I pulled a back muscle- marathon in 9 days!

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2945 Views 6 Replies Latest reply: Jun 24, 2010 4:41 PM by ultimatehlth

Lacey Lutes

4 posts since
Jul 2, 2009

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Oct 9, 2009 2:22 PM

I pulled a back muscle- marathon in 9 days!

Help!

I have been training for my first marathon since early June. I completed my 20 mile run just fine, and I am in my taper now. Last Saturday I was moving my bed and pulled my lower left back muscle. I went to the docter and I could barely walk and he gave me vicodin and soma. I treated my injury with heat pads and hot tubbing I have absolutely not run since that day at all. I am still very sore and tight, but able to walk and stretch. I am very worried about the marathon. It is just a pull, not a tear. I know that because I was in my taper I am not missing any big runs, but does it seem possible to do this Nike SF marathon on October 18th? Obviously my back health is more important than one race. Any advice would be super! Thanks,

Lacey

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Tags: running, injury, muscle, marathon, pain, back, pulled

dukefan86
31 posts since
Oct 18, 2007

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1. Oct 11, 2009 5:39 AM (in response to Lacey Lutes)
Re: I pulled a back muscle- marathon in 9 days!

Glad to hear you're on the mend. How are you feeling today? Have you been able to run at all since your post? It might be worth a call to the doctor you saw (you'd probably talk with a nurse first) tomorrow (Monday) morning to update him/her on your progress and get advice about the race.

Good luck, and speedy healing!

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lenzlaw
9,938 posts since
Jan 18, 2008

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2. Oct 11, 2009 11:29 AM (in response to Lacey Lutes)
Re: I pulled a back muscle- marathon in 9 days!

You should be OK for the marathon, as long as your back is OK. I hurt my leg one year on my last long run. I did no running for two weeks, then a couple 3-milers a few days before the marathon. I went slower than planned for the race, just to make sure the leg didn't act up. Just get the back in shape.

Len

Len

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Lacey Lutes
4 posts since
Jul 2, 2009

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3. Oct 11, 2009 3:14 PM (in response to Lacey Lutes)
Re: I pulled a back muscle- marathon in 9 days!

Hi! I ran three miles on Friday night at a ten minute mile pace on the treadmill. I didn't feel any pain at all while running, just tight. I went to bed about three hours later and as soon as I laid down I had pain in my lower back (very low- like the top of my bum) and pain in my groin down my thigh to just above my knee- all on the injured side. Could it be a facet joint or SI joint issue? I am going to aim for a five mile run tonight and see what happens! Seven days until my marathon! Thanks!

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Mousekawhitz
1 posts since
Jun 22, 2010

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4. Jun 22, 2010 10:47 AM (in response to Lacey Lutes)
Re: I pulled a back muscle- marathon in 9 days!

I have done this exact thing and I have 4 days left now until Seattle marathon and I was wondering what your outcome was did you do the marathon?

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Lacey Lutes
4 posts since
Jul 2, 2009

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5. Jun 24, 2010 10:52 AM (in response to Lacey Lutes)
Re: I pulled a back muscle- marathon in 9 days!

Mousekawhitz-I did run the whole marathon, but around mile 17 I went to a med tent and they iced my back for a little while. The only thing you should be aware of is your posture. I think with out noticing it, I was maybe crouching a little or favoring one side, and after 26 miles of that bad posture, my back sure was hurting! My time wasn't super great, but after four months of training and all those miles, I was not about to give up! Crossing that finish line was the most amazing feeling ever! However, you obviously don't want to do anything that would cause worse permanent damage to your precious back! Also- having a recovery drink really soon after running made a HUGE difference for me too! Good luck! You can do it!

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ultimatehlth
112 posts since
Jul 13, 2009

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6. Jun 24, 2010 4:41 PM (in response to Mousekawhitz)
Re: I pulled a back muscle- marathon in 9 days!

Get a professional massage or 2 between now and then. Soak in an Epsom salt bath (warm not hot) to reduce inflammation and take Alieve not Advil. Use a foam roller on your back and hamstrings before you warm-up, then stretch. Don't forget to stretch your iliopsoas (hip Flexors) often over looked. Make sure your shoes are still providing support.

Good luck.

Personal Fitness Trainer Los Angeles

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