Thursday, April 10, 2008
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I Need Some Advice
Although, it is on running. But any input, would be much appreciated.
I saw my physical therapist again today, and he instructed me that I was free to run as much as I wanted, as long as I ran downhill, backwards. I'll go into details later in another post, but to make a long story short, my hamstrings and gluteus muscles are not being utilized at all. While my feet are being corrected with the orthodics, my hips are still not in correct alignment, and my left hip is actually (in his words) "out of socket".
In other words, my body is cocked at my hips, which cocks my torso, which then limits how much my lungs and diaphram can expand when I'm breathing. He's given me some workouts to do which require me to hold my legs, hips, feet, knees, abductors, and all the other muscles that I can't recall around my abs, hips, and thighs in certain positions while I lay on my left and right sides and do breathing exercises for 3 sets of 3 (holding the exhale for 4 seconds). It was a lot to take in, in one day. But I think I understand it.
My question is this:
If I'm to run all my down hills backwards; is it even worth trying to run hills at all?
My dilemma is, if I'm going to keep running with this group, then I'm going to need to figure out a way to run backwards on hills that tend to be somewhat long, winding, and more steep than I'm used to.
Is this even a good idea? I mean, who wants to run with someone that has to run differently at times, and will have to run a lot slower to do so?
I really hate the thought of having to depart from the group again, just because I need to run backwards. But then again, do I really want to be running along unfamiliar residential sidewalks, or along streets backwards? Am I any better off doing this on my own?
Thankfully, the doc has said that if I do these exercises and adhere to running backwards down hills for the next 2-3 weeks, my body should improve enough to at least let me turn myself around to running down hills normally.
That's the light at the end of the tunnel.
Although, with my current luck, it'll probably be a freight train.
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Comments (6)
I am sure that the runners will be supportive to you if you really feel it's worth continuing. I'm sure that you'll find you're quite slow at first, but once you train your muscles your speed will increase and who knows, you might not be that much slower. It's probably better that you're with a group too, so that they can keep an eye out for you since you'll be facing the opposite direction.
I think really what it comes down to is: how much do you need to run? I know you love it, but look at what you've got to go through to do it! Doctors, orthodics, etc etc etc. I'm no one to lecture, mind you: I've been prone to continue running even despite injuries or other evidence that I should give it a break. Just saying: take a look at why you're really running and if you're just out to prove to someone that you can continue with it. How much is it worth to you? Something to consider. :)
Best of luck with the running.
if you love running.. go for it. there's a couple on my block... they run backwards every morning. i always thought it was odd.... i think they told me it helped them with their balance.... but i could be wrong. i asked a long time ago and never adopted the technique. (i don't run in the opposite direction either
) if you want to keep running-- go for it.
When I think about running backwards, downhill... I get the feeling that I'm going to fall back. (and couldn't that damage your achiles?) Is running backwards DOWNhill even safe at all?
I'm shocked he didn't suggest just going on an elliptical or something. Those things target the hamstrings and glutes. And you can do those things forward and backward.
Anyway, that's my advice. Get on an elliptical to build up those muscles and only do running for flat terrain.
Practice alone for awhile.
Haha... I'm stumped on that one. I'm surprised he didn't suggest something else besides running backwards down hills. I don't feel like that is very safe! But he's the PT, right?
I'm assuming you saw that I go to school in NY, I was surprised when you mentioned the Finger Lakes Running Club. Although that's a great idea... my college is 3 hours from home... and home is in the Finger Lakes (I live at the tip of one)! So although that's a marvelous idea, I'm not sure that would be the best right now. Hopefully if I move after graduation, I can find a group to run with!
Where are you from?
i don't know if it's a good idea to try to run while you're working on this particular problem, which sounds serious. i love running and can hardly go a couple of days without it. although i've learned this from some friends' experiences that you need to take a step back at some point. a friend of mine had some injuries early last year from running. she didn't think much of it and kept running. she's a pretty good runner. finished her 1st 50 miler at the end of 06 and was training up for a 100 miler. the injury, which was a sprained ankle eventually affected her posture during running, which caused problem in her back. long story short, she was forced to stop all running at the end of last year and started an intense rehab program on her injuries. she recently started doing some running, but is still far from being at full strength. the moral of the story is, certain situations call for some time off even if it feels painful to stop at the moment. it is necessary evil.
you might be able to find other forms of exercises/cross training which can maintain or even improve your fitness level as your treat your problem. once your body is ready, you'll be back running stronger than ever. the key is to stay disciplined with cross training or any exercises that will help you maintain fitness level without worsen your situation. running backwards downhill doesn't sound very safe and because how slowly you'll have to go to make sure of your safety, i don't know if the intensity of the workout is even worth the trouble. although, i've never tried it myself, i don't want to say it won't work. in the mean time, i'd check with the PT to see if there are other exercises, elliptical machines, rowing, fast hiking, etc that can be used without messing up your rehab process.