I am running a 3k fun run with a friend (honest!) on 17th May and she has developed a bad back whilst running. Help.

[Rockette1]

She has suffered quite a few injuries (She has just completed Week 7) but seemed to be OK but on Saturday she pushed through the pain and did 3k. Today she had to stop. Should she rest and maybe run again on Friday or have a week off? I need help as to what to advise her - we are meant to be running together and I am concerned as it is her back and I don't want her to permanently hurt herself. Thanks.

[misswobble Graduate]

You'll be fine on your own til she's well

[Rockette1 Graduate in reply to misswobble]

I'm trying to get her through the run on the 17th May and don't know how to - this is why I need the help. We only run together once a week, I do the other 2 on my own. I sort of need medical advice for her. Thanks for the encouragement though! x

[spoonierunning Graduate]

It's difficult to say without know what is wrong. Personally if I was in pain while running I would rest but do stretches and then start out walking and build up to running.

[Skendras Graduate]

She might have problems with her core strength. Does she do any exercises like Pilates? It could be a good idea to visit a physiotherapist and then sign up to some Pilates classes. I completed c25k last year but it took me a long time as I kept hurting myself due to poor core strength. I now do Pilates with a trained physiotherapist and I never seem to get injured anymore.

[Hidden in reply to Skendras]

Yep, I'd agree with this. I had problems with my back and after a trip to the physio I've now started Pilates on my non-run days. It's too early for me tell if it's working but it makes a nice change from pounding the streets!

[totalbeginner Graduate]

Id advise she rests a few days and repeat last week. If she's in pain she needs to get advice in person, almost impossible to advise . In first instance it prob be a gp but u could get a physio refeeal or pay privatley to be seen. I'd never run if suffering pain. Pain is your body telling you to stop.

Can u not do fun run on your own?I'm sure yoi will be fine

[totalbeginner Graduate]

I think run through the pain is bad advice. Hope she is okay

[Rockette1 Graduate]

Thanks for all the advice. She is going to get her physio to e-mail her the exercises she did last year and I am going to show her your responses. I told her not to run though the pain but brick wall etc! I don't have a problem running on my own (with Mr Springsteen in my ears!) but we are so close - oh well, she will walk it if necessary. Thanks again x

[Hidden]

I believe your friend would be wise to seek the advice of her doctor especially if she has had so many injuries. Even walking the 3K race would not be a good idea if she is still have a problem with pain, etc. Plus, in that kind of atmosphere, the temptation to try to run might be a little too much. You would be fine doing the run on your own. Good luck whichever way it goes. Best wishes.