Frank -

I'm not a doctor so please don't take this as medical advice. All I can offer is my perspective - hopefully others will post and help answer your question.

If you know what the injury is/was then you likely have sense of how future training will affect the injury and/or recovery. A pinched nerve while painful probably won't get worse by running as long as you take it ease and let your pain level guide you.  If it hurts when you run - run slower .  If you are concerned about the cardio training and can't run, can you hit the stationary bike without aggravating the pinched nerve?

I am recovering from three herniated discs (trauma induced) and lost 11 weeks of training.  I got back on the road two weeks ago and it has been miserable.  Hips, knees, back, you name it - all are being exercised in a new alignment and it hurts like ****.  I'm nowhere near elite status so while frustrating, it isn't eating me up.  You just come back according to what your body tells you.  I know it sounds trite, but there's a reason we have pain as a feedback mechanism.  As long as the pain doesn't get worse or new, I just push on through. 

I am running the Dismal Swamp Stomp half marathon in Virginia in 4 weeks - last year I ran a 1:52 and change.  This year - given where I am now post injury - my goal is to finish at around 2:30.  11 weeks ago I was using a cane and 4-6 vicodin a day to get around.  So if I can get out and do a 2:30 I'll consider myself lucky and set my sights on lowering that time in the next race.

Hope this helps - good luck with your recovery and training.

I appreciate your input about remembering the Cardio aspect of training. Since my injury, I have had none. Thanks again.

Jill

Frank, you're my new hero!  I like your advice .... i too am nursing an injury (it band) ... thanks for making injuries not seem like the end of the world, but  a good thing just to be able to run!   Go get'em in the swamp!

Hello Frank,

First of all, I want to send you my best wishes in your recovery. Pain is what it is. But it is also a very important signal. I have dealt with various injuries in my life: I played competitive tennis in my youth and later went on to swim in Masters competitions in college and am a Registered Yoga Teacher. I am also a PhD candidate in physiology at UCLA. I say all this not to drive up my ego but to tell you that I'm not a quack.

One more thing about me: last year I was in a serious bike / car accident and had some awful experiences with doctors and physical therapists. And then I finally decided to take things into my own hands and started searching for self-help methods of healing. I came upon Pete Egoscue and his Egoscue Method. And it totally changed my life. Please read my blog for more information:

http://phdroadshow.blogspot.com/2008/03/egoscue-and-life.html

Simply put, if you read about and follow Pete's program, not only will your neck get better, but you will be a better and stronger runner. Promise.

Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have!

My best,

Anna

Taking things slow is probably a good idea to try to get a perspective on things.

Yes take it easy and try not to get injured. Also relax.