It’s always something. I felt fine after my 13 mile run on Saturday.  I did some gardening and then woke up Sunday with pain and stiffness in my lower back on the right side. (I should mention is that I’ve had this exact pain in the past starting years ago after pulling up a boat anchor.)

So I went for two hikes.  No pain when walking.  Still stiff and painful when I bent over or got up from a seated position.

I woke up Monday morning even more stiff so I googled my symptoms (doesn’t everyone?)

Google Diagnosis: Lower Back Strain: Bending over increases the strain on a person’s back, which can result in pain. Lower back strain is a common cause of back pain when bending over. The position can put significant pressure on the lower back, causing the muscles and ligaments to stretch excessively. A strain in the area can also cause inflammation, which can lead to muscle spasms.
Recommended Treatments: Resting the back for 1–3 days can help reduce muscle pain, as can taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Some over-the-counter (OTC) options include ibuprofen and naproxen. Massage, applying ice and heat, and using electrical muscle stimulation therapies may also help. Physical therapy exercises can strengthen the back and help prevent further injuries
My Treatments: Taking Naproxen (have some from a previous injury), applying ice and spending time in my hot tub, using my trigger gun, walking, running and hiking only if not painful. No virtual races this week!! May even trying some exercises. Oh and I made an appointment with my chiropractor to see if she could work some magic.

So I have fully embraced Fall for its flowers

and food

Why do I say that I don’t like Virtual Races and then sign up for another??

Because I wanted to support the Lake George Conservancy…they maintain all 14 trails in the Lake George area.  I have never done this trail because it is difficult and I would not sign up for a trail race.  Now that’s it’s virtual, I could run its 4.5 miles anywhere.

Last Week –

• Monday – Sat in the hot tub instead of walking before work . Unfortunately, sitting all day is the worst thing for a sore back. I went for a short walk at lunch just to stretch.

I met a running friend after work at the Corning Bike path.  We just walked (although I was tempted to run).

• Tuesday – I started the day again with a soak in the hot tub instead of a chilly walk … almost frosty out there.

I did a short walk during lunch.

Since I hadn’t run since Saturday, I decided to drive to UAlbany and run a few miles.

After my run, I started my weekly STEM volunteering assignment.  I have done this in the past but this year, it will just be walking instead of training for a 5k. (The goal of STEM is: EMPOWERING DOMESTIC ABUSE SURVIVORS THROUGH THE SPORT OF RUNNING… hopefully, it will be back to running in the spring.) This group was made up of young women in a substance abuse treatment facility – they refused to wear masks, were texting and swearing…. I may not go back next week 😦

• Wednesday – As I mentioned above, I made an appointment with my chiropractor.  I had started seeing her when I had a calf injury and she performed ART and completely cured me. After that, I planned to see her for monthly tune-ups. I think the last time was last November after my marathon… and then came the foot pain and the pandemic.

Her diagnosis was that my body was TOTALLY out of alignment and that I have tight hip flexors due to sitting all day. The pain in my lower back on the right is most likely caused by an inflamed SI joint. She worked on me for quite a while and gave me stretches to do before and after running.

I go back next Wed to see if there’s any improvement. Fingers crossed that she can work her magic and make me pain-free.

I celebrated commiserated with Starbucks and free pastry in my hot tub.

For our weekly Sole Sisters after work trail walk today, I suggested another new place (that I previewed last Sunday.) I walked it cautiously due to my painful SI joint. My back felt felt good…so happy that I went.

• Thursday – woke up to news that a restaurant in front our our marina burned to the ground overnight. Very sad and very scary for us boaters.

No time for a morning walk bur I get one in at lunch…

And then after work, I had planned on a run but decided to rest the back …

 and go for a peaceful hike.

Afterward, I drove to meet my BFF for an outdoor mall walk to catch up and chat. Pain is minimal when I walk and the longer I walk, the better I feel (but it may only be mental lol).

• Friday – Rest Day Friday. I’ve been getting lazy with my pre-work walk but still try to squeeze one during lunch.

And of course, ended my day with my weekly walk on the rail trail with former co-workers.

• Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. Today we were back on the Zim Smith Trail with brunch at Leah’s. With no real races on my schedule until maybe February, I just try to connect with friends, run some miles and eat good food. Due to my back pain, it wouldn’t have been smart to run 13 miles again.  In fact, I probably should have skipped it totally.  But I did not.  I decided to run/walk and see how I felt. It ended up only being a 6 mile walk but I was so glad to have the company of three friends who walked as well and of the others afterward (and Leah’s quiche).

After errands and  housework, still feeling energetic on this beautiful fall day so I went for a hike. I bumped into my chiropractor there and she wanted to know how my back felt running. She was surprised that I was NOT running. (She know me lol)

Then I went to see where my former co-worker (whom I walk with on Fridays) is moving.

• Sunday – Since I had not run on Saturday, I met a friend in the morning on the rail trail to test out my back and see how it felt to run.  There was no pressure since I already completed my 13 mile run last week and if it hurt too much, I could cut it short and walk again. Not 100% but seems like I am on the mend.

Normally today would be a day to go boating with the hubby. But the temps are getting fall-like and I have to accept that our swimming days are over. Still, the lake is beautiful in the fall and I hope to continue our boating until the middle of October.

Instead of boating, I took Big Red on its first road trip. I drove to Zim Smith (where I walked on Saturday) and rode 7 (slow) miles.

Both my legs and the bike need a tune-up, I think. But it was pretty enjoyable.

On my way home, I stopped at a new trail, Ushers Road State Forest. It’s actually connected at some point to Zim Smith but I drove to its entrance.

This Coming Week – 

• Monday –  rest day, bike, hike
• Tuesday –  run, STEM walk
• Wednesday – rest day, chiro appt, trail walk at Vosburgh Trails
• Thursday –  hike, tennis party
• Friday – rest day, walk with friends
• Saturday – LONG RUN at Corning Bike Path
• Sunday – rest day, My MIL’s 96th birthday party

---

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any “real” races yet?  How are you embracing Fall? Anyone ever suffer from SI pain? Please share.