How long does it take after an injury to get back to the 'way it was'

[Glo]

Please no singing Barbara Streisand songs....

I tore muscles in the back of leg a few weeks back, tried running - that didn't go too well  I HATE PAIN.... could cycle and well, walking around the office is okay, but couldn't even walk a decent 3k without pain.  Been going to RMT and doing the stretches she recommended.  I also DID NOT go to bootcamp, because I took her advice.   Tonight will be my first legitimate workout in two weeks - kind of scared, but I have events I signed up for.

so question is.....I was running up to 5, 10, 17ks and the occasional 20) swiming (not alot), cycling - something everyday.  How long would it take to get back to the normal running.  I've signed up for my first Du on July 11th, but also signed up for the 10k run in Wolfe Island.  Will have to forgo the 5k Canada Day run, have an RMT appt.  I want to go full bore on July 11th......  thru experieince, does anyone think that will be possible.  I've resigned myself that I may not be able to do the Wolfe Island run if I want to complete the Du  as the Du is my goal this year.

any suggestions or experiences to share will help

Glo

[Jon]

Hey Gloria,

The main thing that came to mind when I read this, was 'listen to your body'.  You say tonight's workout will be your first legitimate one in a while, but is that because its scheduled or because you feel ready? - Only do it, if its the latter.  As far as a timeline, thats tough... it can take a while to regain form.  I wouldn't fret about how soon, just focus more on not overdoing the recovery and paying attention to how you feel.  I know this isn't what you probably want to read, but its just my opinion.  If you can get to Quinte on the 11th, healthy and recovered then at least you will be able to give it a good honest effort - it may not be on your best form (due to some fitness loss), but at least you may be 'healed up'.

Good luck, I empathize with you.
Jon 

[The Moose1]

I'd say rest as long as you can.  A few weeks off won't drop you very far from your 20k distance, and the Du isn't nearly that far.  I've "tapered" for marathons with 1 month of eating chips and drinking beer.  Get back up to speed slowly, and maybe 2 weeks before try some short quick stuff to shake the cobwebs out. If it's healed you'll be fine.

 
Mike

[Glo]

thanks Moose

Maybe I should drink beer and eat chips just to console my feeling sorry for myself LOL.    I'll  see how tonight goes, feel good, but then it only acts up when I run, so it'll be a test.   I'll go gingerly...

[NancyR]

"I'll go gingerly..." made me think of an article I just read...

http://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2010/06/24/ginger-reduces-pain-after-exercise.aspx#

Ginger Reduces Pain After Exercise
Posted by: Dr. Mercola | June 24 2010 | 6,311 views

Ginger may reduce the pain associated with muscle injury after exercising. This could offer athletes a natural pain reliever.

Both raw and heat-treated ginger reduced pain associated with muscle injury by about 24 percent.

According to NutraIngredients:

"The rhizome of the ginger plant (Zingiber officinale) is a rich source of antioxidants, including gingerols, shogaols, zingerones and other ketone derivatives ... ginger's pain reducing effects are biologically plausible with both in vitro and in vivo animal studies showing an effect of gingerols, shogaols, and zingerones on inflammatory compounds."

To read more click the link...

Though beer and chips sound like more fun lol

[Kate]

I'll go with the beer and chips ... 

Gloria! You know what I think!!  Just because I am (for lack of a harsher more definitive word) foolish  , doesn't mean that you need to be.

I know how much this Du means to you ... take some R & R and let yourself heal!!

[The Moose1]

See.  It's unanimous.  Take the advise that every runner gives, but doesn't want to hear.  Heal so you can run later.  Don't run now, you might not heal as well later.

Mike
 

[Sandy]

I agree with Jon.

[Glo]

thanks for the advice everyone, and believe it or not ...............  I kinda listened...............I didn't go to boot camp, but I worked around the gardens.  No running involved, but lots of squats picking up gardening debris.   So, I still don't know how the leg feels running.

BUT to answer a few questions,, the workout was scheduled, not because I felt ready, I thought it would a test to see how I felt.......and I did have a beer with supper - no chips or cookies though  lol.

So, my first real attempt will be Sunday for the Tri Bike Ride  - cycling doesn't/shouldn't bother me  (my toes have healed - don't ask.....)  and I told Kate I'd go with her to Wolfe Island on the 4th, but NOT run the 10K, I might switch up and walk the 5K, or just be a (oh I don't wanna go back to that) being a spectator.


THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT AND ADVICE !!

Gloria

[The Moose1]

I vote that you should be a spectator.  From time to time I volunteer when I can't run (usually I run anyway, but I never said I was a good listener.).  Maybe you could do that, so you still feel like part of the race.

Mike

[Glo]

well,  I took some advice and tried to run today.   I did 3k without pain, but didn't want to take it farther.   Friday, I will try 5k and if that is pain free, then I may (I said MAY - haven't quite made my mind up yet) run the 5k on Wolfe Island.

Thanks for the help and support !!

Glo

[Sandy]

Don't push it, just stay in that pain free distance and increase by baby steps.  If you choose to do Wolfe go there with the mind set that it is a hilly course so may put a bit more stress on the injury and you may have to slow it down a bit or do a bit more walking.  The goal...keep it pain free.

Welcome back to running!

[Glo]

Did a 3k on Wednesday and 4k today, and I feel the leg. ......   so  ...... in the interest of doing the DU next Sunday  - and I'll do it darnit, I'm thinking I will be walking the 5k at Wolfe Island, with a bit of a trot in there just to keep it moving.

Not fair that I feel great when I start off, then 2-2.5 in I start feeling the twinge, and slowly gets worse.


Not what I would like to do, but the Du is this years goal, so I'm going to be ready for it, even if I'm in pain after I've completed it.