I posted this in the Med Tent but the more input the better-
Ive been a runner my whole life (Im 36) took the last 2 years off due to an abd issue that reuslted in suirgery and now Im fine, started running again in April. I know all about the startin slow and easing in. Which is what I was doing.
I pulled my left calf in the last 1/2 mile of a 10k on 7/22/07. I just ran too fast. I used Adivl for a day, and iced it for days. It was sore to walk, limped for a couple days. After one week I was still sore but not limping. Went to my PT who said it was a soleus strain. It hurts just below the calf muscle so I was worried it was Achilles, it seems to be in that "greay area" below calf but not really achilles. SHe told me it wasnt the tendon. Told me to rest it 5 more days and test it out, use my judegement. I assume i have a Grade 2 since I was not better in a week. At week 2 post strain, I tried to run but made it 1/4 mile due to it being pretty sore. I went home, iced, and got pissy for the day. It has now been a month - on Friday, I did a slow 1/2 mile run on dirt, walked another 1/2 then ran the 1/2. Felt ok but had to stop a bunch to stretch it as it felt sore. Not pain, just tight/sore. I ran 2 miles on Saturday( in segments) and 2 miles on Sunday ( again in segments). I felt sore again SUnday so I havent done anything. Its been a month. Am I being too caustious and should i just run through the sorenes? All these threads I have read it sounds like people give themselves less than a week and then get back in even if its sore and all works out ok. I terrified of injuring further. Im basically just really tight in that area. I have an appt with Sports Med dr on THursday to make sure Im not serioulsy hurt. I can walk without pain, I can stand on my tip toes, I can stretch with just tightness in the left calf. I only notice it here and there I get a twinge walking around. SHouldnt I have been better after a month off? Im training for a half on October 14th and Im seriously worried about that as I was at 6-7 miles beofre the injury and with the easing back in I cant be at 8-9 miles this Saturday!!
ANY ADVICE? SIMILAR EXPERIENCES?? PLEASE??!!
Im so scared. I want to hear that Im being a baby and to just tough it out I guess.

THanks for reading this.

Rene'