Thank you for the article, it’s encouraging. I’m experiencing a slight injury in my gluteus. First time ever, I have never experienced that before and it not totally Debilitating. But it’s enough to, kind of, slow me down. Your article was spot on, right now everything‘s all over I’m done and I need to stop running. It’s the end of my training. My head spin wildly.
Well the article was encouraging. My body is 62
But I think I’m 22. My body doesn’t let me forget my age. Lol.
Yes! Running injuries suck, and they happen to most runners at some point. I literally decided to go to physical therapy school to help runners deal with the inevitable. Running brings such joy to my life and my goal is to help people get back to running and stay as health as they can be. I like to think of an injury as just a time to shift your focus on rehabilitation. Physical Therapy as a field needs to get better at rehabing runners, and I am trying to be that person!
GA Terrell -- I slipped on the ice and injured my right wrist 13 days ago --- between Heather and Indigo but it hasn't impacted my running. Traveling to Jacksonville on Friday to run the Donna Foundation marathon, believe we will be running in the rain, to honor my friend's daughter who died of breast cancer last August. Thanks for the support you have given us.
Oh wow, what an amazing tribute to your friend's daughter. I've actually run the Donna Half Marathon before -- it's such a fun race! Hopefully the weather will clear up for you -- when I ran it, it was a beautifully sunny morning. Very chilly! But beautiful. Have fun in Jacksonville!
I’m dealing with these same thoughts myself today. I saw a doctor and then a physical therapist about my hamstring injury and am finally facing the reality that I have to stop running for a while as I work to strengthen this muscle and let it heal properly so it doesn’t become a chronic injury that plagues me for a long time to come. But not being allowed to run so soon after discovering a passion for running is really bothering me. My psyche on this subject is a delicate thing, to be honest. Part of me worries I’ll lose this so-recently gained ability. My conditioning is already not what it was a few weeks ago because nothing conditions like running.
I’m going to try the other things the PT recommended - stationary bike, swimming - but I’d really rather be running. Perhaps I need a workout shirt with that phrase for when I’m doing these activities.
I feel that, Chris, big time. Especially when you first take up running, it's something that can make you feel alive and vital, maybe in a way you haven't felt in a long time, or ever before -- I don't blame you for not wanting to give it up! Burfoot shares several examples in his book, though, of times he came back from injuries too quickly -- and only ended up getting hurt worse. I'm sure your PT's advice is spot on.
Terrell this is exactly what I needed to read right now, as I'm battling some bronchitis — last year, I kept running through a similar illness (I felt okay! Why not run!!!) and ended up with a cough that didn't leave me for a month (and also ended up coughing so hard I sprained a rib muscle, which made running absolutely impossible). I learned a lot (and had to drop down from my plans for a 50k trail race to the Eugene Marathon) and am desperately trying to give myself some grace as I recover. It's good to remember that it's not weird that we feel bad when we can't do one of the things we like to do the most, but we have to think in the long term if we want to keep being able to do that thing.
Exactly! And I totally get why you'd think you'd be able to come back sooner rather than later -- it's so easy to convince ourselves, "I feel fine!" isn't it? I actually did the same thing recently, coughing so hard I strained a muscle in my abdomen -- it hurt for like a week! I couldn't sneeze, and it was hard to get out of bed. (Have I reached the age when I start complaining my injuries now? 😃 ) There's lots of discussion out there around active recovery, but I've always found rest is the thing that tends to work longer-term for me. But it's hard to practice patience for as long as it always seems to take, I totally get it.
I read what you wrote and in front of my desk, on a cork board, is a picture taken years ago at a Relay For Life Event of me and my wife. On my shirt were the names of 34 individuals who had died of cancer. The article stated that I was doing this for my dad and my wife's father who had died the year before from cancer. I clocked 62 miles that day. My wife still asks me if I'll ever do it again. I just respond, been there, done that, and I'm sorry to say my body would pay me back ten-fold if I ever tried it again. I now know my limits... but I can still dream.
So helpful to read, and these comments, too. I was dying to get back to running after having a baby in Dec. So I finally did, and my first run was great, but my next one I had gnarly knee pain on one side and foot pain on the other. It scared the crap out of me. I def catastrophized — I’ll never run again! It’s all over for me! What will I do!? etc — and it’s helpful to learn others do too. Just have to take it slower.
