Pulled Calf Muscle & Upcoming Marathon
Name: Marcia
Question: Hi Mary: I'm following a marathon training schedule and I'm overdue for my 21 mile run. Two weeks ago I pulled a calf muscle. Laid off the running for a week, used the eliptical cross trainer instead, found the calf still failed me and rested another week with longer periods of no exercise. I have had two successful short runs on the treadmill this week(6 and 9 miles). TOday I tried my first road run (7 mile). Calf acted up at mile 3. I walked a little and was able to run through it and finished. Following the run the calf is tender and stiff. Now my question ... since I'm getting anxious about completing this next long run should I push it this weekend or hold off. The marathon is 7 weeks away. I've done distances up to 20 miles in the training. I've over trained during the week which I am sure contributed to the injury. I've worked hard though and I would like to feel strong and ready for the race. It is my first and I want it to be a good experience for me. All the literature I read says you should break for 4-8 weeks from running. I don't feel I have that kind of time to spare in training for this marathon. What would you advise?
Answer: Hi Marcia: I would recommend that you try to get another 20 mile (or close to that distance) run in before your marathon, which is less than 7 weeks away. However, if you are experiencing pain when you are running, you would proabably be better off backing off and NOT running. Sometimes when you push yourself while injured, you make things worse and then it takes even longer to get better! It might be a good idea to let yourself heal and recover from the injury and perhaps do a different marathon a few months later. I don't know if this is possible for you, what with your commitments and travel plans, etc., but it is just a thought. If you have pain doing shorter runs, your first marathon will probably not be a good experience for you! You'll have to listen to your body and make the decision.