You know that your much-loved run schedule has gone to pot when these guys no longer feature in your most used emojis: 🏃♂️🏃🏃♀️
I haven’t been on track since the end of January due to a back injury incurred at work and in brief, I’m really miserable because of it.
I’ve started writing several posts over the last few months but can never seem to finish them; there are bigger issues to deal with other than blogging my running woes and yet.. my fitness and progress had started to become a really important feature in my life 💔
Since February I have been seeing an osteopath every two weeks which initially seemed to help but as I’ve slowly started to reintegrate running into my busy work schedule, the pain hasn’t fully left and is even manifesting in new ways/places. (Apparently the principle problem is my left hip flexor). He signed me off to start running again but I am considering getting a second opinion.
Over the last month, I’ve done some intervals with NRC’s Coach Cory to test the water, which generally went well and I really enjoyed. Yesterday I pushed myself to try and run for 30mins with Mo Farah. I stopped at halftime for a two minute breather and at the 25min mark I could feel my lower back and hips start to protest a little.
I realised my injury has brought a whole new dimension to my mindset; what is ‘sensible’ versus ‘silly’ when pushing onwards.. How do I find that line?
I can’t bring myself to go through C25K again and I guess part of me is reluctant to start any kind of plan for fear that I’ll have to throw in the towel again.
That said, going with the flow is not always conducive to getting myself out the door on the days I feel my body can run.
I’m sorry to have missed so many of the group’s adventures and progress. Thank you so much for the kind messages checking up on me, it’s meant a lot. I just felt it was time I popped up to say hello. Consider this email an invite for a virtual catch up cuppa ☺️☕️
Good running vibes to all,
CC x
Written by
acountrycabbage
60minGraduate
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Ugh.. so frustrating. Are you still getting out there, just taking your foot off the gas a little? I so want to get my habit back, missing the buzz terribly.
I'm still running. I had to ease off the mileage recently because it just felt wrong. The physio told me this afternoon that was because I was overstraining the adductor muscle, with it overcompensating for tight hamstrings, glutes and lower back muscles.
That’s the key sadly isn’t it? 😕 When it just feels wrong. It does feel good however to get answers from the experts; the whats and the whys 👍🏼
Good to have the progress report acountrycabbage , I'd been checking the lost property and noted no-one had handed you in, and then Kapow she turns up. So hey if you don't, won't or can't bring yourself to go through the couch plan again, it's no crime your committing. I likes the run when you feel able, and stop if there's a niggle strategy 👍.
Definitely and always no pain running is the only way young lady 🤓
Lovely to hear from you acountrycabbage . So sorry to hear you have been suffering with your hip and now your back as well.Hope you manage to get a second opinion and feeling better soon!
I had two months off running with my hip injury and my Osteopath wanted me to take it steady with my running so I have restarted C25K. Like you, I thought this might be tedious but I’m actually enjoying it. I hadn’t run for so long I was happy to be just out running again. Plus I’m seeing the difference compared to how I was the first time round.
Anyway best wishes and hope to hear your running comeback soon 😀
Hello lovely! You were on my list to check in on 😊
So are you feeling good again? I’ll have to have a catch up on your feed. I think you are sensible to undertake C25K again. Perhaps I’ll change my mind about doing it, I just can’t commit to anything currently. Just a hard day at work is enough to set my back off 😕
I think my new POA is to strengthen muscles around my back/hip flexors in the hope to support the problem area. Next stop, a physio appointment 👍🏼
I am feeling good again thanks! I’ve been doing my stretches the Osteopath gave me like a good girl ☺️.It was hard not running for two months and went on for what seemed like forever!
But it paid off. My Osteopath said I don’t want you to run until you have five consecutive pain free days. So that’s what I did. Then when I could run she said she wanted me to do running 1 min then walk 1 min and so forth and that’s what got be back to the start.
Still frustrating I’m not gonna lie, to have to start again but not a bad as thought.
You definitely do what’s right for you. I agree a second opinion sounds a good option 👍🏻. You want to be pain free when you are running or it will just aggravate it again.
