Hi everyone, just after a bit of advice please. I'm doing this couch to 5k with a herniated disc and as such I can only run on grass. Part of my route is on road and it's too much on my back/hip. I've had issues for yrs so I'm well up on my back knowledge and have a very good surgeon that tells me what I should and def shouldn't do!
1st thing, has anyone made it to the 5k with an injury like this? And 2nd does anyone have advice on good supportive waterproof trainers for grass?!
Thanks 😊
Hi. I have Degenerative disc disease (DDD) I took up running again three years ago, but at the end of 2019 I was diagnosed with cancer so had to stop. Hence the reason I am now doing C25K again. Like you I found trail running better for my back than road running. Personally I wear Brook trail trainers (other brands are available lol). It pays go get a good pair half a size bigger than your normal shoe size. A good pair of trainers will last you if looked after. I find the fun of trail running is to pick different areas to go running, it make the run easier and more enjoyable. If you find you need to run on road for a while drop your pace and try not to bounce and land mid foot not on your heel so the impact is spread along the foot.
A forefoot landing is better than a heel landing, regardless of the surface. You get less of a jolt up through the bones.
Thank you for your reply and advice, I'm just about to do some Web surfing for the brand you've mentioned. Good luck with everything, I hope you are on the road to recovery and you have/are kicking the cancer's a*s!
Hi yes I am thank you it will take more than that to keep me down 🙂. Try company called Runners needs that do have some flash sales on from time to time. I’ve edited my post the brand is Brooks not Brocks as autocorrect said lol enjoy your running xx
Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.
This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.
There is a link in the guide to a post about shoes which may help. Trail shoes are predominantly neutral so do not require a gait analysis, but generally they have less support and cushioning than road shoes. My default shoe for mixed surfaces is a road shoe , unless it is particularly muddy or slippery.
Don't worry about hitting 5k during the plan, only a small proportion of graduates achieve this.
Enjoy your journey.
I couldn't give advice on the disc issue other than what you are already doing .
But I have recently bought my first pair of trail shoes .
I know there are many names to choose from but the ones I got are Saucony, this model has a gortex upper and they say ( I can't confirm or deny yet) that they are guaranteed waterproof !
Time will tell 😁
Thank you, I'll look into this brand too. Hope yours do what they say on the box!!
Haha me too . 😁
I've got DDD and had it for about 20 years with no surgery. I am on long term NSAIDs and like you was a bit sceptical about running due to shock impact on my spine. However I took the plunge and only started 3 months ago. At the same time I decided to lose some weight as in lockdown got up to 17st 2lb.
With a combination of running and diet I'm now down to 15st 4lb and feel fitter than I have done in years. I run mainly on tarmac and the odd gravel track and have cushioned Brooks shoes. I am wary of running on grass and trail / mud as if I slip I can easily slip a disc.
But so far with the cushioned shoes and almost 2 st weight loss I've had no additional problems with my back. Hope this helps.
This is great to read, thank you. I know everyone's different, but hearing you've not had any issues is reassuring.
I've tried the road running but I can't move the next day so I put an end to that! I'm also trying to shed some poundage to ease the pressure on my back, running seems to curb my appetite so fingers crossed it starts to drop off at some point.
Thanks for your reply, good luck with your journey.
Are you on any medication for your back?
I was on gabapentin a few years ago for horrific nerve pain. Side effects weren't great though so was taken off. Now rely on exercise, anti inflammatories, co-codamol and CBD Balm. And my 3yr old keeping me on my toes 😂
Loosing nearly 2 stone has really made a difference to me. I've got herniated discs L4/L5 and L5/S1. Very important to get a good pair of cushioned shoes. I've got Brooks Ghosts which are really comfortable and take a lot of the shock out👍🏃
I can’t help with your medical issue Sibtig but for shoes, I would recommend you go to a good independent running shoe shop. They can do a gait analysis to see how you move when running and then recommend shoes that will help prevent injury or hurt. You may end up buying a half or whole size larger than you normally wear which allows for your feet swelling as you run. I don’t know if there are any waterproof trainers - it would be like running in wellies! All that would happen is that water would get in but wouldn’t then be able to get out so you’d be sloshing around in it! Best to just get wet feet - they’ll dry out! I believe there may be some socks that are more waterproof but I have no experience of them. Good luck!
Thanks for your reply. Great image in my head of running round the field in my wellies! 😂 I'm after waterproof because my trainers aren't drying in time for next run and I don't want to end up with a nasty fungal issue! Good point about having my gait analysed - I'll get it booked 👍
Don’t get waterproof trainers as the water can’t get out. If they’re not drying, have two pairs on rotation. I have 3! Waterproof socks are a thing but they’re thick and probably best for winter.
WK2 R3 -Completed
Wk2 R3 - Another one down
Achy 
W1 R3 owie!!
Wk 9 / R3.... 5k done
