For the past month and a half, I've been trying to get back into shape after weak late fall/winter. Due to other obligations, right now I can only ride once or twice week so I've been trying to run 3-5 miles every day or two.

Unfortunately, I've been fighting a losing battle with strained calf. After taking a week off from running (I got in two decent rides without issue, though), I went for a run last night. I took my usual 15-20 minutes to stretch (focusing on my calves, of course) prior to heading out. For the first 3 miles I felt great. Then on mile 4, the homestretch, I felt a light strain. Then, immediately, I felt it rip and had to limp to the rest of the way home. Today, it's feeling soar and I'm very cautious walking on it in hope that it will heal more quickly.

In the meantime, this is incredibly frustrating. I know I'll be okay to ride on it in a couple more days, but it's so annoying trying to figure out if it's actually okay to run again. At this point, I'm going to wait 2 weeks off from running and see what happens.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

1) Massage Therapist!
2) Check your footwear with a Professional to make sure that it is truly proper for your foot
3) Proper stretching might help - many would argue that pre-stretching increases the chance of tearing something.



Just a few pointers.........

Then on mile 4, the homestretch, I felt a light strain. Then, immediately, I felt it rip and had to limp to the rest of the way home. Today, it's feeling soar and I'm very cautious walking on it in hope that it will heal more quickly.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

First thought would be "Don't run until you are absolutely pain free." That would mean that you cannot feel any twinges, whether when stretching or when applying pressure to the muscle. Can we assume that you have to run after dark? Otherwise, you should look for ways to squeeze in bike rides. If you just can't ride outside, then get a set of rollers and ride indoors when you otherwise would have been running. It will help your bike handling a lot, and you won't need to run, which is apparently the cause of your problems. Also, IIRC a physical therapist may be able to speed your recovery with electrostimulation (or whatever it's called). Finally, if there's no swelling, then a heating pad will probably speed recovery. I think that massaging the muscle to prevent any "knots" (scar tissue) from forming during recovery. Check with a PT on this one.

Thanks for the advice.

I used to run a lot and am pretty good about stretching the right way. The vexing about calf strains for me is that they tend to heal fairly quickly and I'm able to run without pain or even tightness as an indication that a pull is coming on.

At this point, I'm going to wait a full two weeks and, very carefully try again.

As far as rollers go, it's spring, I'm done with riding my bike indoors - it's been a long winter here in NH.

if it was torn you probably wouldn't be able to walk without an EXTREME anount of PAIN.
Calf issues are very difficult to heal well as there are lots of issues to deal with. Try the rollers it won't hurt yes it was a long winter up here in NH but with this type if injury it could be a loooooooooooonger summer injured.
you may have brought it on your self. Strecthing before an activity (or warming up) is a very big no no. There is even research that shows that it may impede performance.
Be very gentle when you do strectch and keep the muscle wram when ou do any activity.
Contact a good PT too.