Yes!! You definitely will, Edith -- I was there once too, that exact same feeling, when I had Achilles pain many years ago. It felt like someone was sticking an ice pick through my tendon! I laid off running for an entire year -- I wasn't sure I'd ever run again, to be honest -- but when I did get all that rest, I never experienced that pain again, and I've been running for probably 20 more years since then. (Not that you'll have to lay off for a year like I did! Just that rest is gold 😃 )
Terrell, thanks for posting a springtime picture of Eugene. Much more inviting! I have 2 older runners who live here signed up for the 5K.
Looked up your heel problem in ChiRunning. . . PF starts on page 237 in the trouble-shooting section. Please take to heart what Cheryl told you about running technique. She in absolutely right! You do have some great instructors in Georgia. I can look them up if need be. The book is wonderful. . .an instructor is even better--hard to learn from a book. . .and you are so close to Asheville. Oh well. . . it is up to you.
I've been using Chi Techniques for running hills that I learned back in WA at Discovery Park. in 2015. Once hill-running came back to me, it was a real eye opener.
Started a virtual run today. . . Birds vs Bees. I only have to cover 90 miles in a 2 month span, then it's on to preparing for Eugene.
Beautiful day here. Sun is shining. 51 degrees. I'll be out in the hills and in the yard pruning trees. Take care of yourself! :)
Great article and so encouraging. Like most runners, I lose perspective on injuries both minor and not so minor, and this is a wonderful reminder to take a step back.
PF can be a lifelong struggle. Please don’t give up on possible solutions. Terrell you may remember my post here from a few weeks ago about ChiRunning. Changing your running technique to shift the workload of running to your core muscles and away from your lower legs is the key to avoiding injury. I would urge you to read up on ChiRunning - get the book, find an instructor. Rehab is needed but imo your technique needs to change. (How do I know this without seeing you run? Because most people push off instead of falling forward. That’s what causes PF and a whole lot of other injuries.!) Running does not have to end with injury. The source of the injury is the issue and usually its technique. My two cents!
I do remember your post, Cheryl -- I actually have the Chi Running book; I'm going to need to pull it down off my shelf and take a deeper dive into it now, for sure. Very interesting on the running mechanics... is it hard to correct/change?
Great! You have the book! With practice, learning ChiRunning is not difficult. It may not change your running over night but over weeks, months and years. For me, I read the book and it made so much sense. I changed my feet alignment easily after reading the first 100 pages and my knee pain disappeared! I got myself in a workshop quickly and 14 months later ran my first 50 miler. I was 51 years old. That was 15 years ago and I’ve never been injured running 40-60 miles a week except in winter when I ski 90-100 days per year.
ChiRunning is a holistic practice like yoga or meditation. You build your skills on a foundation and over time.
(I continue to teach here in Reno NV all ages and abilities. As a Master Instructor, I also teach people who want to become instructors.) I think you’re in the southeast right? There are some great instructors there. In fact, Danny Dreyer, the creator of ChiRunning lives in Asheville, NC. He’s still teaching and running well.
I hope you’ll pursue it and anyone else who took the time to read this post, consider that your technique is what will help you avoid injury, become more efficient (improve speed and endurance) and give you joy in a life long running practice.
Thank you for this post! I run scared. Scared of getting hurt -- an almost obsessive attention to the slightest tweaks or nibbles of pain. It stops me from pushing myself faster or further, but it doesn't stop me entirely. I've embraced a back-of-the-pack-and-smile attitude to make up for my seriously slow pace. I 'get to run,' and I'm grateful. It doesn't work for everyone, but it works for me. I hope you recover well and soon!
Hi Linda! Actually, slow is good! (What's that saying, "slow is smooth, and smooth is fast"?) My fellow running writer Raziq Rauf has a great post on it, where he interviews Matt Fitzgerald (the author of '80/20 Running'): https://www.runningsucks101.com/p/run-slow-80-20-training-matt-fitzgerald
Thank you T. In ‘22 I experienced PF & Dr Scholl’s PF inserts were miraculous. It helped immediately and I still wear them.
I am still recovering from runner’s knee I developed last March at a local 1/2. It has been so discouraging and have gained some weight that I lost 9 years ago when I started running. I am running a little bit not near as much as I would like.
But with encouragement like this I will get back to it. Thank you. I will be 60 next month but do not feel anywhere near that. I credit it to running and doing my best to get back to it.
Thank you for the article, it’s encouraging. I’m experiencing a slight injury in my gluteus. First time ever, I have never experienced that before and it not totally Debilitating. But it’s enough to, kind of, slow me down. Your article was spot on, right now everything‘s all over I’m done and I need to stop running. It’s the end of my training. My head spin wildly.
Well the article was encouraging. My body is 62
But I think I’m 22. My body doesn’t let me forget my age. Lol.
Heal fast and well.
