Howdy, Stranger!
Categories
Recovery from injury
![[Deleted User]](https://w2.vanillicon.com/2eb4d9ac2c5390189bb121fd544feaed_100.png)
I'm training for the Great North Run, the first time I've done it for 10 years! I was doing very well and got up to 7-8 miles comfortably. I've now hurt my foot - think I must have pulled a muscle while running, or twisted it slightly - and it's hurting too much to run. Any ideas of what I can do to keep up fitness but rest my foot while I recover? Can someone reassure me too that a week off won't put me back too much.
The materials in this website are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor, qualified personal trainer, therapist, dietitian or nutritionist Runners's World, Part of the Hearst UK well-being network © Copyright 2017
Comments
Just be careful when you do try again.
Good luck.
What I find helps me is a change of training, ie cross train for a while and let your running muscles rest a bit whilst keeping up your fitness. I used rowing, so long as it is not your ankle that hurts or cycling. I have read that swimming is good too.
After exercise try and ice your foot, or put it in a basin of cold water for a few minutes. Just take it easy for a while and don't rush back into the running when you feel better.
Good luck.
Provided you have been running reasonably consistently up until now, you will lose almost no fitness with a week off. A couple of other suggestions.
Have you tried running through the injury? Sometimes rest IS the best bet but on occasions if the pain isn't too severe running through can actually aid recovery (with twists as opposed to stress injuries) as it gets blood circulating arounf the injured area.
Stair climbing and / or Nordic skiing are useful (non-impact) exercises that will keep you in excellent shape while your foot recovers. Alternatively cycling or swimming will also help.
If the foot is swollen, take some anti-inflamatories or see your doctor for an anti inflamatory spray.
Best of luck with the GNR
Not remotely sure about running through it - MartinH seems able to tolerate a lot of pain! but swear by effective anti-inflammatories, and getting moving again, asap, although trying not to re-introduce the strain that caused the injury in the first place. Not at first anyway.
Yes, one feels a fool planning on a half while struggling to walk. The hardest thing I've done recently is to negotiate publicity for a half I am running in October while flat in bed unable to sit up!
Being easily broken, I reckon I must spend half my time injured or recovering. But I spend half my time not injured, and progress does get made!
Good luck, put your ingenuity to the problem, and run well. Marj
you really are quite unbelievable staying so positive thorough all your injuries. I hope you're able to be up and running again soon. Take Care!