Sudden bad back - at what level should I restart

[melmothx]

Hi,

I've just run W7R1 - no problems but next my back went! Can hardly move. It gets better very quickly though. My question is if I have a break of, say, 3 days should carry on with W7R2? Or go back? I really don't want to go back and feel very much like forging on but also want to follow the guidelines. Any thoughts?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

I do not think that you should go back but hopefully your back won't keep doing what it does, if it keeps doing that every time you run I think you should get professional medical help

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

As stated in the guide to the plan, healthunlocked.com/couchto5... you lose no significant condition in the first two weeks of non running.

After that loss of condition is gradual.

All any of us can do after a lay off is to go out and see what we can comfortably manage, then build back up gently, using C25k or something similar as a guide to weekly increase.

[Instructor57 Graduate]

3 days would not be a problem but do be sure your back is ok !

[melmothx]

Thanks to all - I've had the occasional bad back for the last 50 years so am not overly put out by it! And AlMorr thanks for your thought but it doesn't happen every time I run - that would truly make running out of the question. It happens about once every 6 months or so. I'll start again as soon as it doesn't hurt which will quite likely be tomorrow - it's strange actually how running can actually cure my back pain if it's only slight. Maybe it's something to do with pain pain often being connected with stress.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to melmothx]

Good core strength helps prevention of back pain in many runners. Planks and bridges will soon build up the supporting musculature and it worked for me after I developed lower back pain when I increased my running distances.

With a pre existing condition it might be wise to consult your doctor before embarking on that route though.

[melmothx in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I see your point. But as I've it for so long and done all sorts of physical exercise in between attacks (half marathons, long distance walking) I'll see what happens with a run or two. In the longer term my wife wants me to go to a McTimoney practitioner about the back and I'll do that. And in the meantime I'll have a look at those planks and bridges. Again thanks, much appreciated.

[Yesletsgo Graduate]

Just a word about planks, they are very tough on the knees, my physio warned me not to do them. It might be different if you’re young and strong but last time I tried doing them the planks were no problem but I ended up with such pain I had to have a couple of months physio to completely sort it out.

[Frenc Graduate]

Hello melmothx! Sorry to hear about your back. I used to get low back pain at about week 7 when I was doing the program. It’s really annoying! I put it down to adaptation as I don’t get it any more. Anyway, assuming your back’s all tickedy boo, I’d say you can keep going, but do keep an eye 👁 on it. All the best! 😊👍🦶👟

[melmothx in reply to Frenc]

Cheers Frenc - your interest much appreciated. It's much better but I'll wait until Saturday and then get back on the road. Funny how addictive this running lark gets, can't wait to be out there again!