Exactly! In my mind, I'm still 25... and then my body taps me on the shoulder and says, "you sure about that?" 😃
Yes! Running injuries suck, and they happen to most runners at some point. I literally decided to go to physical therapy school to help runners deal with the inevitable. Running brings such joy to my life and my goal is to help people get back to running and stay as health as they can be. I like to think of an injury as just a time to shift your focus on rehabilitation. Physical Therapy as a field needs to get better at rehabing runners, and I am trying to be that person!
No way! Are you in school now to become a physical therapist? How cool is that?
sure am!!
GA Terrell -- I slipped on the ice and injured my right wrist 13 days ago --- between Heather and Indigo but it hasn't impacted my running. Traveling to Jacksonville on Friday to run the Donna Foundation marathon, believe we will be running in the rain, to honor my friend's daughter who died of breast cancer last August. Thanks for the support you have given us.
Oh wow, what an amazing tribute to your friend's daughter. I've actually run the Donna Half Marathon before -- it's such a fun race! Hopefully the weather will clear up for you -- when I ran it, it was a beautifully sunny morning. Very chilly! But beautiful. Have fun in Jacksonville!
I’m dealing with these same thoughts myself today. I saw a doctor and then a physical therapist about my hamstring injury and am finally facing the reality that I have to stop running for a while as I work to strengthen this muscle and let it heal properly so it doesn’t become a chronic injury that plagues me for a long time to come. But not being allowed to run so soon after discovering a passion for running is really bothering me. My psyche on this subject is a delicate thing, to be honest. Part of me worries I’ll lose this so-recently gained ability. My conditioning is already not what it was a few weeks ago because nothing conditions like running.
I’m going to try the other things the PT recommended - stationary bike, swimming - but I’d really rather be running. Perhaps I need a workout shirt with that phrase for when I’m doing these activities.
I feel that, Chris, big time. Especially when you first take up running, it's something that can make you feel alive and vital, maybe in a way you haven't felt in a long time, or ever before -- I don't blame you for not wanting to give it up! Burfoot shares several examples in his book, though, of times he came back from injuries too quickly -- and only ended up getting hurt worse. I'm sure your PT's advice is spot on.
I’m listening to him. I’m sure he’s right. I’m just not happy about it. :)
Your body will relearn how to run and thank you for waiting until its healed.
Terrell this is exactly what I needed to read right now, as I'm battling some bronchitis — last year, I kept running through a similar illness (I felt okay! Why not run!!!) and ended up with a cough that didn't leave me for a month (and also ended up coughing so hard I sprained a rib muscle, which made running absolutely impossible). I learned a lot (and had to drop down from my plans for a 50k trail race to the Eugene Marathon) and am desperately trying to give myself some grace as I recover. It's good to remember that it's not weird that we feel bad when we can't do one of the things we like to do the most, but we have to think in the long term if we want to keep being able to do that thing.
Exactly! And I totally get why you'd think you'd be able to come back sooner rather than later -- it's so easy to convince ourselves, "I feel fine!" isn't it? I actually did the same thing recently, coughing so hard I strained a muscle in my abdomen -- it hurt for like a week! I couldn't sneeze, and it was hard to get out of bed. (Have I reached the age when I start complaining my injuries now? 😃 ) There's lots of discussion out there around active recovery, but I've always found rest is the thing that tends to work longer-term for me. But it's hard to practice patience for as long as it always seems to take, I totally get it.
I read what you wrote and in front of my desk, on a cork board, is a picture taken years ago at a Relay For Life Event of me and my wife. On my shirt were the names of 34 individuals who had died of cancer. The article stated that I was doing this for my dad and my wife's father who had died the year before from cancer. I clocked 62 miles that day. My wife still asks me if I'll ever do it again. I just respond, been there, done that, and I'm sorry to say my body would pay me back ten-fold if I ever tried it again. I now know my limits... but I can still dream.
Sixty-two miles! Wow, Steve, what an amazing, amazing thing to do for those 34 people -- now that's dedication!!!
Healing takes time...I'm practicing patience...one step at a time.
Great post and perspective!
Thanks, Courtney!
So helpful to read, and these comments, too. I was dying to get back to running after having a baby in Dec. So I finally did, and my first run was great, but my next one I had gnarly knee pain on one side and foot pain on the other. It scared the crap out of me. I def catastrophized — I’ll never run again! It’s all over for me! What will I do!? etc — and it’s helpful to learn others do too. Just have to take it slower.
