Wiggle Blog 2. Alex Prince-Osteopath.

18th January 2008.

Well, fitting into the old training routine has come to me relatively easily. Far better than I had expected anyway.
I managed to sort my back out with a bit of Osteopathic treatment. It’s not until you have these problems attended to that you realise just what a state the body is in…But it feels great now.
Usually I really struggle with my early swims, but they have been going really well, and for someone who swims like a brick I am encouraged to keep it up.
Cycling is going quite well. I am getting a bit of time on a Thursday afternoon to get out for a ride before it gets dark which is great (advantages of self-employment). I have also had two really good Saturday rides. A hilly 50 miles with a pal who is ironman training, and a 45 mile ride through driving rain…not quite so fun… But, the cycling is coming on, and leagues ahead of where I was this time last year.
So all good it seems…Well not quite!
The running is not going to plan. Actually, it is more that the body is complaining.
I have a recurring calf problem. It hasn’t shown itself for a while but it has reared its ugly head once again. Usually there is a good reason for it, but I am struggling to work it out this time. This is a little embarrassing since I do this (usually very successfully) for a living. It has hauled me up mid-run several times, and so now I think it is time for someone to have a look. It is frustrating because all other aspects of my training are going very well. Running is usually my least troublesome discipline and I don’t like not being able to do it!! (Toys out of the pram). It also means that my planned coastal half marathon next weekend is looking doubtful. I haven’t run enough, and my professional head says get it right before you push it. All very boring though.
Apart from the running whinge, the rest is great.
Happy training!
Osteopath’s tips: Calf problems (topical!)
Can occur for many reasons but here are a few common ones:
-Unsuitable running shoes/ Old worn out running shoes.
Advice: Change running shoes every 500miles and get good advice which shoe will suit you best.
-Sudden increases or changes in training (including distance, intensity, surface etc…)
Advice: Any changes should be made gradually
-Biomechanical problems in the lower limb or pelvis/low back
Advice: Ongoing stiffness, pain / discomfort should be assessed by a sports injury professional, be it an Osteopath, Physio or other sports injury consultant.
Most importantly, don’t ignore it and try to run through the pain, it will most probably compound the condition. As ever, REST is the most important facilitator of recovery.

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