Return from injury - a good news story

[LauraLiz]

Sorry this is going to be a bit of a long one! Some of you might remember me, I started C25K in early May and powered on, with the support of this forum, until having to quit in June half way through W8R3 - so close!

I had pretty bad hip pain which turned out to be tendinitis. So, I didn't stop, the running experience had improved my outlook so much I was determined to keep up the attitude and joined a gym. I've been having physio - she says the problem is that I had no glutes. She thought it quite funny it seems that I'd been trying to run with zero glutes and ordered, yes you've guessed it, lots and lots of squats.

I swam up to a mile several times a week and started yoga (Power yoga no less) and Pilates and with the physio as well got to a place where I could try and run again. By the time I was given the all clear for a 'little run', I was fitter than I have ever been in my whole life, prior to starting C25K I wouldn't even run for a bus! I now have muscles I've never had before (or at least not noticeably) and my stamina is hugely improved.

Getting to the point, I got onto the treadmill at the gym (too dark for me to run outside these days) and have gradually and slowly built up to 30 mins and yesterday I managed my fourth 5K (not, I hasten to add, in 30 mins by a long shot!) with no hip pain.

So while technically I'm not a graduate as I went off programme at the end, I could never ever EVER have managed this without C25K and this forum as it gave me the structure and support I needed to get running and to get so far before the injury manifested.

I'm being careful to avoid another injury but wanted to share my experience to encourage new runners and those facing injury and also to thank everyone so, so much for the support when I started. It's early days but the plan is to consolidate on what I've achieved so far.

Look forward to the next challenge and I'm going to stay on the forum now, I've been watching from the sidelines but was a bit too fearful to post - didn't want to jinx myself

[misswobble Graduate]

Oh well done! Yep we need strong calves, glutes, core etc so well done to you for taking steps to get fit.

World’s your oyster now ! 😃🏃‍♀️👍✔️ Have fun 🙂

[LauraLiz in reply to misswobble]

Thanks so much! I was most shocked when I put my boots on recently, not worn since last winter, to find them now too tight on the calves!

[Hidden]

Great stuff - well done, and welcome back.

[linda9389 Graduate]

Brilliant job! well done. That's a definite graduation, and in style! I currently have a bad hip Since starting C25K I've injured one knee, then the other thigh, and now the hip on the first side. No problem with sore glutes tho. Hmmm, maybe I don't have any glutes to be sore ...

Out of interest, how long did you have to stay off running til your hip was up to it again?

[LauraLiz in reply to linda9389]

Oh no! Sounds like you’re in the wars! I think it was basically 4 months with no running at all, then a gradual reintroduction in October. It was frustrating and I thought at times I’d never get there. I do hope your injuries recover safely 👍

[linda9389 Graduate]

Oh my! 4 months off? You've done a great job getting to 5K so quickly after such a long break. My problem is as soon as something clears up, I'm so excited to get back out there that I just keep going until something else breaks I do try a gradual re-introduction but obviously I'm not very good at it. Hey ho. Can't see me being patient enough to wait 4 months, but I might just introduce some squats into my daily life Enjoy your super fit running, and stay injury free

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Well I'd say you're a graduate - well done! I graduated over two years ago now but also succumbed to injury at week 8 the 'first time round'. Like you I was out for a while but came back stronger than ever and am still running two years down the line! Welcome back and good luck with your running - a really inspiring story!☺

[LauraLiz in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks so much! I hope I’m still going strong 2 years from now. That’s certainly the aim

[Polly2810 Graduate]

Good for you! Sounds like you have been very sensible.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Great post and not long at all...have you ever read any of mine !!!

Well done you!