HOW DOES THE JOURNEY GO?
The path of progress is never linear
Week 3 of starting my running training and I felt the dreaded pop in my calf. A few days later it bruised so it was clearly a small tear.
I knew starting running after such a long time of not running would not be easy but this was literally my 4th run.
So what do I do?
Give up, put it down to a bad idea?
Stop everything for 4 to 6 weeks while it recovers?
No chance, I’ve barely taken a week off in 40 years, I’m not going to stop for a soft tissue injury. I firmly believe that giving up becomes a repeatable option.
If you train and you push yourself, you will get injured. It’s part of the course but it doesn’t mean stop. At Base we minimise this risk with appropriate warm ups, rehab and strength balance work, Coaches to correct form and a well balanced programme but we can never completely negate the risk.
Here are my tips to stay safe and recover effectively:
- Listen to your body: There are still plenty of other parts of your body to work.
- Stay low-impact: I can cycle, Ski and row and still get all the cardio vascular benefits.
- Ask Coaches to Modify exercises: Our Coaches will use their knowledge to select exercises that avoid putting unnecessary stress on the injured area.
- Use lighter weights: Higher reps at lighter weights will help promote blood flow just back off on intensity
- Build back slowly: Gradually increase the intensity as your injury heals and build strength in the injured area
- Work with a professional: A physio or your Coach can help you create a tailored plan.
After a 3 week break and focussing on building leg strength and Zone 2 work I have returned to running, completed my furthest run yet and my fastest run to date.
Are you injured?
Do you need advice?
Don’t let injury stunt progress.