I’m glad to hear you’re well on the mend! It’s so hard to sit and do nothing. I haven’t read back all of your posts just yet. What was the crux of the problem with your hip?
The trouble my end is that I’m constantly doing the same actions at work so although I get ample time to rest my back, I’m repeating the same actions that caused the initial pain.
My osteo has been great but I feel it’s been quite a soft approach to correcting the issue. I’m now wondering if I can go beyond simply correcting it and really look at strengthening the area/surrounding muscles to help more with prevention. Thinking that might be more of a physio’s job(?) will have to do some research.
There seems to be a lot of love for going through the motions of C25K again! Have you used a different coach to shake it up a bit?
You’re right - it could be interesting to see quite how different my mindset is this time around. We know we can do it this time! 🤩
My hip issue was straining my tensor fascia lata muscle. I basically overloaded it from running every other day, plus was tackling some really steep hills.I’ve never seen an physio but I think that sounds a good idea.
I used Sarah Millican again as I like her and to be fair there isn’t much talking. I focus on my music more 😀.
Keep us updated on what advice you get . Best wishes
I’m suffering after yesterday’s 30mins and I did lots of lugging around wine cases at work today. I’m going to stay aware of your 5 pain-free days rule and see how I get on 👍🏼
Oh my! I thought it had all gone quiet over there...to be honest, if people are not posting, I don’t like to intrude.
So sorry you’ve had a work related injury, back problems are the worst. There have been a few of us on the IC, some still not back...others have been rerunning C25k. There have been work problems, running problems...and the dreaded covid...I think you’ll find many a sympathetic ear here.
Do what feels good, get a second opinion if you’re not happy. Maybe just rerun the second part of C25k if you’re not feeling too bad.
Anyway, we’re all here for you...I’m sure you’ll soon be back on track 🐌🐢🏃🏻♀️🤞🏼
Hello Lottie! Lovely to hear from you. I will have a catch up of your feed in a while - I hope all is well your end? Looking forward to reading about your adventures.
Perhaps the wonderful Week 5 would be an appropriate starting point if I decide to hop back into the programme?! What memories..!
Well , stick the kettle on 😄 lovely to have you back 🥳I pop round your profile every once in a while to see if you’ve ‘popped in’ but as I knew your back was giving you problems I reckoned you were still on the mend 🤷🏼♀️😔
You’ve been missed .
It’s just rubbish when you get a set back and you had been progressing strongly too.
I was miserable on the IC after my calf strain and didn’t even feel like reading the forum as I felt it sort of wasn’t my world anymore ( dramatic I know but as I say I was ‘Mrs Miserable 🙄🙄)
After a couple of failed attempts at runs I definitely found my ‘sensible’ and laid off for February, then tentatively managed a couple of runs and continued to increase time/distance.
I have lost sight of a plan for 10k ( would be lying if I didn’t say it floats across my mind occasionally 😉) but feel content to be able to run a couple of times a week and put in a 5K at least.
At the moment I’m enjoying the ‘no agenda’ freedom of doing a quick 20 minute run before dog walk, breakfast and work 🤷🏼♀️🙂
I didn’t like my injury but it certainly taught me a lot about being grateful to be able to run at all.
Take it easy, gently and lightly ☺️🙂 ...... And welcome back 🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️
That’s sweet of you to pop in on me! You lovely lot have been equally missed, though I 100% relate to the forum no longer feeling like your world.
Not dramatic at all. I’d even go as far to say I felt a twinge of guilt in switching off and not engaging with everyone in their own progress. I just couldn’t seem to muster the energy when I felt so low.
I will take your ‘no agenda’ running to inspire me to do the same. I think it’s the best way for now.
I just have to keep looking ahead and I can already tell that tonight’s post/ responses has brought me some relief and focus.
Welcome back CC, i remember your posts really stood out when i first joined the forum, so descriptive and detailed!!! Really hope you can get back running, but be carefull with that back pain, i've really slowed down a bit now, after a few niggly injuries!!!
