I am wondering how long it will take to be able to start again

[PoppetPandy]

I went out on Monday for my final run on week 2. I started to run but had to stop straight away due to the excruciating pain in my lower back; Each time my left leg hit the ground I was in agony in my lower back, travelling up my spine. I tried a couple more times but it was just to painful 😟. I spent the remainer of the time walking. I did some lower back exercises when I arrived home. The next morning I couldn’t hardly walk down the stairs.

I am wondering if I have done to much at once, going from no exercise at all - just the walking I do at work. I was away in London at the weekend and we walked for hours each day plus the C25K.

I broke my hip when I was 40 and although I haven’t had a problem with it throughout the next 9 years, I have never tried running on hard ground.

I just cannot understand it as I have read on here lots of people haven’t exercised for years and are still able to complete the C25K.

I am under strict orders from my daughter, who is a district nurse, to rest and take painkillers until I recover which she tells me is common sense and no need for medical advice.

This next question is like asking how long is a piece of string but has anyone else experienced anything similar and knows how long it takes to recover? Although one particular run was very hard I was really enjoying the challenge so I am disappointed 😔.

[Maddee_6333 Graduate]

I’d listen to your daughter, she knows of what she speaks.

I’d definitely not try to run again until it doesn’t hurt to walk. Though how long that will be, I have no clue.

I know when I had back problems (maybe a decade ago now, before I started running ) the pain specialist I saw said cycling was a good choice of exercise.

If it doesn’t start getting better, please do go and see your GP.

And when you’re ready to run again, maybe try running on some grass in the park, rather hard paths?

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Sorry about your back. Just take it easy for as long as it takes just some walking for now. You are the only person that will pick the right time to get back running when you are pain free

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

Definitely rest, but you could go and see a sports physio & see if they can help.

When you run, do you land on your heel, that could be part of the cause of this if you do.

I recommend this all the time - I saw this in W6 & it totally changed the way I run & made running a huge pleasure & not a slog. It’s a low impact style of running designed to prevent injury, so when you’re ready to return it could be a great way of getting going again. It’s a short stride, mid/front foot strike, and gentle landing (worth watching the film a few times to get all the aspects right).

Hope you’re on the mend soon.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2...(Not working as expected?)

[PoppetPandy]

Thank you all for your advice, I am still resting and I am going to wait until I’m out totally out of pain and then I will be back out there. I will take the advice and start out on grass the time.

You could be right Disco Runner about landing on my heel, I will watch the video and try that a few times.

Thanks again, I am going to stay on here to read the odd post as I find it very inspiring!

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Sorry to hear that PP, hope your back eases off soon. A sports physio might be able to help but if not, you may need to go back to your GP to see what’s going on. Good luck!