Giving up on returning to running

Where is your injury?

Is it specificlly running that hurts or all physical activity? There are plenty of other active things you can do, bike, swim, cross country ski (depending on where you live), among other things.

I've never been in your shoes so...

If you love running, perhaps you could consider a career in coaching? It would entail a lot of preparatory work, but you get to stay with the sport you love?

1) How old are you?

2) Will ceasing to run cure all of your pain?

Assuming you get free of pain when you stop running, hike. If you live in an outdoorsy area you get exercise/calorie burn etc. plus there's several advantages hiking vs running. As one who disliked cyclists and was not really into swimming, I transitioned easily to hiking (whatever level you want.)

Sorry to hear this, but I understand. I've been injured and unable to run for the better part of a year, and it just sucks; so I can imagine how after six long years you'd be fed up.

I'm also curious about what your injury is, and what doctors have told you.

Sorry to hear about your situation too.

I have arthritis in my foot and my knee. My knee is a mess - the cartilage was torn badly and it also looks like I might've torn a muscle in my quad near my knee that was never rectified.

I also have bursitis in my foot and various problems that might (but hopefully not) require surgery.

I'm 34.

It isn't specifically running that hurts. I'm in pain walking around. I've tried and tried to return to running which probably made things worse. I always had it as a dream that I'd return though and focused a lot of my energy toward that. I think at some point you have to accept it won't happen and move on.

Dorando wrote:

Assuming you get free of pain when you stop running, hike. If you live in an outdoorsy area you get exercise/calorie burn etc. plus there's several advantages hiking vs running. As one who disliked cyclists and was not really into swimming, I transitioned easily to hiking (whatever level you want.)

I was going to suggest this. You are going to need some kind of physical outlet or you will go batsh*t crazy.

I was even going to suggest something completely different like league tennis.

You may need to go to a non weight bearing activity (beginner mountain biking would be an ideal conversion from running).

You may have to give up on competitive sport, and go the activity route.....getting out of the house on a regular basis.

I have had two "retirements" from serious running, the first age 23-40 (knees) and the second age 50-58 (achilles, back). I am now running pain-free and appreciate each step, even when running an occasional 70-80 mile week. I still have to work constantly to remain pain-free though. Having coached many others helps me keep a good perspective on my own travails and progress.

My advice is to find an alternative that not only is acceptable in terms of pain, but inspires you to new levels of strength and flexibility, etc.. In my case I became a pro-level rock climber, in which I have been injury-free for 35 years (knock wood).

Also, make it a point to constantly educate yourself about strengthening and rehab modalities especially self-massage, yoga, etc.. Youtube is a resource that would have changed my career trajectory substantially, had it been around 30 years ago.

Great Wet North wrote:

...

My advice is to find an alternative that not only is acceptable in terms of pain, but inspires you to new levels of strength and flexibility, etc..

...

This. You have to look at your injury/body in a new way because the old way isn't working. That probably includes new health care modalities.

Find some activity that gives you physical strength, flexibility/mobility, and some aerobic activity. It's probably not going to be running.

I've been unable to run due to foot pain since October 2013 after setting a bunch of PRs.

I've seen chiropractors, podiatrists, physiatrists, physical therapists, acupuncturists, holistic massage therapists, a foot surgeon and a neurologist and I've an appointment with one of the world' top sport's docs later this month.

I'm not ready to quit yet. I'm 53.

track chick,

I am in a similar situation, maybe we should start a support group. I'm 27, and badly injured both knees being run over by a car 5 years ago. I did actually come back and run for a while but then tore my meniscus 2 years ago. Since then I have pretty much given up. I get my track fix through my wife who is a coach, but I do miss running with her.

I'm not in a lot of pain day to day at my desk job. Running is painful but I can limp through. Anything more dynamic is out of the question. I have quit trying to run for fear of further damage. Sadly I've come to accept that with cartilage issues there's just not a lot that can be done. A snapped femur and might have been better. Maybe they'll have perfected growing new cartilage from stem cells before too long.

