minor...is about my training. I know back to backs are not necessary...was just planning on 2 so I had an idea of what to expect with tired legs. I have run up to 17 at the end of October and then the wine and dine half a few weeks ago. Took the 2 weeks off after due to illness. Now I lost this past weekends long runs. What would be your advice for going from here?

I'm not looking for speed, just to cross the finish line under official sweep at this point.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[cewait]

My thoughts are to make sure the leg is good to go. I am hoping its just a tight muscle or an '-itis'.

My thoughts are to not push through another set of muliple long runs. Look to possibly running a 16-18 miler mid-month and then call it good. You will not be at peak aerobic fitness but should have enough time to heal up the leg after the run - should you have any after effects. This is all predicated on getting the green light to run. If the doc says take 6 weeks off, you should still have enough of an engine to run the weekend.

If you are foced to take off some additional time, slow up and take the weekend easy. Aerobically, you should have enough of an engine to make the weekend.

It's far better to come into the weekend undertrained and healthy than well trained and injured.

Good luck with the doc

 

[J3nn78]

Thanks Coach. That is the exact encouragement I was looking for.
I'll update after my appt on Wednesday.

 

[dumbo_buddy]

I hope it's not a tear. Good luck at your appt. I agree that you will be able to do the rates if you get the ok from the doctor. You know what tw like to cover the distance and with enough determination I bet you will be a-ok.

But make sure you are ok first!

 

[paxsarah]

I'll be thinking good thoughts for good news from the doctor!

 

[J3nn78]

It's tendinitis. Dr wants me to do no running for 2 weeks and cross train instead. He prescribed an anti inflammatory and 2 weeks of intense physical therapy 4 times a week to strengthen my calf.
So...I am planning on going out for a long bike ride this weekend. I will also use my moms elliptical as often as possible.
I am not going to do the back to back planned for the weekend before Christmas, but I am going to aim to run 16-20. As long as I get the ok from my doctor when I go back to him in 2 weeks.

Any advice for training? Any specific cross training recommended?

Thanks!

 

[cewait]

It's tendinitis. Dr wants me to do no running for 2 weeks and cross train instead. He prescribed an anti inflammatory and 2 weeks of intense physical therapy 4 times a week to strengthen my calf.
So...I am planning on going out for a long bike ride this weekend. I will also use my moms elliptical as often as possible.
I am not going to do the back to back planned for the weekend before Christmas, but I am going to aim to run 16-20. As long as I get the ok from my doctor when I go back to him in 2 weeks.

Any advice for training? Any specific cross training recommended?

Thanks!

I would plan on cycling or cross training for a period of time that equals the time it would have taken you to run the planned distance and at an intensity relatively close to your running intensity.

I am would use caution on the elliptical, make sure to stay on top of how the calf feels while on the machine and back off if you start to feel your pain flare up. The stride is close to a running stride and carries weight as well.

Finally, if you have access to a club, try water running (if there is a pool) and rowing as well.

Good luck