hi Christine, I really feel for you. Coming back from injury is so frustrating, and then the first phase back — the short intervals you describe — is not "real" running; it's just the next phase of PT. "Real" running happens when you can get into a rhythm, break a sweat, and let your mind wander. I encourage you to not be afraid of the mild weakness and weirdness in your injured area you may feel when you start running. This is normal, from under-use. Coming back from injury, I advise starting your runs slowly and consciously describe your pain in your head and rate it on a scale of 1 - 10 where 1 is normal/nonexistent and 10 is extreme. It's common and probably OK for it to be a 3 or so, "talking to you" and noticeable when you start to run. The key is, a mile or so later, has that level of ache or stiffness escalated? Or has it gone away, since you've warmed up, and is now a 1 or 2? Mostly likely, hopefully, it'll be the latter. I think a lot of runners hesitate to re-start running if there is *any* pain or weakness and therefore they never work through it. Also it's normal for one side to still be weaker. I also advise the hop-on-one-foot test. If you can hop on one foot, then the other, you should be good to go. One side may be weaker, but that's OK, as long as you can hop on it and it functions normally. Hope this helps!
Thank you, Sarah. I had PT again today and it was another good reminder that I am stronger than I give myself credit for and I can do a lot of dynamic moves and have good control. My brain just need to catch up. It's helpful to think about rating it on a scale because I think you're right in that I'm probably overthinking every little niggle and twinge. And man, I really really cannot wait until I get into more "real" running!
I could have written this. I’m embarrassed by how much me and my therapist talking about not being able to run. It’s so hard not running. No answers, just solidarity. ❤️
I think I rely too much on running to bring me back to myself, too. It’s been the thing to provide structure and routine through a very challenging few years. The stress of the past four years has disrupted my running for sure, which adds another layer of stress. But I decided somewhere in there to not fight it. We all need something to lean on. I haven’t had a serious running injury that’s kept me out for more than a few days since 2012, but I’m aware this won’t last forever. I figured I’ll deal with the struggle of not running when I’m there. Maybe I will address my need to run sooner than that, but I’ve only just gotten out of the woods (fingers crossed). No need to rush as I regain my sense of safety and stability and remain healthy.
I'm almost two years out from a knee replacement, I'm 52 now and was always so sporty before my knee problems. So I totally understand. I also thought I'd be back in action much quicker than I was. I imagined pain-free cycling at 6 weeks based on a couple of anecdotal things I read on the internet. But recovery was nothing like that! It's taken me until now to find the right exercise for me going forward - a mix of cycling (outside & on a static bike) and intensive pilates - and I finally feel my body enjoying it. I'm getting stronger and my stamina has increased. You'll get there though 'there' might not be where you were before but, because you're so passionate about movement, you'll find something that works for you now and it might be even more exciting or effective than whatever you were doing before.
Thank you, Sharon. I so very much appreciate your note. I'm glad to hear that you are in a good place post knee replacement (I see that in my future!) and it gives me such a good dose of perspective. I know that I'll get there in time.
hi Christine, I really feel for you. Coming back from injury is so frustrating, and then the first phase back — the short intervals you describe — is not "real" running; it's just the next phase of PT. "Real" running happens when you can get into a rhythm, break a sweat, and let your mind wander. I encourage you to not be afraid of the mild weakness and weirdness in your injured area you may feel when you start running. This is normal, from under-use. Coming back from injury, I advise starting your runs slowly and consciously describe your pain in your head and rate it on a scale of 1 - 10 where 1 is normal/nonexistent and 10 is extreme. It's common and probably OK for it to be a 3 or so, "talking to you" and noticeable when you start to run. The key is, a mile or so later, has that level of ache or stiffness escalated? Or has it gone away, since you've warmed up, and is now a 1 or 2? Mostly likely, hopefully, it'll be the latter. I think a lot of runners hesitate to re-start running if there is *any* pain or weakness and therefore they never work through it. Also it's normal for one side to still be weaker. I also advise the hop-on-one-foot test. If you can hop on one foot, then the other, you should be good to go. One side may be weaker, but that's OK, as long as you can hop on it and it functions normally. Hope this helps!
Thank you, Sarah. I had PT again today and it was another good reminder that I am stronger than I give myself credit for and I can do a lot of dynamic moves and have good control. My brain just need to catch up. It's helpful to think about rating it on a scale because I think you're right in that I'm probably overthinking every little niggle and twinge. And man, I really really cannot wait until I get into more "real" running!
I’m cheering your comeback!
I could have written this. I’m embarrassed by how much me and my therapist talking about not being able to run. It’s so hard not running. No answers, just solidarity. ❤️
I hate that it's so hard. ❤️
I think I rely too much on running to bring me back to myself, too. It’s been the thing to provide structure and routine through a very challenging few years. The stress of the past four years has disrupted my running for sure, which adds another layer of stress. But I decided somewhere in there to not fight it. We all need something to lean on. I haven’t had a serious running injury that’s kept me out for more than a few days since 2012, but I’m aware this won’t last forever. I figured I’ll deal with the struggle of not running when I’m there. Maybe I will address my need to run sooner than that, but I’ve only just gotten out of the woods (fingers crossed). No need to rush as I regain my sense of safety and stability and remain healthy.
Definitely no need to rush it because, as you said, we do need things to lean on.
I'm almost two years out from a knee replacement, I'm 52 now and was always so sporty before my knee problems. So I totally understand. I also thought I'd be back in action much quicker than I was. I imagined pain-free cycling at 6 weeks based on a couple of anecdotal things I read on the internet. But recovery was nothing like that! It's taken me until now to find the right exercise for me going forward - a mix of cycling (outside & on a static bike) and intensive pilates - and I finally feel my body enjoying it. I'm getting stronger and my stamina has increased. You'll get there though 'there' might not be where you were before but, because you're so passionate about movement, you'll find something that works for you now and it might be even more exciting or effective than whatever you were doing before.
Thank you, Sharon. I so very much appreciate your note. I'm glad to hear that you are in a good place post knee replacement (I see that in my future!) and it gives me such a good dose of perspective. I know that I'll get there in time.