Hello you! Thanks Peter! I’ve possibly said to you before, I used to love writing about my adventures as much as I enjoyed the run itself 😊
Yesterday was tough on mind and body (and there were awful, GIANT flies everywhere!?) 🤢 But I also witnessed my first swallow sighting of the season and had a cuddle with two cheeky miniature sausage dogs en route, so a few nice positives there..!
Small things to be grateful for 💛
I hope your niggles are staying in check? Perhaps slow and steady wins the race after all 😊
Those flies! were they black with long dangling legs? I've always been terrified of them but recently I read they are called St Mark's flies as they come out in May near his saints day and they are harmless, they don't bite (phew)
I've not been able to run since 5 April due to hip pain so I read these posts to keep me going and motivate me. I am definitely planning on repeating the whole of C25k as soon as I can but I love walking too and am missing that, especially getting out into the spring woodlands at this time of year.
Yessss! 🥴🥴 They were like mini Star Trek battleships, seriously hideous, thousands of them! I was trying to breathe through my nose the entire run and my arms were karate chopping for most of it. It’s no wonder I was extra exhausted..!
Thanks for the heads up. Remind me to note St Mark’s in the calendar and to never run on his special day! 😆
Sorry to hear you’re suffering too. You’re not currently allowed to walk either? That’s extra tough. What’s your diagnosis?
The power of the forum astounds me 💛 I’ve been absent so long but I shouldn’t have been. I feel a little calmer and more focussed thanks to all the kind and helpful responses.
Ha ha, I'm laughing because I was once walking on the coast and I was engulfed in a cloud of those flies and I was sure they were after my blood! I do remember the windmilling arms to fend them off
My GP (from a distance) thinks it is trochanter pain syndrome that has several other names. I was running regularly for 30-35 minutes with no problems but I suddenly decided to up my game by doing speed intervals and then I pushed myself to almost 6k. Basically too much too soon for a 66 year old rookie runner! I can do short walks and I have some exercises to do to strengthen my hips and glutes so it is getting better slowly. I miss my long day walks with a group of walking friends.
Aww ACC, I’m sorry you’re going through such a tough time at the moment. Hopefully you’ll get a second opinion and have something positive to work toward.
As for not fancying going through C25K again, I get where you’re coming from, but it’s not a bad idea at all. As you know it’s so gentle, and surely it would give you your running fix safe in the knowledge that it’s a gradual build back up. You could even mix up walk/slow jog with jog/run depending on how your body feels.
Just food for thought, and I hope things start looking up. ❤️
Thanks for your kind message, Cheeky. That’s brilliant advice re walk/jog/run. As I wrote my post I felt dead against it but I’m coming around to the idea of somehow shaping it to make the sessions feel fresh.
I can never say no to a cup of tea! I totally understand what you're going through just now; my hip needs to be replaced so I'm just trying to keep running for as long as possible. However it's been pretty sore this week and I'm wondering how much longer I can last. As you say, it can be difficult to distinguish between "go on, just a little bit more, you can do it" and "careful, don't hurt yourself ". All I can say is take it easy & listen to your body, & check in here with us. More love here for Coach Cory ❤. Take care.
Oh my goodness PC, you poor thing! Do you have a date for the op? You’re right, rather than doing what I normally do - saying, ‘right, crack on, it’s run day’ I need to listen to my body more and play it all by ear.
I’m just so fed up. As of today, I’ve got a transfer of pain running right down both hips. Back on the couch for a bit.
At least 18 months from now, so no pressure 🤪. It's (touch wood) usually manageable at the moment but experience (had the other one done in 2007) tells me that it can go very bad very quickly, so I'm just trying to preserve it as far as possible. The surgeon is happy for me to keep running because my legs will be stronger & this will help with recovery, so I keep plugging away! I ran 5k last night & it was ok, and I've signed up for the Vitality London 10k, but I think no more 10ks for me for a while. Take a good rest on the IC - get the kettle on & I'll bring the biscuits!
You have been having a hard time, haven't you. I remember when I have had to take breaks in the past and couldn't run. It just made me feel even worse. So it's great that you're determination is helping you to get back into your running shoes. Good luck and take it slow and steady.
Thanks lifluf. It does indeed feel rubbish, especially because it’s not just exercise to me - I love every element of running and I was enjoying making progress.
