Ugh...

[Shan93]

I've been on and off here with posting, however I do like to keep up with posts from other people, and seeing how everybody has been getting on.

I started this program with the best of intentions of being able to complete it in a reasonable amount of time - if I needed to repeat weeks, that would have been fine. However, what I didn't factor in was getting sick (although, this was probably misguided as I started in February, so a cold was bound to happen at some point!) and getting injured! As of last Monday, I haven't been able to get out once (sigh).

I was on W7R2, so my third 25 minute jog. I had been coping well with the jump up to 25 minutes, so completed the run without too much heartache, but became very aware of a pain in my left bum cheek (ooh-er) and down into my hip area. That was fine, but then when I started walking at the end of the run, my lower back and down into my leg started aching! I managed to get home okay, but since then, I've been hobbling about like a lunatic, barely able to walk, let alone jog. It's a bit heartbreaking! Hopefully, this will ease out soon and I'll be able to pick back up again.

I'll finish this plan yet!

[DawnRun]

Hi Shan93, sorry you got a problem in week 7, I'm a newbie, but I was reading about IT Band Syndrome, which is one of the common injuries, which requires rest, I'm sure an experienced runner will tell you more though. I go on an exercise bike to make sure I'm using other muscles and not just the running ones. Works for me... so far.. Good luck, you are nearly at week 9

[Shan93 in reply to DawnRun]

Hiya!

I'm not 100% sure what exactly is wrong with me, but I've been trying to rest it anyways to ease it out, so hopefully not too much longer!

Yeah, I usually try to keep active on rest days as well, just out with my dog - so she's taking me not being able to walk pretty hard as well haha

How are you getting on with your running?

[DawnRun in reply to Shan93]

OK, It gets easier and more enjoyable!

[Hidden]

Hi Shan93 could it be sciatica ? It could be then radiates down towards leg. Perhaps some physio and rest may be helpful. Hope you get better soon and happy running !😄😄

[Shan93 in reply to Hidden]

I've never really had anything like this before, so talking to people, they've said that's what it sounds like from their own experience, so I've been using heat pads and ibuprofen gel on and off, the problem is, the pain doesn't seem to be in any one place 😂

Thank you so much!

[runlikeagirl Graduate]

Could be your hamstring. If so take please care. A few years back I pulled a hamstring. The pain was in the buttock so the pull was at the top end. Later the same day I had to sprint across a road to avoid a car and the hamstring ripped. Took a long time to heal!

[Shan93 in reply to runlikeagirl]

Oh wow, I hope it's nothing that serious!

Jeez that sounds like a rough time! All good now though?

I've just noticed that graduate badge, congratulations! ☺

[Lavender1962 Graduate]

Possibly Piriformis. Runners sometimes get this. A physio would be able to tell you. I had similar pain and rolled butt cheek, where it hurt on a tennis ball and did a specific stretch for Piriformis and my pain was gone. Now I use a foam roller and sometimes tennis ball after most runs.

[Shan93 in reply to Lavender1962]

Ooh, nice tip! I might try that with the tennis ball, and see how I go!

Thanks

[Bonkersbrit Graduate]

I had something that sounds almost identical only last week. I posted on here and the advice came flooding in. Two main things I'd say. Heat and periformis stretch. I have an electric heat pad at home and make a point of sitting on that for an hour after each run, after the stretches I do. Also on rest days ( it feels nice and can be done whilst watching tv etc, so not really a chore). Apparently if your periformis muscle ( deep in your bum) gets tight it can affect the sciatic nerve, causing our symptoms. The best stretch I've found is to lie on back, good leg bent, foot of problem leg on knee of other leg, you can lift good leg, holding under thigh with interlaced fingers and the secret final instruction I only learned this week, if you don't feel the stretch in your buttock at that point, move the good knee very slowly away from problem side until you feel it.

Within days, I felt immeasurably better and although I will be keeeping a close eye on it, it is no longer affecting my progress.

Hope this helps. Good luck, and don't feel guilty if you need to take a few extra rest days while you get this under control. 👍🏼👍🏼🐢🏃🏼‍♀️

[Shan93 in reply to Bonkersbrit]

Thank you so much, I'll definitely give that a try