Groin strain!!

emmab0902

I am four weeks into a half marathon training plan with the aim to do my first half on 13 April. Have a minor groin strain and unsure whether I should take time off or keep going. It erupted on Sunday and has eased a bit but have only done two 5km runs since then. I am due to do my long run ie 90 minutes on Sunday but don't want to worsen things. Have had nearly no pain while doing the short runs but 90 minutes is different to 30! However I am nervous about taking time off with only 8 weeks to go. Wondering how good a substitute the same length time in stationary bike, real biking or elliptical would be?

HappyRunner34

HI there. That's a tricky question to answer without knowing your particular fitness and body type. You can get similar aerobic training from bike...and there are sites that will convert that equivalent for you. If there is a pool near you, aqua running is best I think, tedious but best.
IN addition to seeing a physio for your groin to get a better assessment, you may want to try a longer run, but run a route that allows you to bail if you start to feel any twinges at all; like a short out and back on repeats. Good luck and take care!

trail_rnr

I'd do a shorter run this weekend (not do the long run) or not run at all and cross train if it's too painful to run. Missing one long run will not derail your training. Giving the groin some rest time is more important than this run if you want to make it to the start line.

If I had a nickel for every "missed" long run in my running life, I could buy running shoes for years to come. :happy:

Does it hurt when you walk? How about you walk for 90 minutes? I mean a walk with purpose, not just stroll.

Just stay on your normal schedule. I know, being injured sucks, but respect what your body is telling you. You will be fine!

ATT949

I am four weeks into a half marathon training plan with the aim to do my first half on 13 April. Have a minor groin strain and unsure whether I should take time off or keep going. It erupted on Sunday and has eased a bit but have only done two 5km runs since then. I am due to do my long run ie 90 minutes on Sunday but don't want to worsen things. Have had nearly no pain while doing the short runs but 90 minutes is different to 30! However I am nervous about taking time off with only 8 weeks to go. Wondering how good a substitute the same length time in stationary bike, real biking or elliptical would be?

Those are effective substitutes for running in terms of maintaining fitness levels but there's still a roll off even with cross training according to Jack Daniels in his book "Daniels Running Formula" (available at Amazon).

Insofar as running with an injury - it's a tough decision to make, especially for a new runner but I would urge that you err on the side of caution. A break in training, even with cross training, can wreck havoc on performance. It's much better to take off a few days to allow an overuse injury to subside than it is to "run through the pain" and spend a few weeks, or months, on the sidelines.

"Being the fastest spectator at a race is no fun."

emmab0902

Thanks for the sage advice will skip tomorrow's long run. I am really a swimmer at heart so will stick to my 3km three times a week for the next few days and keep reassessing.

PS are stretches good or bad for groin strain? Haven't done any yet as seemed counterintuitive.

DavidMartinez2

Real runners just pretend their injuries don't exist until the crippling pain prevents them from moving :P

ATT949

Thanks for the sage advice will skip tomorrow's long run. I am really a swimmer at heart so will stick to my 3km three times a week for the next few days and keep reassessing.

PS are stretches good or bad for groin strain? Haven't done any yet as seemed counterintuitive.

Long answer short - no.

As the injury heals, start with low volume and intensity and increase the gradually.

ZenInTexas

Real runners just pretend their injuries don't exist until the crippling pain prevents them from moving :P

Yup. This sounds about right.

ATT949

:-)

Love it!

timeasterday

Have you been evaluated by a MD or therapist? Just asking because I thought I had a groin strain but it turned out to be a hip issue. Hip labrum pain can refer into the groin.