Yes!! You definitely will, Edith -- I was there once too, that exact same feeling, when I had Achilles pain many years ago. It felt like someone was sticking an ice pick through my tendon! I laid off running for an entire year -- I wasn't sure I'd ever run again, to be honest -- but when I did get all that rest, I never experienced that pain again, and I've been running for probably 20 more years since then. (Not that you'll have to lay off for a year like I did! Just that rest is gold 😃 )
Right on target for me. I'm nursing a strained inglenol ligament. Planning to walk Eugene! See you there.
Yikes! What's the prognosis for your ligament? Walking may be where it's at! :)
This is relatable! ...plantar fasciitis and all
Thanks so much. Sabrina! I hope your plantars is better!
Terrell, thanks for posting a springtime picture of Eugene. Much more inviting! I have 2 older runners who live here signed up for the 5K.
Looked up your heel problem in ChiRunning. . . PF starts on page 237 in the trouble-shooting section. Please take to heart what Cheryl told you about running technique. She in absolutely right! You do have some great instructors in Georgia. I can look them up if need be. The book is wonderful. . .an instructor is even better--hard to learn from a book. . .and you are so close to Asheville. Oh well. . . it is up to you.
I've been using Chi Techniques for running hills that I learned back in WA at Discovery Park. in 2015. Once hill-running came back to me, it was a real eye opener.
Started a virtual run today. . . Birds vs Bees. I only have to cover 90 miles in a 2 month span, then it's on to preparing for Eugene.
Beautiful day here. Sun is shining. 51 degrees. I'll be out in the hills and in the yard pruning trees. Take care of yourself! :)
Great article and so encouraging. Like most runners, I lose perspective on injuries both minor and not so minor, and this is a wonderful reminder to take a step back.
Thanks, Melissa!
PF can be a lifelong struggle. Please don’t give up on possible solutions. Terrell you may remember my post here from a few weeks ago about ChiRunning. Changing your running technique to shift the workload of running to your core muscles and away from your lower legs is the key to avoiding injury. I would urge you to read up on ChiRunning - get the book, find an instructor. Rehab is needed but imo your technique needs to change. (How do I know this without seeing you run? Because most people push off instead of falling forward. That’s what causes PF and a whole lot of other injuries.!) Running does not have to end with injury. The source of the injury is the issue and usually its technique. My two cents!
I do remember your post, Cheryl -- I actually have the Chi Running book; I'm going to need to pull it down off my shelf and take a deeper dive into it now, for sure. Very interesting on the running mechanics... is it hard to correct/change?
Great! You have the book! With practice, learning ChiRunning is not difficult. It may not change your running over night but over weeks, months and years. For me, I read the book and it made so much sense. I changed my feet alignment easily after reading the first 100 pages and my knee pain disappeared! I got myself in a workshop quickly and 14 months later ran my first 50 miler. I was 51 years old. That was 15 years ago and I’ve never been injured running 40-60 miles a week except in winter when I ski 90-100 days per year.
ChiRunning is a holistic practice like yoga or meditation. You build your skills on a foundation and over time.
(I continue to teach here in Reno NV all ages and abilities. As a Master Instructor, I also teach people who want to become instructors.) I think you’re in the southeast right? There are some great instructors there. In fact, Danny Dreyer, the creator of ChiRunning lives in Asheville, NC. He’s still teaching and running well.
I hope you’ll pursue it and anyone else who took the time to read this post, consider that your technique is what will help you avoid injury, become more efficient (improve speed and endurance) and give you joy in a life long running practice.
Cheryl
Thank you for this post! I run scared. Scared of getting hurt -- an almost obsessive attention to the slightest tweaks or nibbles of pain. It stops me from pushing myself faster or further, but it doesn't stop me entirely. I've embraced a back-of-the-pack-and-smile attitude to make up for my seriously slow pace. I 'get to run,' and I'm grateful. It doesn't work for everyone, but it works for me. I hope you recover well and soon!
Hi Linda! Actually, slow is good! (What's that saying, "slow is smooth, and smooth is fast"?) My fellow running writer Raziq Rauf has a great post on it, where he interviews Matt Fitzgerald (the author of '80/20 Running'): https://www.runningsucks101.com/p/run-slow-80-20-training-matt-fitzgerald
Thank you T. In ‘22 I experienced PF & Dr Scholl’s PF inserts were miraculous. It helped immediately and I still wear them.
I am still recovering from runner’s knee I developed last March at a local 1/2. It has been so discouraging and have gained some weight that I lost 9 years ago when I started running. I am running a little bit not near as much as I would like.
But with encouragement like this I will get back to it. Thank you. I will be 60 next month but do not feel anywhere near that. I credit it to running and doing my best to get back to it.