Well. That's thrown a spanner in the works.

[Minxygirl]

Week 5 run 3. It started out as a weird run. My music didn't stop so I missed the cue to start running, and had to start it again, so I had just over 10 mins warm up. At the halfway point of the 20 minute run, my music decided to stop playing, so I had no music for the last 10 mins. But I did it! 20 mins without stopping! I was so happy. I was near my mums, so though I'll walk back there... stepped down a curb, and owwww!!!

Something has happened to my knee. I didn't twist it or bash it. But I couldn't walk. Like, at all. My mum had to drive 150 yards down the road to get me. Spend 3 hours in A&E to be told it's soft tissue damage.

The worst of it is, I can't run for 3 weeks I have no idea how much this is going to set me back, but I'm really, really upset. It's become part of me. I know I have to rest and get better, but I can't bear the idea of going so long without running. I was 4 weeks away from completing this thing.

Seriously hacked off

[Minimaxi Graduate]

So sorry about your knee! I know how frustrating it is to have to sit still and recover. Happened to me on week 3.

But you already know that you did it once, you can do it again! There are always going to be times when you won't be able to run but if you get back to it, that's all that matters! You are a runner now and a few weeks off won't change that if you don't let it!

Get well soon!

[Carolinemcd Graduate]

Oh no!! Wishing you a good recovery. I bet you're annoyed but you'll be in a good place to set off when you return

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Horrid, but thank goodness it was no worse! And, showing the importance of having your phone with you, in case of problems!

It is really upsetting when you want to run, and when you are so close... but you will do this.

I know when I broke my ribs last October ( having done it previously I knew the score.. and the time frame for healing!).. I was really upset! I was able to use my cross trainer ( with no resistance) to keep me from stiffening up, no impact...but a knee.. that is different. Rest up and do as instructed..

Plan some new routes, do upper-body exercises, yoga..Pilates, ( on the mat) ,practice breathing techniques...but most of all heal soon...

PS

I healed much faster with my broken ribs this time round,, than when I was in my 20s.. I think that was down to C25K..hopefully it will be the same for you x

[Rignold]

That is frustrating. And sounds most uncomfortable.

MM has hit the nail on the head though - time on the Injury Couch is part and parcel of being a runner, and can often be down to non-running related injuries/unwellnesses. Once you are a runner though, it is only a temporry setback.

Apropos of which, how much will it set you back? that varies. It will probably be prduent to go back a week when you resume just to ease back in and see how you get on. You won't have lost all your Gainz though, and you will still get to the end of the programme. To paraphrase Eric Thomas: 'So what if it takes you 9 weeks and it takes me 12? Who cares? There's no date on your graduation badge.'

Also, just because you can't run doesn't mean you have to be completely inactive. Do more resistance training and/or focus on accessory work and mobility exercises. Use this non running time to your advantage. It's only a setback if you let it be.