Magic plan wk4 and a pain in the bottom 😟

[Moominette]

I noticed in the later half of my 44 min run last week that I had a bit of a tight feeling in my right bum cheek. It felt more like a tightness and I carried on and looked forward to having a satisfying stretch when I finished the run.

I did a 30 minute run 2 days ago with no issues. However, today I went for the 50 minute run of week4 and around the 25 min mark, noticed the tightness in my bum again! I carried on as it wasn’t painful as such - it more feels like a tightness or a spasm. But it was getting quite uncomfortable by the end of my run. I found myself trying to adjust my gait in different ways to see if anything eased it.

I’d already done some research about quad heavy runners and think I’m probably guilty of this so I’ve started doing some glute strengthening etc but my research this evening is leading me to think it’s my Piriformis that is hurting. I’ve had a good stretch but can still feel the ache in that muscle several hours later whilst sitting on the sofa.

I’m really enjoying the magic plan but wondered if I perhaps need to drop the longer runs and just go back to 30 min run 3x a week for a bit, alongside the strengthening exercises? Does anyone have any advice?

[Beatlesforever Graduate10]

Sorry, I really don't have any practical advice other than maybe try to see a physio? They should be able to diagnose the problem and suggest strengthening exercises to sort it out. Hope it gets better soon!

[Moominette in reply to Beatlesforever]

Thank you!

[JonathanP Graduate10]

I agree - having had a piriformis issue a few weeks back, it took a visit to the physio to properly diagnose it, followed by some treatment and targeted exercises over several weeks. Long runs were definitely discouraged!

[Moominette in reply to JonathanP]

Thank you - that’s helpful to know. I will see if I can get access to a physio as I don’t want to make it worse. Are you doing ok now?

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Moominette]

Yes, it gradually improved and I am now back to my long runs - but still doing the exercises! Hope you get it sorted.