Training Log Archive: RobB

So this way my creative attempt at trying to replicate a long run with marathon pace at the end. I did 2 hour hilly bike ride then 60 minutes of 3 minute, 1 minute intervals on the cross trainer at the gym. Two quick stops on route - one to come home to get a bike lock which I had forgotten and one quick change at the gym (was wearing more clothes on the bike today). Felt pretty strong throughout but was taking in lots of fuel. Intervals were tough at the end (but that was the idea) and heart rate went up nicely.

Calf progressing nicely. Still tender but can pretty much walk without limping. Bought myself some snake oil in the form of some CompresSport calf guards. Wore them for the bike ride and they felt pretty good.

C • Calf guards 6

Long bike ride (44 miles) Out to Wharncliffe, Oughtibridge, Strines, Ladybower, Froggart, Broomhill, Home.

Very windy out and I was a bit underdressed in short sleeves. Felt good for the first 2 hours but struggled to push it on in the hills in the last hour. Glad to get home.

Aqua jogging again early doors. Tried to do 10 minutes of drills (yes I looked as stupid as you imagine) before 20 minutes of intervals. Again it was pretty busy - never really knew so many people went swimming.

Tried my calf out on the bike (ok) and the elliptical trainer (ok). Was really pleased that I could use this as I know it gets my heart rate up. Did 45 minutes of 90:30s. Working pretty hard by the end.

So saw Kim today and diagnosis was pretty positive. London is definitely still on - phew. We still are not sure was has caused it but the calf is definitely in spasm. When I hobbled in I was still on tip toe and when I left I could walk (albeit gingerly) heal to toe.

Need to coax my calf back to health now and be creative with my training over the next few weeks.

Have been given the ok to cross train. Basically, I can do what within reason as long as it doesn't aggravate it.
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On another note Kim is now my hero. She has not only fixed me up over the last few years (and quite a few others on this site) but saw me at home today when she had already stopped for maternity leave.

C • Phew indeed! 4

C • Alter-G treadmill 9

Aqua Jogging at Ponds Forge. It was packed. Been a long time since I had to pull on my nemesis that is the aqua jogger. Not got any more fun. Did 10 mins warm up and then 50 minutes of intervals (4/5ths of a length with 1/5 recovery and then 50 fast strides, 10 recovery).

Couldn't believe how many people were swimming - it was a clubnight but there were loads of punters.

C • eye candy 2

So unfortunately the physio fairy did not visit overnight and I still can't put weight on left leg (I stand on my toes but can't put heel on the ground). Feel like a bit of an invalid and not been able to go to work.

You would not know that there was a problem from looking at the calf. Just feels "cramped." My best guess is that due to a (fingers crossed micro) tear in the calf, it is protecting itself through spasm.

Spent most of the day trying to resist googling about calf sprains. I have done this with limited success, but have been more impressed with with my self constraint in respect of "testing" the calf. I have not touched it apart from icing.

Hopefully will be able to get to a pool tomorrow for some aquajogging and will post an update with Kim's diagnosis.

Really value everyone's comments and words of encouragement - lots of sensible advice. Particularly useful to hear from the more -ahem -experienced athletes.

C • Glad you're philosophical 2

Lunchtime run up Endcliffe, stopped in to see Kim and then run back to work. Back is in good shape , hips tight but they released quite quickly.

Run to track, bumped into Andy C on the way. Great in the sunshine. Shorts and t shirt tastic.

BUGGER.

Track intervals. 1k, 600m, 400m.

Did the first 1k and 600m rep fine. Left hand calf felt tight on the 400m but not too painful. On the jog at the end of the rep, it didn't ease off and I was thinking about having to call the reps off, when all of a sudden the calf just "went". It did not snap or anything but just tensed up. I could not put any weight on it and had to crawl to edge of the track (luckily we were at the start of the rep). Lied down for 15 minutes and got up, but still couldn't put any weight on it. Bugger. Peter (very kindly) had to help me to the stands where I got some ice and Keith drove me home. Felt like a right idiot.

The really annoying thing is that this has blown up out of nowhere - if my calves were sore and I was pushing my luck then I could kind of understand it but I had no indication at all that there was anything wrong.

Spoken to Kim and Tim (you name it i've strained it) Tett for advice. All I can do is rice it for 24 hours until we know how bad it is. Going to be a fun 24 hours. I pity Clare. Going to see Kim on Thursday for an assessment.

On another more positive note Aidan made his first appearance at track and appeared to have a storming session.

C • B****r 17

Early morning run with Dr Thake. Up Rivelin taking it nice and steady.

Steady run out to the EIS. Kept it slow and enjoyed listening to Mssrs Kermode and Mayo.

Birthday session with Coach Candy.