coping with injuries

Timely thread.  I tore my soleus (calf - lower part) September 8th, and went for my first post-recovery run today.  I lost some of my optimism, fitness, and energy.  For what it is worth, here are my thoughts:   

Optimism - A couple of aborted attempts at recovery too soon bummed me out and made things worse, and I became pessimistic about recovery.  Still, I think once I realized and accepted the timeframe for recovery, I did a lot better.  A torn calf can take awhile and from what I understand it isn't one you push.  You wait until it feels perfectly normal day to day and then wait some longer.  I am at 6.5 weeks or so (feels like more like 8, but I lost track and just checked it now).  Now I am ready to restart and I feel positive since I am fairly confident I've taken enough time. 

Fitness - Find out what you can do.  I've lost a ton of my fitness - more than I should have.  I swam a few times, and then bought a trainer for my bike, and have started using that.  A new toy can help, and knowing I can cycle without pain was good for my morale (although I didn't use it that much since I was traveling for work - but its a new toy and we are entering winter).  A LITTLE activity every week will do a lot to help retain fitness for this period, I think.  Cycling easy helps (keeps pressure off the soleus).  I was also able to use a ski machine near the end of my recovery too.  Just a couple times a week was all and remember LOW intensity on ALL workouts where your calf is at all involved. 

Energy - I've gained 5-6 pounds, and felt sluggish.  Was resistant to an adventure race circuit my wife was showing me.  Still, as my time in pergutory got short I found myself drafting up a new plan of recovery (a few days ago) for the transition into half mary training I want to do this spring.  Picking your challenges after some time off will help re-engergize you as the time nears - keep the faith on that, you'll get it back if you do that near the end. 

Oh yeah, I got new shoes before restarting.  Mine were at around 350 miles, and I'm a heavy runner (okay, now even more so). 

And today I ran for the first time!  Only went 2 slow miles, on soft flat trail (abandoned train tracks with limestone and leaves).  Felt good and wanted to go farther.  Had to fight that urge, and I suspect it will get worse as I have a few good runs.  I am confident that fighting the urge to go farther, faster and longer will pay off in the long run.  I will NOT run tomorrow (Friday), only cycle easy on my trainer.  Will run Saturday, but only 2.5 miles for my "long" run of the week. 

Good luck.  I'm at the end of the dark tunnel and it feels great!  You will get there fine.  Just keep realistic so you can avoid pessimism, keep some fitness, and you will re-engergize as the time gets near, really.