Posts by duckstomper

first of all, don't panic.  Do see a Dr. if you haven't already.  I don't know what your history is with injuries or how many years you have been running, so I am not qualified to really give you advice, but when I strain muscles anywhere (I fell on a shoulder playing softball a few weeks ago and am now just getting back to where I can throw and lift weights again) I typically take Advil or Aleve, drink extra water, pay more attention to getting good nutrition and rest, and I DON'T completely quit using whatever muscle it is -- don't push yourself and make the injury worse, but totally not using the muscle can make things worse too.

For running injuries -- if you've got access you could do deep water running in a pool, you could try elliptical, cycle or walking.  I have found elliptical to be particularly good for working out kinks/stiffness, but it definitely doesn't replace a run.

Good luck -- 3 weeks is ALMOST up to your taper, so you have most of your hard training in already, yes?