The First Hurdle

[HelenkaZ]

Week 1 – 3: Tough but doable. Just.

And i was still standing and feeling a bit chuffed with myself. maybe that was the mistake.

Week 4 run 2: Ah. Run 1 a toughy and quite a sore ankle afterwards. Took five days off and had other commitments that ruled running out anyway. Pain much better and mobility improved. Run 2 : Managed the first three minute run (fine – no problems) , the walking break and the five minute run (again a bit sore but doable) , but after the rest and about another 30 second run really started to feel uncomfortable and didn’t think pushing it would be a good idea especially as I was near the park exit. If I had gone on it would have become very painful and I might then have had to limp the whole, longest way back across the park back home and do more unnecessary strain.

Sore and stiff again this morning , so probably need a bit more rest. The walk into work this morning didn’t help, much slower than usual and also had additional distance. So new plan of action after seeing some stories on this site:

•Really peed that I won’t be able to do this programme from the outset due to injury but just got to be a grown up about it (*gets up of floor after having a minor tantrum*)

•Suck it up, and be a bit patient, going to continue to strap up for another week and do some movement exercises.

•Maybe an hour walk to work also a bit much than I need to do as well, so going to cycle in for the rest of the week (done a bit of research and that should help with rehab as while it’s still a bit movement which is a good thing; it lacks the damaging impact). New padded cycle seat just arrived this morning so need to try it out anyway

•Not going to do a run this week no matter how tempted (can’t really believe that I am actually being tempted rather than trying to make up excuses not to do it - very bizarre)

•Have a couple of days on the ibuprofen to keep any of the swelling down while all of the above.

Any other tips, encouragement, ideas?

[telford_mike Graduate]

Hi Helen,

Your experience is not unusual unfortunately - niggling injuries are pretty common. You're doing exactly the right thing - rest, and try to find a less demanding form of exercise for a few days. The good news is that most of this stuff clears up after a few days, but in the meantime yes, you have to suck it up, buttercup!

Here's hoping for a speedy recovery and a return to running soon 😀👍

[Goforitmama Graduate]

Sorry to hear you are feeling sore. You were doing so well too. I suggest TLC, rest up a while. Have you had a gait test and invested in some good shoes that are just right for the way you run? They can make a huge difference.

If you can’t get back to running for a while perhaps try to maintain your fitness level by riding a bike or swimming? Good luck, I’m looking forward to reading your ‘I’m back running’ post on here.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Slow, slower and slower still.... and... make sure you are upping your stamina and core strength exercise on some of your rest days now.

Also..loads of exercises you can do without impacting that ankle

Never run through pain...wait until it is properly healed.

[HelenkaZ Graduate]

Thanks all - that makes me feel a lot better. Cycling has definitely helped giving the ankle more rest than it would normally have done. Trouble is, the thighs aren't so keen now :o) . Going to get a gait analysis and spend the additional money on trainers rather than the planned bra as a better priority and pick up again in a few weeks. Thanks again.

[MrsT0707 Graduate]

You’re definitely doing the right thing by resting up and waiting it out, as frustrating as it must be just remember that soon you’ll be back out there and pain free. Wishing you a speedy recovery