not allowed to run--anyone else have this problem?

[debm]

Hi! I need some encouragement!!! I just found out that I am not going to be allowed to run anymore. Doctor's orders. A little background---I have always enjoyed running as a way to lose weight and have been in fairly good shape on and off in my life. Right now though I am in my late 30's and need to lose about 20 pounds and get back in shape after 4th baby! So I am SO excited about working towards the Minnie Marathon. However, a monht ago I had excrutiating back pain and have been being followed and just got my MRI results by phone an hour ago. Seems I have a problem between two vertebrae/disks/something about not enough fluid. I go in to see the PT and doctor next week but she did tell me over the phone that I can exercise but I am not to ever run again. If I injure my spine now by doing that I may have to have surgery. I will always live with this and they are going to give me ways to "manage" it. She did say I could lift weights, do the cross trainer, etc. just NOT to run. Nobody in my family understands how disappointed I am. My dream was to run thru the World!!! Does anyone else have a health issue that precludes them from running? I jog a 10 minute mile. Do you think I could power walk under 15 minutes so that I could do it that way?? I've never walked a race. Always ran it. Anyone have any encouragement for me? Thanks!!

 

[ohMom]

hi debm

i was diagnosed with tendonitis in my right foot after training for my first Turkey Trot which was 5 miles. i guess i increased too far too fast, years of aerobics, etc and i was told by my podiatrist -- "Running is not for you anymore"

well i was no speed demon, 10 min mile was my best -- and I powerwalk the 1/2 marathon this January at about a 14 min mile. YOU CAN ABSOLUTELY DO THIS!!

i was not a 'natural' runner at heart and found that once I got over the time, just alloted myself the time it took to powerwalk vs run and quickly realized I enjoy walking much more than running. Running always felt like a chore for me after a few weeks into it.

My heart goes out to you -- i understand your disappoint in losing a form of exercise you love -- but you have NOT lost your chance at the Minnie -- GO FOR IT!!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

First Off I am very sorry.

Second--I would get a second opinion. Their diagnosis may be quite valid...but when you are prohibited from doing a function for life--you always want to follow that up to make sure the first diagnosis was right on target. Often it is best to find "runner-friendly" doctors and therapists...who really care about the athlete...who understand the passion...and who will really tell you to quit only when it is medically necessary. Often times, some of the field just doesn't get it--and they give the easiest fix...."when it hurts, don't do this!". You can check out the Runners World Injury forum (go to www.runnersworld.com, click forums, click Injury) and post your injury/condition there to see if anyone else has been in your shoes with similar symptoms.

I have never heard of your condition and am by no means knocking the medical profession.

Third--my dad race walks. For some reason he switched to that years ago--I supposed it is better on the joints. He race walks faster than I can run. He can take some getting used to and if you invest in a short stint with a personal trainer or a race walking coach..you can get some helpful tips on form that will enhance your speed so that you are walking as efficiently as possible. If you can run 10 minutes..you can certainly train to walk a 15 minute or better pace. I have a 70+ yo teammate who placed 2nd at the Virginia Rock N Roll Half Marathon in her age group. She's a walking dynamo. It's all about the form and the training. She's in the 12 minute range WALKING!!!!

Good luck--don't give up hope! Your running may be done...but your long distance career does not have to be.