recovery
/Last week was a tough one for me. Out of nowhere, I somehow reinjure my calf after a month of hard training. It wasnt an injury that I could pinpoint when it happened or where, it kind of just started hurting and prevented me from running or rucking. Very frustrating.
The injury was so frustrating that I decided to go to the Doctor. I chose a Doctor who helped me get through my torn Soleus a few years ago. He told me about what I thought he would...strained Gastroc, no need for MRI. He suggested Physical Therapy, so I called my PT friend Allen Bible.
Allen did some Ultrasound, massage, and gave me some exercises to try. I have been doing them 2 x day and they have helped, I guess. I also took 2 days off completely and 5 days off of any rucking or running.
Today I felt good and thought I would give my ruck schedule a try.
3 x 3 miles at 45 pounds dry before water
1. 42:52
2. 38:46
3: 40:00
It was 93 degrees, I was in boots and pants. Even in wrestling practice where the heat was turned up high and we wore plastics, I did not sweat as much as in this workout. I was soaked, dripping, boots sloshing, but the calf felt great.
38:46 is as fast as I have ever rucked 45 pounds for 3 miles. It is amazing how a little victory like that can improve my attitude. Last week I was down. I was not able to complete the training that I needed to and it really brought me down. It was hard to rest when I knew what I needed to do. There were several moments that I questioned whether or not I could even do Selection at all due to the injury.
Setting a PR brings the spirits up, restores confidence in my conditioning and strength. I am back to my original confidence.
Now, I just need to figure out how to keep the calf healthy and strong.