Eek - sore leg a week before 10k race

[TheChickenSituation]

I'm not really sure what I've done.

A week ago (i.e. last weekend) my inside left knee felt a bit sore, so I didn't run after quite a full-on week of running. Yesterday (Saturday) I went out for a 10k and it niggled a bit on and off during the run, but then as soon as I stopped it was quite sore.

It's now the next day and I'm really limping on it. I have my first race on Sunday (22nd). Should I just rest it until then? Are there any exercises I should do?

This is the first 'injury'(?) I've had since I started running in early October.

I understand if no-one can really advise - just seeing what people recommend.

I wouldn't run if my leg was hurting enough that running made it hurt worse, if that makes sense.

A colleague who also runs always tells me don't run if the pain is below the neckline - so headache, earache, snotty nose - fine, run; leg pain, chest infection, tummy bug - don't run.

The only way for a leg injury to heal is to rest. If you are fit and healthy and have been training well, a week off training won't majorly damage your 10k time IMO, so I wouldn't run until race day unless it stops hurting. If it is painful on race day, don't run.

I might be tempted to try some gentle stretching if I found something that seemed to be helping but take it steady.

Good luck :)

I'm interested in this as have been doing c25k - got to week 6 and then had disaster today when what I thought was cramp appears to be a pulled calf muscle. Hobbled home, spent eve on sofa with ice pack, nurofen and support tights on. Feels a bit better but still really hurts.

How long can I expect to not run for? And anything I can do to stop losing all my hard won fitness while I can't run.

Sports physio? my local university sports faculty has one that you can book sessions with and you don't have to be a student - sorry can't remember the price but I remember thinking it was reasonable!

Thanks a lot, so definitely no running until race day.

I might try to see if I can get a physio appointment during the week.

I'm so annoyed as it was all going so well, and then the two weeks prior to race day, I've barely been able to run. I mean, I would've been taking it relatively easy this week anyway, but now I'm in a position where I actually might not be able to participate.