A half block later, I turned around and hobbled home. The only aerobic exercise I could manage was on the elliptical. (Good news there: finally went below 10 minute/mile pace.)
During the week, I used Yoga and rolled my calf to regain flexibility and de-cramp the muscle. I increased intake of water, electrolytes and Potassium to prevent cramping.
Last Sunday was bright, sunny making me hopeful that I could run again. The calf felt good, so I decided to try an easy run to gauge the current state of injury. I found that an easy pace focusing on form did not cause pain or cramping. Things were looking up! Until a bit past the 1 mile mark where the same calf cramped suddenly. I stopped immediately and walked home.
That night, I received a massage that concentrated on my legs. When the masseur worked on my left calf, I had to ask him to stop for a few seconds due to the pain. The calf was sore to the touch for the next 4 days. Today (Friday), the calf is the first day that the calf does not ache upon touch. After stretching and Yoga, my calf is not contracting on each step. All good signs, but it's best to wait before trying to run again.
Until we meet on the road...
