Still not running

[BettyJane]

I've not run for over 5 weeks now. Due to a sore back and sciatica which sends glute muscles into spasm.

I've had an X-ray, which revielled Spondylosis (osteo-arthritis) in 3 vertibrae spaces. I've seen the physio, who has confirmed that the stretches I'm doing are good and added a few new ones. At Friday's physio session I also had accupuncture, which has made a difference, I'm still achy but movement is easier. I asked when I'd be able to start running again and was told not for at least another 2 weeks.

I've been looking at all the posts and there's a lot of new Parkrunners, well done everyone. I volunteered at my local Parkrun last week, it was good to see everyone running, I was amazed that the first finisher was barefoot

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Hi BettyJane sorry to hear you are still suffering, I too get sciatica it left me in terrible pain and crippled for 6 weeks and over 3 months off my running. That was when I did C25K all over again when I did get back to it. Don't try and rush it but if your pain was anything like mine you won't be inclined to over do any sort of exercise. I've had acupuncture in the past and its really good, 3 sessions of it over 3 weeks and I was as good as new, it wasn't however for the sciatica but another ailment, this old body creeks and groans away sometimes Take care and keep in touch.

[BettyJane Graduate in reply to Oldgirl]

Thanks. Although I'm getting better and can move a bit easier, the pain is always there, which is very wearing. I was taking co-codemol, but it's side effects were not pleasant.

[dottiemay Graduate]

Well, it's good to hear that the exercises and acupuncture are having some effect. Don't be tempted to rush back into running, it will still be here when you're fully fit. At least by volunteering you're staying in touch, albeit vicariously!

Barefoot running??? Just showing off, if you ask me......

[BettyJane Graduate in reply to dottiemay]

I know I'm not yet up to running, but can't wait to be fit enough.

The Barefoot runner was only about 17 years old, and ran it in under 18 mins.

[Oldgirl Graduate in reply to BettyJane]

I tried Barefoot running shoes, took over 2 months to get myself used to them. Took them on holiday as they weighed less and took up less room in the suitcase. About 6 runs later had injury which stopped my gallop. Ended up with costly bill for physio, no running for 4 weeks and a pair of shoes (which I loved) sitting in the back of the cupboard. Physio's advice was if you are new to running, try them, if you've been running for a while with no problems with the type of shoe you wear don't waste your money buying them.

[greenlegs Graduate in reply to Oldgirl]

It sounds as though this runner was actually barefoot though - no shoes at all! 18 minutes... Whoooooosh!

[Beads Graduate in reply to greenlegs]

Not at our parkrun, too many rocks, stones, brambles, tree roots, unless you have cast iron feet of course. On nice springy grass, yes!

[Anniemurph Graduate]

hi BettyJane, sorry to hear that you have been suffering like this I hope that you can start again in a couple of weeks, although I guess slow and steady will be the instructions. What a good idea to volunteer at your local ParkRun just to keep you hand (feet? ) in. Fingers crossed for your swift recovery.

[BettyJane Graduate in reply to Anniemurph]

Thanks, I think I'll probably start all over from week 1 run 1, when I'm able. Seems that's the sensible slow way back.

[DeliaItaly Graduate]

I'm so sorry BettyJane. Focus on getting better. The street's will still be here. This is not a race. Thinking of you, delia xox