Training with an injury

[Richard]

Anyone have any ideas for training whilst an injury prevents running?
I have Achilles tendinosis as well as bursitis - probably from overdoing it a bit. A sports physician recommends easing up and running "within the limits of pain". I haven't run for a few days now and it's slowly improving but I feel the need to keep active in the meantime. Cycling aggravates it a little but less than running....
Any other ideas? - maybe water-running - can't see myself doing that for hours on end though...

[Geoff]

Perhaps ergometer rowing, but the best thing would be water running. It is boring as bats$t but you are at least doing something

[Kristan]

Hey Richard,
I have just taken 8 days off with what has now been diagnosed as a issue with my biomechanics (highlighted by increase in training). As much as I was absolutely hanging to run, I have taken the time and I am going to have my first hit out back tomorrow. The one thing I have learnt from multiple over-use injuries in the past is if you don't rest it you will pay a much bigger price in the long run, and what seems like a relatively small problem now can lead to other issues (I had a minor calf strain, ran on it and then done a grade 2 tear of my other one from the simple fact that I was severely overloading my other leg). My thoughts, for what they're worth, take the rest break for 4-5 days and enjoy a little bit of a breather then come back stronger than ever!

[Brett]

Hi.

I have an overuse injury through hip muscles, resulted from Syd marathon last Sep (plus general training). I had to pull out of Great Ocean Trail 100km run in OCt at 56km mark as hip muscle turned to concrete. Therefore getting ready for TNF100, I am doing heaps of hill work (up and down replicating event day), sprints and slowly building up longer distances ie planning for a 40km next Fri.... however, working with my physio, I have learnt when to walk during a run to rest and relax muscles as to not further aggrevate injury but continue training. Secondly, trying for some swimming. Upper body strength I find very important for posture. And thirdly, I am participating in yoga twice a week, muscle lengthening, flexibility, posture, strength and recovery are all improving as a result.

Last yr I was doing 80kms roughly a week in lead up, plus a few weeks with more, half that this yr, but heaps fitter and hill strong. The shuffle/jog on flat sections will come in the weeks ahead. Focus on quality to keep fit, the mind will go nuts on the day too.

Not sure if I helped, but you are certainly not the only one training with and trying to manage injury in the lead up.

Cheers

[Conor]

Hi Mate

I too have an overuse injury from ramping up the miles. I think that if you can manage the bike or cross trainer in the gym, you won't lose any fitness. I didn't run for 9/10 days there so focussed on improving my core and working on the cross trainer. I tested out my knee on a run last night, only half an hour and the rest from running has definitely done me good as I could have run for days. Try not to panic and don't worry, I think training naturally has peaks and troughs. Good luck mate.

Con

[Richard]

Thanks for all the advice. Think the reassurance helps just as much - more proof of the mind-games this thing plays!