Injured but not dead. I'll be back (W5)

[Cushion]

I was so happy that I'd made it through W5R2 but my lower back wasn't sharing the enthusiasm. Went to an osteopath who confirmed that it was out of whack (my words not his). By the way, after seeing the osteopath I was sore, tired, headachy and, to my surprise, sad for a few days. Got another appointment tomorrow and hopeful that I'll be back to running soon after. But it means that I'll never know if I could have gone all the way through the program non-stop so I'm feeling somewhat cheated. And just when I was about to go for the big 20 mins!! Hopefully it will just be a one or two week delay. Was so amazed at my progress and would hate to be forced to give up (wow, did I really just admit to 'enjoying' running?!). I'm now envious when I read the posts from those on the same week as me go forward but I'm pleased for them - and it will give me an extra push to catch them up! Wondering though at what stage of the C25K programme to start with again.

[JennyH10 Graduate]

Argh how frustrating, Cushion!

I'm about to undergo a period of enforced rest after a calf injury so I know how you feel. Like you this is the first time I've really enjoyed running, I NEVER thought I'd say that! Anyway let's rest up and come back better than ever when we're ready

[Shozhava]

Try to stay positive. Don't rush back to it before you're properly healed otherwise you may risk further injury. Ease back into it.

[runswithdogs Graduate]

A couple weeks off won't set you back much at all. If you're only out a short time try picking up where you left off. If that's too much go back a week and try again. In the meantime are there other exercises you can do? Weights? Cycling? Yoga? Cross training is great.

[Paul46-ipswich Graduate]

Cushion don't worry, who cares if you had a hiccup? You shouldn't, just be proud of how far you've come. You may well find a week away from running and you go back to blast that 20 minutes easily, remember real runners taper towards the end of training and reduce to almost no running before running marathons. Resting your body every so often is a good thing, as long as you get back out there. Good luck, oh and as a long time lower back pain sufferer since week 5 my pain has gone. 😁

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

It's not a race, so you'll get there eventually, and the achievement will be the same. I sympathise as I have back problems too...are yuo doing something to strenghthen your core muscles? That will help protect your back.