No Running Until Spring

How Strange

I was told last night that because of neck and back problems (which only came on since Nov) I can't run until the weather becomes milder which means spring as running in the cold will aggravate the problems.

So what can I do for the next two or three months to keep my fitness up?

My physio said that I can only do indoor training as I have to keep warm. I intend to do pilates once or twice a week plus some resistance training on my own which the physio will help me with but I need some aerobic exercise.

I know for the next couple of weeks I need to keep it as low impact as possible so probably only pilates but would the threadmill once or twice a week be a good idea to keep up my fitness? I can't swim very well so swimming is ruled out.

Thanks in advance for any advice, I'm totally gutted so I need a plan for Jan/Feb to keep me going.

tunney

Second opinion.

Cartman78

Cross-trainers, bikes, rowing machines etc. should keep your cardio-fitness up in the meantime. Not as fun as running but will keep you ticking over. Ditto for the treadmill - personally I can't spend more than 25 mins on a tready without getting bored.

Have had a couple of injury layoffs in recent years too, so would also say to keep an eye on your diet too. I eat like a horse when I'm running and also tend to eat like a horse when i'm not so the calories in/calories out equation can literally go arseways.

The cold weather has really affected my legs the last couple of days too -- every joint and bone from the hip down is really achey. Would be interested to hear if anyone has tips or recommendations for combatting this? I haven't been running much lately cos of work and veruccas (don't ask) but my legs feel like I ran a marathon yesterday.

Krusty_Clown

Swimming lessons.

kennyb3

tunney wrote: »

Second opinion.

i tend to agree, im no expert but the min i read this i thought, why not more clothes, heat patches, long warm up indoors and then head out. surely something can be done in this regard.

Slogger Jogger

I've lower back pain from time to time. Running actually helps me. I've headed out on runs somethings leaned over from pain ache - taking it handy - and arrived back to the house running freely. Deep heat, I find, is great.

BeepBeep67

Slogger Jogger wrote: »

Deep heat, I find, is great.

Tiger Balm is yer only man!

big mce

I have had three discs removed from my back a number of years ago following an accident. I was in constant pain after the surgery until I started running/cycling after which its miraculously vanished, so I've never looked back.

I find if I miss a few days running or exercising the back pain comes back.

Hope this helps.

happy28

spinning you wont get boared for sure but its tough
I wasn't able to run for 3 months last year and this kept me going
I did half marathon with only 3 10k training runs and still mananged under 2 hours.
I think spinning saved me from putting on a few stone 2

How Strange

thanks for all the replies.

I'd normally be sceptical about this kind of advice myself but just before Christmas I undid all my good work by just standing around in the cold. My shoulder muscles seized up and I was as bad as ever. So it seems my neck and shoulders do not like this cold weather. However, I'll give it to the end of Jan and then I'll go to another sports physio to get a second opinion on running.

I'll look into swimming lessons and spinning classes for sure. I can't see myself using a threadmill very often as I find them really boring and can usually only manage 25 mins.

At the moment I'm just doing basic pilates and that is helping alot

I'm terrified of losing my fitness but also putting on weight which will make it all the harder when I do get back out there.

The toughest thing at the moment is going from 2 years of being able to eat pretty much what you want because you run 4-5 times a week to not doing any running and constantly watching what you eat. It's not much fun.

Pisco Sour

In any other country this would not be a problem as there would be plenty of indoor tracks to train on! Not Ireland though! Zero facilities whatsoever!

baldykav

Agree with the call for a 2nd opinion, not going out in the cold isn't really that realistic an injury treatment plan when you live in Ireland.

Do some aqua running if going out's a non runner (I couldn't resist). The suspended type with a flotation belt!!! not just plodding along the pool. http://www.catherinamckiernan.com/DesktopDefault.aspx
Savage cardio' but can be boring. maybe get a swimp3 to stay sane.

Brianderunner

Club la santa in lanzarote if its possible. i know not everytone can't just jet off and leave of course.