How should I adapt marathon training after calf pain before taper?

[Notsleepinghelp]

Hello, novice marathoner here please be kind!
Ran 16 miles last Sunday and have had a sore right calf since. It came on the day after rather than during the run. I will say my calves had been grumbling before but mostly tightness not pain.
Rested, did a sauna, foam rolled etc. Tried an easy run on Thursday and had to abort. It was mostly lower inner calf pain, now it feels like it’s moved to nearer the top of my shin?! I will be going to a physio next week (Easter weekend with 2 bank holidays in the UK has not helped this quest!).
I have missed a deload week (18 miles total). I’m meant to be doing 19 miles this Sunday, 20 miles next Sunday and then it’s taper time for my marathon on 10th May.
How do I adapt my plan given the current situation? I was aiming for 5 hours, and have been running 30 mile weeks following a Runna plan. My calf is getting better, walking is pretty much pain free now, so I’m hoping to do a run in a day or two, but I don’t think I should attempt the full peak weeks plan?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I don't think you need a 3 week taper for a 5 hour plan, so I'd skip this week, except for a couple of short easy runs if you feel able, then complete the plan, reducing the taper to two weeks.

But, only do that if you can do it pain free. You've already done the most important sessions.

Thank you that’s so reassuring! This feels doable, just hoping to be fully pain free by the end of this week 🤞🤞🤞

Can you cycle or similar to keep your fitness up? I think that's important while you can't run.

Going to go to the gym to do the elliptical/stationary bike as yes I’m worried about that! Also I’m losing my mind not exercising, definitely will do some cardio.

I think if you are doing that you will be fine and then just follow physio advice! Good luck I hope you have great marathon.

Ask the physio to check you for shin splints.

Thank you 💕

I had similar and was told I could run again when I could hop on the bad leg with no discomfort for not less than 30secs. At that point I could start treadmill running (so it could be aborted easily without being in the middle of nowhere). Cycling is good - especially if you can cycle for a similar length of time to your last long run (big ask!). Good luck

Roughly how long were you out? I’ve seen that advice elsewhere too, definitely not at that point at the moment!

Oh god a 4 hour cycle session might kill me off 🤣🤣🤣

I probably wouldn't cycle unless the physio tells you to. Whenever I have had calf pain it's always been due to tight glutes, and if that's the case, lots of cycling when you're not used to it won't help at all. Just rest, do plenty of walking, and if you can, maybe try aqua jogging.

I missed 3 long runs. Ideally I would have missed one more but found I could do walk run intervals uncomfortably but without pain so the physio said I could carry on doing run walk. I didn’t quite get the time I had been aiming for, but got round without any more injuries so probably for the best for me!

Well done for getting through it without any more injuries!
I’ve got a physio appointment tomorrow evening, dreading it in case it’s properly bad news 😅

I saw the physio today and its shin splints. Not looking likely that I’ll be on the start line! No running at all for now. Lots of rehab and strength training to do. Looking to pivot to a different marathon later this year, and will hopefully be in a better condition to do the training.