Climbing back on the horse, now that I can actually move

[TigerBiscuit]

I fear I went totally overboard with the good advice I got on my last post. In an effort to right my painful back, I started planking, and doing other core strengthening exercises with some fierce gusto. Even tried the yoga video - which I found very, very hard, but I was determined. Silly me. I ended up in so much pain when I moved to stand up or sit down.

Anyway, two weeks later - with no running at all, but a fair bit of walking, my back is much better - not perfect, mind you - but I feel up to running again.

I know I have to take things very easy. I will stay clear of the woods near me, which has a particularly steep downhill slope, where I'd keep running while picking my way over the roots of trees every time I came round to it. I believe this might have put too much pressure on my back.

I'll stick to the gravel lanes that have a few hills, and on those will slow to an absolute minimum. Now that I am on the mend, I will start the core strengthening exercises too, but will be gentle with myself this time. I still need to get my gait checked and maybe a visit to a chiropractor might be wise. So I have a plan.

Before my forced fortnight's break, I had started to run 5k (pretty slowly). Should I start by running 20 minutes perhaps and build up from there? Does that sound wise?

Not planning to give up on this running malarky so easily

[RunBrianRun Graduate10]

Sorry to hear about your back. I can’t give any advice as I’m sitting here in absolute agony and it’s mostly my fault. My back went 5 days ago and I stupidly tried to run on day 3 (it’s an addiction) and omg that was the wrong thing to do. Even 600mg ibuprofen only takes the edge off it. I can’t see me running for at least 2 weeks now. And I am so angry and upset with myself.

You, on the other hand, have been much more sensible and taken the cautious approach to recovery. I wish I had. Good luck

[Irishprincess Graduate10 in reply to RunBrianRun]

☹️ ouch I feel your pain. The only time I ever fainted in my life was due to a slipped disc 😩

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Why not go out and see how you feel? Twenty minutes might be too much for the first outing. Maybe a 10 minute trot to test the waters and see how your back feels the next day. Sometimes we feel ok at the time and it’s only in the next few days our bodies complain 😩

I always err on the side of extreme caution when coming back from injury but that’s just me. Do what’s right for your body and listen to it carefully.

[TigerBiscuit in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks, IP. I’ll take it mega easy.

[TigerBiscuit]

Good luck, BrianUK!

[RunBrianRun Graduate10 in reply to TigerBiscuit]

☺️ Thank you