Well, my back hasn’t gotten much better since last weekend.
I tried to run yesterday, took ten steps and quit.
Anyone have any experience with pool running?
I’ve read that a number of world-class runners have done it when working through injuries, but I’ve never tried it.
Other than abject boredom, it seems like a way to maintain run fitness for however long this back issue lingers.
I did it last year when a metatarsal stress fracture made everything else impossible. Get yoruself a waterproof MP3 player. I got a cheaper one at swimoutlet.com, and it was my salvation.
I used a flotation belt, hopped in, and tried to get in 40-75 minutes at a stretch. (Sadly, there was only about a 10 foot section of my pool that was JUST barely deep enough for me to AJ in…so I do LOTS of tiny laps :D) Keep yoru form as close to normal running as you can. I did different interval workouts (by time or by song), as well as varied my footspeed, etc. I also did steady state runs, although those were the most boring.
Honestly, I spent 8 weeks in the pool running (plus about 2 weeks off entirely at the beginning), and after almost 3 months of zero land runing at all, squeezed in a few short runs, and ended up running a huge PR at the TC 10 mile race in October (which I had intended to jog “as fast as I felt happy at”).
Do it whenever you can, even when you get healthy as it is great for recovery.
Buy a flotation belt, one with a tether if you can do laps in your pool.
You can simulate your long runs, speed sessions & recovery runs.
The waterproof MP3 player is a good distraction. Don’t forget to place your
water bottle at the end of the pool. You’ll be able to maintain your cadio fitness
& might even improve your upper body strength since water is denser than air.
Do be careful when returning to the roads, however as your joints & ligaments will
not be used to the jarring of running on terra firma.
Do a search - we’ve had lots of discussions about the joys of water running!
about to do some myself to allow my achillies to cool off a little, for me i start with the float belt in the deep end and then as things heal I try some in the shallower water to see if it is enough support, if you are going to be running in the shallow end with your feet on the ground, wear some old running shoes or buy the ones meant for the water otherwise you can wear down the pads of your feet…hope you heel soon
.
hope you heel soon
Hope is not an effective strategy…
Ah, the .sig irony is a cruel mistress.
-Jot