Calf Strain

Question
Hi Nick, I hope you can help me with a problem I抦 having with my calf. Last Summer I was training specifically for an Autumn marathon (I抳e done several to date with my last three sub 3hr). I had being doing approx 50miles per week (max) depending on my schedule, this included at least two speed sessions a week one of which would generally be a hill speed session. About 2 months before the marathon I pulled up injured with a calf strain in my right leg. I stayed off the running for approx 10 days and cross trained and went out again, same problem after about 1 mile the pain came back. I left it another 3 weeks and cross trained again, same problem next time I went out. I left it again for another two weeks and it was fine. I obviously forgot about the marathon. I trained away lightly for the next 6 weeks approx 20-25 miles a week, no speed work all relaxed running. Then at the beginning of December my other calf went, same sharp pain which prevented me from continuing. I left it 4 weeks this time, did some cross training and went back on it again but same problem, again after about a mile, I had to stop. It抯 been about ten days since that happened. Each time I抦 able to walk pain free after a couple of hours, jog on the spot and I experience no pain cross training (bike and rowing machine mostly). My question is should I be leaving it much longer to test the calf on the road, e.g. 6 weeks厖?? Does cross training in any way affect the speed of recovery? Is there anything else I should be doing? Was it strange that my other calf went with little or no training?.?? I hope I抳e supplied you enough information. Any questions please let me know

Thanks

Tom

Answer
You've had very frustrating calf problems it sounds like.  First, cross training won't delay your recovery.  Thank you for all the details.  That is enough information for the type of answers I can give you.  My first suggestion is to see a physical therapy doctor.  I don't know where you live, but if you would like suggestions follow-up with a question on how to make sure you see the right person.  Everyone has different training.  Standard strengthening, stretching, ice, and massage won't be a long term fix.  There's obviously an imbalance elsewhere in your body. My guess is the hip, but it could be ankle or shoulder.  Once you fix that you'll be able to run pain free.  

Second, experiment with a midfoot strike.  For more info on this go to youtube and watch "The Barefoot Running Professor".  He demonstrates this foot strike without shoes, but it can easily be done with shoes.  I've seen this fix ankle, knee, and hip problems in runners.  The key is to start slow (i.e. half mile first day) and see how you feel the next day.  

To answer your question about waiting 6 weeks that won't be sufficient. It may feel better after 6 weeks, but I'm sure it will recur like it has in the past.  Use my other two suggestions and you'll be able to run the rest of your life.