Monday, February 1, 2010

A Set-back

I have worked my butt off this month. I have my highest monthly mileage ever (73), have done lots of cross-training and lost 2 pounds. I was thrilled with my progress this month...until yesterday that is.

About 18 months ago I hurt my back. I was reaching forward when I felt something pull and ended up with awful back pain and muscle spasms. I healed from this and have been careful with my back ever since.

Yesterday I only had 5 miles planned, as it was to be my fall back week. After about 3 miles into it I felt some twinges in the right side of my lower back, the same place I had previously injured. They were not too bad, so I kept going and finished the 5. By the time I got home I could barely get out of the car, the pain and spasms were AWFUL!!

It is better today, still tight and a bit painful...but much improved over yesterday. I had to spend the day on the couch, which I despise. I am not someone who does well just sitting around.

So...right now I am just annoyed. This messes up my training for this week. I hope to do some walking in a day or 2 and then see how the running goes. I am concerned because I have no idea why this happened...I was just running along, slowly, when it started. Since I don't know what triggered it, I don't know how to prevent it in the future.

I am a physical therapist, but before I took a break to be a stay-at-home mom, I was working with kids with developmental disabilities...so orthopedics was not my area of focus. I am going to call a friend I went to school with who specializes in sports and see what he thinks. Hopefully I will be able to get around a bit more tomorrow...am trying to stay positive, but man is it hard!!

13 comments:

Heather said...

That sucks! I have problems with my lower back and that pain is the worst. Hope it feels better soon.

Heidi said...

Grrr! I hope whatever the issue is it heals up quickly and your back on your game.

Michelle said...

Awesome mileage!

Hope you are able to find a solution soon! Back pain is the worst and affects everything that you do.

TMB @ RACING WITH BABES said...

Thanks for the comment! Personally, I think everyone should rock a cheetah skirt!

Sorry to hear about your back. Hope it heals up fast!

Unknown said...

Ok... First of all, you can't be down with a bad back! That's my job... lol :0)

Seriously though, sorry that this has happened. I sure hope yours heals up and you can find some answers of your own. Not fun. I hope your friend or doctor can give you some advice.

Take care! :0)

Cheri said...

Wondered what happened to you... sorry to hear about your back pain... I am there most every day of my life so I can sympathize. Hope your friend can help you and you can get back to your running. That is so AWESOME all the miles you have put in. When is your next race?

Stephanie said...

Sorry to hear that! Are you stretching and breathing LOTS before and after your run?

weight loss

Unknown said...

Congrats on the averages.

i hope the pain subsides quickly and that your friend will be able to help you in preventing them from coming back.


Good luck!

Pam said...

Oh man!! Feel better, Sarah! I hope you get up and around soon.

greentigress said...

That sounds Awful!!!! so sorry to hear about your back!

http://www.diariorunning.blogspot.com said...

Just to let you know that I am reading your blog from a town of Seville (Spain) and I liked it very much. I am begginer, I started running 7 months ago, because my blood pressure was high and I trying to get it down what it is not been easy, now I love run.

Best Regards,
Jesus

Anonymous said...

Hi Sarah at Running Mama! So sorry to hear about your back. It is so weird when stuff like that happens...you are just doing your usual and for no reason...injury! It has happened to me a couple of times and it really puts a damper on exercising! I hope this one fixes itself quickly!

robison52 said...

Noooo, not again! Have you been doing RICE? You've been through this before, therefore you know what to expect and realize that what doesn't kill will make you stronger. Those injury interruptions do make us realize how much running means to us.