Had not run since last week Wednesday because my sciatic nerve had a flare up of some sort. Had it before and don't know if it is an inflammation or if it is stuck between vertebra, but it is painful. So could not run.
I waited an extra 2 days to run when the nerve was a bit kinder, though I did go for a walk. But I soooo missed running! Still find that weird to say, but I love running so much!
Anyhow, couldn't keep myself anymore today and went out for a gentle 5K. My plan to get to 10 miles this week has been postponed with a few weeks. So a gentle 5K it was going to be, to test the waters.
Chilly weather so long thights and a long sleeved (but thin) shirt. Verrry cloudy with enough wind to be a tad annoying and hardly anyone outdoors.
I ran slowly, started off niko niko kind of way to gently speed up during the run. Was awarded with negative splits (9:42 - 9:12 - 8:57 - 8:39 - 8:31) and ended my 5K at 45:02.
The sciatic nerve did give a niggle regularly like a little brat, but did not bother too much so I could finish the run. Wanted to go further, but stopped wisely at 5K. Now I'll just have to see how the nerve will act later today and tomorrow. Fingers crossed that I can run again in 2 days!
I did not know that before this week. I have actually crawled around on crutches 1,5 year ago when I first had it. Refused to move as it hurt so bad and even without moving it hurt.
But now I did go for a short walk when it was on its worst. At first I could hardly get one foot before the other. But after a while I felt it getting better. I did do 2 longer and less calm walks after that (a day or 2 afterwards) after which I felt those walks were a bit too much still. But it stayed at a niggle.
Thanks for the tip of the walking, going to keep it in mind for when it is bad again.
I had a week of rest (meaning no running) and could crawl on the walls by the end! Got this week off work (sciatic started last week and have this week off), but I sooo missed running. If I go even longer without running, I think I have to go to the psychic ward 😹
I know those sciatic niggles well 😡Well done for stopping when you'd planned I know from experience hope easy it is to carry on and do to much. I hope it settles back down again.
Thanks, it is much much better than a few days ago. I do know though that running can worsen it. So was a bit nervous about it. Still waiting to see how it evolves. If I don't feel anything worse than a niggle tomorrow, I'll be in the all clear I think.
Well done on your 5km, Evy. Your sciatica nerve pain sounds like such a beast. I’m so sorry to hear about it. But good that you got out - I’m sure it did you a world of good.
I can understand that feeling of wanting to get going but…having to hold back.
Yes, having to hold back is a bitch. Honestly could never imagine I would miss running, but look! I hope I can do another 5K on Friday and then maybe a 10K on Sunday. Fingers crossed!
It is so annoying when the naughty children niggles come along for the ride. But well done Evy. I believe keeping moving with sciatica is helpful, so well done. Keep an eye on it though! Be gentle to yourself 😊.
Just as Doris8 mentioned, I found out that a gentle and slow walk can help. Running in general is not too good for it. At least I have had 2 times that it started as a niggle and after a run became a full fledged pain in the.... . But it seems that it had calmed down enough to allow a run this time.
So far no additional pains, so fingers crossed that it is more or less going away again ☺
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