What are the chances of making my 10K in November with sprained ankle?

[CastMeAdrift]

I’m training for a 10km trail run and sprained my ankle quite badly last week. It will be two weeks on Wednesday and it’s still a bit swollen. I can walk on it but if I turn awkwardly or put weight on it in the wrong position it’s really painful.

Do you think it will be ok to do the 10 km? I was going to give it another week and then try running again. By that time it will be 4 weeks to the event and I feel I will have lost loads of fitness.

If it was a road I know I would probably be ok but because it’s off road I’m worried about doing it all over again if I push myself.

Sorry I think you’re going to have to give up on this one. Perhaps the organisers will let you defer your place to another event? I know that’s disappointing but better to let your ankle heal. Also, Trail could well be muddy and slippery in November, especially after others ahead of you have run through it first.
Perhaps you could focus on working on another aspect of your overall fitness before you’re ready to do some ankle rehab? Core work is always good or some upper body strength work.

I would swim to keep fitness up if your ankle will tolerate it, and give it two weeks not one but start walking when able. Do not run on pain, only niggles and then only if they ease off. Try running 30 seconds walking 30 seconds when you start training again.

Thanks for the replies. I think you’re right and it’s going to be really boggy in some places as it’s in Wales where it basically rains all winter.

I’m really disappointed as it was my first event and I’ve been enjoying off road running so much.

Thanks for the tips for getting back to it. Unfortunately I’m a bit of a trek from the nearest swimming pool so unlikely to be able to find the time to go between work and kids. Another reason I love running. You just step out the door and go. But will focus on core and walking the dog for now.