I have added in lifting weights and biking, but neither bring me the joy running did. I do both just because I like to feel in shape. Biking can be fun from time to time, a lot of people like it better than running so you might give it a shot. It's being stuck on that seat that keeps me from really getting into it. That and for some reason I'm paranoid about being hit by cars. Lifting is ok, mostly I like the improved strength and appearance that comes with it more than lifting itself. I have had to modify my lifts for my injuries, only half squats with light weight for example.

As you can see I haven't really moved on yet either. I have tried to focus more on my career, but it's just not a true passion of mine.

Umm...what about Oscar Pistorius?

I've been doing weights and stuff at home each day now as I agree about the going batsht crazy part. I think I've finally come to realise that, like you say, the "activity route" is going to be the way to go.

The pain is sometimes pretty bad if I'm on my feet or I walk for more than 10 mins. It's been more limiting in my day to day life than in terms of running.

I'm sorry to hear about everyone else's situations.

Yeah, the cartilage thing is tricky. I had surgery and it was meant to be fine. I had another MRI and there was a new tear. Then I had another MRI a year later and there were even more tears and cartilage fissures. Yet they don't recommend surgery again, they think it could make it worse.

I sort of wish I never had the surgery in the first place but who knows.

BUMP.

Going to be referred for further MRIs but it's on the NHS now so god knows how long that'll take.

I feel happy in my decision. I don't want to batter my body any more, and if I got to return to running (because of other health issues) I'd probably end up injured all over again. Everyone I spoke to agrees it's time to step back.

I'm still doing the weights, exercises and stretches at home.

Take up jogging. I've probably had the most injuries here and I still jog about 30 miles a week and run maybe two miles a week. It's about getting out there in nature, feeling the air come in and out and being one with the world. If you start hiking seriously, you will one day start jogging again.

Rethink relive wrote:

Take up jogging. I've probably had the most injuries here and I still jog about 30 miles a week and run maybe two miles a week. It's about getting out there in nature, feeling the air come in and out and being one with the world. If you start hiking seriously, you will one day start jogging again.

Yeah, more like this. Look at it like an opportunity to find something new that doesn't hurt you. You may like running, but your body apparently doesn't.

It entails being creative and open and thinking very differently than your norm and spending time and energy on things that might not work out but for trying. All good skills!

Good luck.

Randy Oldman wrote:

I've been unable to run due to foot pain since October 2013 after setting a bunch of PRs.

I've seen chiropractors, podiatrists, physiatrists, physical therapists, acupuncturists, holistic massage therapists, a foot surgeon and a neurologist and I've an appointment with one of the world' top sport's docs later this month.

I'm not ready to quit yet. I'm 53.

To Randy Oldman and Track Chick

I can sympathise. I, too have been plagued with overuse, wear & tear osteoarthritic problems; knees and left foot. These days, just get out to jog/run for 15 - 25 min. at the most, flat routes etc. Not nearly enough to see me through a 5 km race. So, racing for me is not on the cards. With daily cycling and lots of stretching I say I too ain't ready to throw in the towel. I'm 67 and have been running for over 50 years.

Keep the faith, especially you TC

to the person who mentioned jogging - i'd love to be able to do that but i simply can't take up jogging. I'm in pain most of the time, and worse pain when I walk for over 10 minutes. i really don't think i can jog 30 miles a week if I struggle to walk for 10-15 minutes at the moment and it's been like that for a while... i've been advised not to walk much on it either right now until i get the updated scans (because i can walk through the pain, but i never know whether to or not).

Thank you T-Rex for your kind post. I'll keep the faith :).

My knees are pretty shot as well so I knew I had to branch out athletically. I joined a masters swim team which has 3 coached practices 3 times a week which I really enjoy. So my advice is to look around and try different things and get into a good leg strengthening program. This will help when you try any weight bearing exercises.