And... drum roll please...
ANOTHER INJURY
Yep. Surprise. I am injury prone. But I did go into this training saying I would follow the plan and see where my body would take me and what lessons I learned. And yesterday I learned that with my special big calves I need to warm them up really well before trying any strengthening exercises or running drills.
Yesterday I went to a great running clinic with Team Z hosted by Potomac River Running in their new Arlington store (That's me in the No Meat Athlete - Runs on Plants running shirt in the second row).
It was taught by store owner and professional triathlete Margie Shapiro, who was awesome. After we did our indoor class, we went outside to learn some drills. And after that I was to go with the team on my first hash run.
Instead, when working on an A-running drill, I felt a sharp pain in my left calf. Like someone had taken a bat to it. Literally. I thought I had cramped up, but I have never had a calf cramp in my life and the pain was much too sharp. In denial, I tried the drill again thinking if it was a cramp I could just push through the pain. But thankfully my body just wouldn't let me. After some stretching and walking around, it was clear this wasn't a cramp.
Luckily, Coach Ed was there to talk me through what I should do. He thought it was probably a minor calf tear and after finding this awesome article on RunningPhysio.com, I think he is right.
So for the next 2-3 days it is rest I am afraid. No running until there is no pain. But swim and bike starting Tuesday as long as I feel better.
So whenever the tri-gods close a door they open a window -- injury gave me time and an excuse to watch the Justin Timerblake SNL from last night, including the awesome VeganVille sketch, taught me a valuable lesson for future training (respect the big calves with proper warm up) and most importantly gives me a legitimate reason to buy another pair of compression leg sleeves.
Labels: calves, injury, running, strength training, warm up