That said, I just keep trying to remind myself (and cross my fingers) that my determined nature/mojo will see me through!
I hope you’re back on track? Happy running to you 💛
Yes, thanks, I've got back on track two or three times now over the years. It can be done. You need to be patient and you'll get there- I'm not as fast as I used to be but I can run further (on a good day). I do understand how you feel. Running is not just an exercise is it?
I’m so sorry to hear of your troubles. We think we’re rolling along fine then life throws us an injury doozy! I did the Mo run as well a while back and really enjoyed listening to him. I hope you recover and you get back to doing what you really enjoy. 😊
So sorry to hear about your back injury. Thinking of you. I have been on the injury couch for 10 weeks with plantar fasciitis and having physio. I was up to running 10 miles but have now had to restart C25K as lost fitness. I tried to run to see how far I could and burnt out after 10 mins. So back to the plan. I changed coach and although it’s frustrating to start over it’s exciting to be back. I know I can do it because I’m a runner, just out of practice lol. You got this 💐
10 miles Catho! That’s incredible! 🤩That must be particularly hard to come back from. What is PF in a nutshell? Are you feeling 100% again?
I suppose choosing a different coach would help C25K feel fresh again. I guess part of me is reluctant to redo it because it feels like being back at square one.
That said, I feel a huge sense of relief after reaching out to the forum, knowing I’m not alone with my problems. Sadly injury is part of the game and we’ve just got to plod on, hopefully coming out stronger the other side 💗
Very best of luck with round 2! Where are you at in the programme? Keep me posted with your progress 🙂
Hi CC, thanks. Was chuffed at 10 miles. I initially had a 3 week break for asthma flare up/chest infection when the snow hit. When I went back to running 5-10K I started to get pains in my left foot. Normally after a long dog walk but also after runs. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a part of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes. It’s painful and inflamed for me after exercise and when first weight bearing. It’s like a muscle stretching or tearing sensation when flared up. It’s not 100% yet but I’ve been doing my stretching exercises and now have orthotics in my shoes which provides great relief. I’ve also started to run again with the supports and I’m aware of it but it’s more of a niggle now. I’m not sure if it was because of my break from running, or one of those things. Still I’m getting there.I’m back on week 1, just done run 2 with Jo Wiley. I started with Michael so nice changing it up. I was going to try my own thing, I managed 1K 8 mins the other day but burnt out. Then I thought I know a plan that works lol. It’s interesting starting over, but I feel maybe my muscles need to gradually build up again slowly.
I’ll keep you posted. Really just enjoying getting back to a routine and running again, albeit briefly right now.
You do what works for you, this forum is so supportive. And as you say, injury couch not an uncommon problem. I’ve seen a few who graduated at the same time in a similar position right now. The key thing to remember is you are a runner! But listen to your body, take it one step at a time. You know you can run, when your injury allows you’ll find your feet again. Take care x
Gosh, you have been through the ringer haven’t you? As if a chest infection wasn’t bad enough for a runner..?!
I had Jo first time around - loved her. She’s one of my favourite DJs so was a natural choice. Michael would definitely be my second choice!
My 30 min session was too much this week.. Ive only just about recovered! I’m going to follow Indielass’ advice and now aim to have 5 consecutive pain-free days before I attempt anything again.
Will look forward to hearing about your progress with round 2. I’m sure it will inspire me, fellow runner ☺️ (and thank you for the reminder that I am one, it made me smile!) 🥰🙌🏼
Nice to see a post from you CC.Sorry to hear about you back trouble on top of the hip. That must be really frustrating, but it wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion I guess.
It's hard isn't it to find that fine line between pushing on a bit and being silly/reckless. For my first couple of runs back I did some jog/walk intervals - just to test the lie of the land.
Take it nice and steady, whatever way you decide to go - I hope you are back on track soon
How long were you on the IC? That’s great you’re back on track now 🙂
That line is a wiley beast.. I’ve had a difficult day pain-wise so I obviously overstepped the mark the other day 🤦🏼♀️😪 Officially back to the IC and hopefully a physio visit early next week..
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