Runners- Thinking I can run a half marathon after injury?

[Lollipop20]

I suffered a calf tear a few weeks before my half marathon which meant I had to pull out and I have had 6 weeks off running- I got to 10 mile runs etc before however my question is I have 2 weeks before the next half marathon that I signed up to for charity, AIBU in thinking I can do it now i've had such a long time out and only 2 weeks to go and not wanting to push my distance too far before in case I injure it again?

Thanks

So you haven’t run in 6 weeks? Personally I don’t think it’s a good idea to jump straight in to a half marathon as you’ll risk injuring yourself again. Unless you are prepared to do a run/walk?

If you do it, basic fitness may get you through but you need to be prepared that your injury may flare up again.

Have you been cross training when injured?

Nah. Wait this one out. You might make the distance if you take it slowly. But the risk of injury just jumping back in at that distance isn't worth it.

it's really frustrating when you train hard and injure yourself before an event. But you have to listen to your body and build it back up.

Absolutely not. From what you have written it seems you haven't been running for years/at least not at those distances?

It's not just your base fitness level that will have dropped in those 6 weeks but the adaptations to running all over your body - muscles, fascia, joints etc. Running is impactful and training doesn't just get you fit it serves to avoid injury over the distance you've trained for - your joints, bones, muscles, fascia etc all take YEARS to get used to it. 6 weeks is potentially enough time for your calf to hear but I would consider it foolish to try to run a half marathon after 6 weeks off unless you were extremely adapted to long distances to begin with.

You will probably be able to get round the course but at what expense? It wouldn't be worth the risk to me.

I think your fitness would probably be ok - it doesn't drop off that quickly - but you are definitely risking aggravating the calf injury, and turning it into a longterm issue.

Jeffing - ie regular run walk intervals - would be a bit less risky I think. I use that when I am struggling with injuries. 4:30 run 30s walk works for me. You could try a 10k with that and see how it feels?