and to the family for coming down to watch.Baz, 3:13:34Back in one piece - just !! I started off steadily (8-minute miling) for the first couple of miles to make sure my calf was okay (I had strained it the previous Monday), then stepped up. Feeling good, I went

, patella tracking problems, tight overdeveloped calf muscles and Achilles tendon pain. It's changed the shape of my legs radically. It also enabled me to run up easy hills for the first time ever. Orthotics and a heel lift sorted out the residual shin pain

the Highway the lead group of elite men came past on the other side having done 22 miles. They got a huge round of applause from the runners alongside me and it reminded me that I was taking part in the same event as them. Fantastic.Worst moment: my calf

problems, unlike this year when a tight right calf, caused by skipping, stopped me training for the three weeks leading up to the marathon.One thing I’d definitely keep, although this year it was brought on accidentally by the calf problem, will be a

the calves with a series of calf raises. You’ll also need driving quads, and half squats will strengthen these muscles. At first, your body weight alone will provide sufficient resistance, but you may start holding weights when you want to progress.5

unlucky, they were)...  Foot problem 9.6%Calf tear 3.7%Shin splints 5.7%Knee problem 14.7%Hamstring problem 3.9%Back problem 7.9%(NB: If any figures look odd, bear in mind that the percentages are proportions of respondants to each individual

right toe; grab each end of the band so that it’s tight. Pull your elbows up and back and squeeze your shoulder blades together; hold, then slowly lower your hands. (Works shoulders and upper back.)Standing Calf Raises Stand on a stair or wooden block

of cool-down stretching of the calf muscles, hamstrings, and quadriceps."I've designed this programme for total fitness and running performance," Pierce says. "Too many runners neglect muscular strength and flexibility, and are injured as a result

. Massage of the calf muscle, taping the fascia to relieve pressure or wearing a plantar fasciitis night splint should help, or try this move: "Scrunch up your toes in the same way as you make a fist with your hand," he says. "Hold for five seconds

calf that was trying to run uphill. There in front of me, blocking the narrow trail I was supposed to be running down, were more cowboys and a herd of 60-odd cattle. Trampled by a herd of cattle or impaled on the horns of a bull never makes good reading