Being injured is Sooooo frustrating

[Unclesteve2004]

It’s been a while since I last wrote that my running progress had been halted by a hamstring strain which feels some time ago. Thinking it wouldn’t take too long to repair itself was a thought I clung on to for quite some time. I tend not to think about the time frame more about when will I be ready to run again.

After several attempts to run even a portion of my normal routes it was just to painful. So a visit to the physio was called for. Plenty of manipulation and the conclusion was it wasn’t as bad as I had thought. A plan of run/walk was recommended with a series of strengthening exercises. I conclude it was more a reassurance and that it would take time, more importantly it wasn’t irreparable and I would run again. The down side of the advice was the handing over of a large wad of cash.

Roll forwards another period of time and running although painful was now possible, even if the outcome was uncomfortable. I’ve had to change my running gate and I kept my distance to maybe 3km. I can’t believe how quickly my running fitness has deserted me.

The outcome for this week (more time had passed) is three quite slow 5km runs. Not exactly hamstring pain free, but good enough to show progress has/is being made. Now the long haul to regain my previous running distances. After my experience of sprinting (which got me into this) I’ll work on distance.

I’ll be back in a few weeks time, just to see how the story goes.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Well done you on the comeback... take it really gently and ease back if it feels too much....we will watch for your posts... at the moment, certainly here, the short runs are pleasanter... very hot !

[Unclesteve2004 in reply to Oldfloss]

Hi Oldfloss, thank you for reading my missive and your advice.

Yes, it’s slowly does it for me. Part of my running especially in this hot weather is jog and chat. Rinse and repeat. I meet various people on my different jogging routes, in a city where no one talks to each other it’s fun randomly chatting. Thinking back it was the Australian gentleman, Anthony on the park rubbish collection bike and the lady waiting in the park before her dental appointment.

I paused as I met each person which gave me a break in this super hot weather. I even found a new cold water tap in the park. Thanks Anthony.

So my jogging is as much an adventure as it is a run. Whilst I am recovering each jog is just another adventure.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Unclesteve2004]

Running adventures are super.. and the opportunity to chat and pause, is often not only welcome, but so pleasant. The folk we meet, colour our running with life... and create memories which keep us going in struggling times .

Well done you!

[BlackCountryLee]

I had terrible hamstring issues back end of last year and put me out for a good two months. Ended up doing C25K over. A colleague of mine who is well read on all things fitness recommended a foam roller. I do a minute on each hamstring after each run, before stretching, and then if I feel any soreness in the evening I do another short session concentrating on the sore spots. Touch wood I’ve had zero issues since. I’m sure I’m telling you stuff you already know but if you haven’t tried it give it a go. You can get the rollers on Amazon for around £12. Good luck with the continued recovery!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

I’m absolute with you there. I’ve posted a fair bit about my IT band injury which happened in April. It’s hard not being able to run in the way you want and I’m sending masses of sympathy to you.

It sounds like you’ve done all the right things. I’m also paying privately for physio-it’s been absolutely worth it but as you say, a bit of a pain in the pocket! Getting stronger will have a brilliant impact on your running long term.

Really glad your running is starting to progress again. That fitness will come back. It’s really hard at the moment because of the heat which won’t help (assuming you’re outdoors). I’m guessing your physio gave you guidance on how much pain was ok and for how long? That was one of the most helpful things I got from mine-reassurance that a certain level for a certain part of my run wasn’t causing damage and above that, stop. Runners without this personalised, professional advice shouldn’t run through pain.

Those three 5kms are a great step forward. It’s sometimes difficult to see if like that if you’re comparing with how it was before. That was my experience-I’d gone from a half marathon to running for fifteen minutes. I found it helpful to compare with when the injury happened, and later with the early days of running again. After one of my post injury runs, my knee flared and I had to limp home horribly down a trail path. The other day I ran down it. Those moments are worth holding on to.

Really good luck to you with your recovery. Post when you’re ready-we’re all wishing you well. ❤️