Late injury for DCM15

Beef

Howdy folks,

I've somehow managed to make sh*t of my lower back with a little over 2 weeks to DCM 15.
I think it happened during a 5K pace session on Wednesday evening (didn't feel anything at the time), as my back was sore on Thursday morning and sorer again yesterday (it hurts when I take a deep breath). I thought it might have been just a bit of stiffness so did a short recovery run last night and I'm worse today. No choice but rest now.
My question is not for medical advice, I've already been on to my physical therapist who advised complete rest until I see him. My question is how this will affect my marathon if I do run? If my back clears up during the next 2 weeks - should I be okay to chance doing the run at my planned pace (3:35 - 3:40)? My last 10-ish weeks have averaged probably 48-50 miles a week with 4 20+ mile runs, 2 18+ runs and various 15-16 mile efforts. I'm hoping I won't lose too much fitness in taking a few days off but should I re-evaluate my goal time? If it doesn't clear up to my satisfaction I'll just pull out and I know there'll be other races. I'm not going to take any chances with my back. Thanks if you got this far!

ger664

If it clears up and your PT gives you the go ahead you will be fine, You have the work done.

Beef

Thanks Ger, that's the answer I was hoping for!

Murph_D

Sorry to hear that Beef - have back trouble myself and I can identify with what you're feeling. Tbh I'd be surprised given what you've described if the Physio gives the go ahead but if s/he does I agree with ger, work is done, fitness is there even if it feels a bit rusty and you might have to grind it out a bit more than otherwise.

Beef

Thanks Murph. There's a very slight improvement this morning compared to yesterday morning but I'm inclined to agree with you, I'm not sure it will heal quickly enough to be 100% in a week. If I'm still struggling going into race week I'll pull the plug. A long drive tomorrow is not going to help matters either...
Well done on that half marathon time too btw! I might not post as often but I do keep an eye on the logs.

Murph_D

Hopefully the news will be good, fingers crossed. Thanks for the comments - I have noticed your presence, which is always appreciated.

Myles Splitz

You won't loose too much fitness in that timeframe. Listen to your PT and if you get the go ahead ease into it on the day. You will know yourself on the day whether you are feeling.

I had a minor tear in my calf about 3 1/2 weeks out from my first HM which meant I could do no running. Asked the PT what I could do to keep ticking over. Got one run in the week of the race and from still managed to hit what I wanted.

Main thing is don't rush it. Races are every day of the week but your health is priceless.

Beef

Just an update, I managed a few easy miles this week after taking some anti inflammatory tablets my father had since his back operation. I know I know, taking tablets not prescribed for me is a no no but it worked and I was willing to try anything...
Was with the PT last night and he said it's a disc issue (I can't remember exactly what he said it was I was too busy trying not to cry). He gave me stretches to do and thinks I'll be okay to run if all goes to plan this weekend.

I'm going to do 12 easy with the club in the morning as the marathon fitness test. It has settled down for the moment so fingers crossed. Thanks for your help and encouragement!

ultrapercy

What did your pt base his diagnosis on ? He is almost certainly wrong. It is probably muscular and the fact that the anti inflams had such an immediate impact is evident of muscle damage. Whatever you decide to do this weekend make sure to warm up very very gradually and thoroughly. No training you do now will positively impact your race, it serves only as reassurance to your doubtfully mind so take it very easy and slow. See if you can find a good lower back support to take some of the pressure. Good luck.

Beef

ultrapercy wrote: »

What did your pt base his diagnosis on ? He is almost certainly wrong. It is probably muscular and the fact that the anti inflams had such an immediate impact is evident of muscle damage. Whatever you decide to do this weekend make sure to warm up very very gradually and thoroughly. No training you do now will positively impact your race, it serves only as reassurance to your doubtfully mind so take it very easy and slow. See if you can find a good lower back support to take some of the pressure. Good luck.

Thanks UP, the diagnosis was based on this episode and some less intense flare ups I get from time to time. I sometimes get lower back pain with pain down my left glute and leg. This time was a little different in that the pain was more restricted to the middle of my lower back (just above my ar*e) but not down my leg. I'm not sure I'm explaining this well at all! Sorry, what I meant by "fitness test" was not a test of aerobic fitness or similar, I meant fit to toe the start line. I know there's sweet f.a. I can do now to influence what happens Monday week other than being sensible.

6781

All the best Beef

Beef

Thanks 6781 - last rub tonight but so far so good!

Dubgal72

Hey Beef, hope it all comes together for you tomorrow and you get what you want.

Beef

Thank you Dubgal, I had a reply written but it seems to have disappeared into the ether. Congrats on an epic stewardship of the novices, you truly went above and beyond. I had a tough day today but got through it so can have no complaints with the way things went. I had more injuries during this taper than I've had in 2 years but what can you do!
You must feel very proud.

Dubgal72

Thanks Beef, yeah it's an incredible thing to be part of. Well done on getting through it and hope your body recovers from both injuries and the 26.2 very soon

ncmc

Congrats Beef, a great time considering the difficulties you've had the last few weeks. You should be delighted with yourself.