Worried about taking a rest

[Saz17103]

Completed C25k back in May. I picked up a Injury whilst doing this. Not sure how or when exactly but noticed when I was doing strength and flexibility my ankle was a little painful in one of the stretches. No pain at all whilst walking. Or running. It gradually got worse over the weeks but not really that painful. I think as I have carried on running and increased the length of my 3 runs a week it has got worse. ( I also play netball once a week)

Have been told by the doctor I have damaged the soft tissue in my ankle and no sport for 2 weeks. Have had a brake from netball for a week and cut down to once a week running. Just really worried about loosing all the effort I’ve put in and if I stop I’ll be back at week 1 again. Not asking for any medical advice. Has anybody else had similar experiences? And how long and how to get going again. Even managed a 8k in 53mins last Saturday. As well as ankle pain I also have pain running up my shin. Wondering if this is related to the ankle or a separate injury. I like to think I’m quite healthy I’m 38 and active everyday with having a dog and 3 children and 2 part time jobs.

I love running and it really has boosted my mental Heath.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Wow you’re doing fantastic running, netball and 2 Kobe and 3 children. Running is great for mental health, I can understand your worry about loosing fitness. However if the doctor has recommended 2 weeks rest please give it 2 weeks rest - running an 8k is in no way giving it rest😂. Think of these two weeks as investment for future runs. Keeping going risks more serious injury with an even longer recovery time. Take a proper break, your underlying fitness will still be there and you certainly won’t be back to c25k week. Happy resting 🤗

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

It’s great that you are loving your running ( and I also find it has a huge impact on my mental well-being) but I agree with Grannyhugs - take the rest. 🙏 Two weeks is nothing and it may make all the difference between this niggle settling or turning into something more long- lasting. It will also hopefully allow your shin to settle.

Learning to rest up when we need to is very much a part of the running journey. Good luck and I hope you are back out there soon.👍🙂

[Instructor57 Graduate10]

Do take the 2 weeks break ! You will not loose any significant fitness in the first 2 weeks and even then, it will be gradual .

But running on it could cause you more trouble resulting in even longer time off

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

It sounds like you are a busy bee. I wonder if you’ve done too much too soon? Did you consolidate by running 30 minutes 3 times for 3 weeks to get your body used to the running? Did you then increase your distance by only 10% a week? Another thing may be your shoes aren’t quite right now that you are increasing distance . So, if you haven’t already, once your ankle is better I’d recommend going to a specialist running shop for a gait analysis to see if you need a more or less supportive shoe. But definitely quit running until it’s better.

I too have weak ankles and one exercise I was given was to stand on one leg for a minute. Once you can do it without wobbling , try it with your eyes closed.

Don’t worry about losing your running fitness, it’s amazing how it comes back.

[Saz17103 Graduate10]

That is reassuring. Will take the rest. Thank you everyone.

[sparky66 Graduate10]

Take the rest, I know how frustrating it can be from experience, try focusing on strength training, some weights, walking, swimming, yoga,ect..this will keep up your fitness and your positivity 😊

[Ian5K Graduate10]

What is meant by “no sport”?

I’m sure it doesn’t mean no exercise. You can keep your fitness stable by non-impact workouts, maybe specifically for runners. Ask the doc again (probably by phone) if walking is okay. I’m sure it is, and do some serious walking.

I’ve looked recently at the Qigong foot (and leg) self massaging routines and it’s said to aid and speed healing. It looks pretty good. 🙂

[Saz17103 Graduate10 in reply to Ian5K]

Have been doing the nhs strength and flexibility and still walk the dog. Thanks. I can’t do nothing it walk drive me crazy.