Coach's Advice

I paid a visit to Laces yesterday and chatted with Mike Stevens.  I'm 140 days out from the Carlsbad Marathon and need to make a commitment.  I filled him in on my calf issues.  He didn't seem too concerned, believing we can work through it and get moving on the training.  He suggested two things. 

1. Pay attention to calcium and potassium.  Deficiencies in these essential minerals can lead to the kind of muscle injuries I've been having.  I've assumed I'm well balanced in my vitamin needs, but maybe not.  My recent cholesterol blood panel also included screening for vitamin D.  Surprisingly, I was deficient, and a deficiency in D reduces the absorption of calcium.  I also hide from the sun or remain covered with either clothes or sunblock.  I wouldn't think that even with my conservative skin-preservation habits I could be deficient in a year-round climate like San Diego's.  Yet here I am.  So, to rectify that situation AND address other possible shortfalls, I started today taking a multi-vitamin bolstered with calcium and other minerals needed by athletes.

2. To assist in recovery, he suggested electro-therapy.  If I'm still having issues that hamper my return to running by the end of this coming week, he's willing to begin recovery-enhancing muscle stimulation...about twice a week.  Supposedly, he's helped his track runners recover more quickly from bad hamstring and other leg strains.  I'm willing to try it.  I might resort to compression socks as well.  Yikes.  I admit, I'm turned off by the look.

I'm anxious to get back to running.  I've been massaging and stretching.  I hope to give it go tonight or tomorrow morning.  Just 30 minutes or so.