First of all, I’m as stubborn as the next semi-physically fit runner out there. I’m fit enough to think I can do anything and unfit enough to know I’m not real race type of competitor. I love to run. But running isn’t always the best thing for you. At least running on asphalt or concrete isn’t the best thing for you. There are a lot of resources out there but here’s a really good one - RUNNING AND JOINT HEALTH — ASPHALT vs. CONCRETE? It talks about a lot more than just Asphalt and concrete.

I recently discovered that I have a damaged disk in my back. It has been detiorating for a long time and has caused minor problems over the last couple of years, but recently has forced me to be bedridden for almost 2 weeks. During the course of my treatment on this ailment by the various doctors it was pointed out that running, especially excessive running was as big a culprit as any other activity I was doing.

The physical therapist I am working(in the hope of avoiding surgery) pointed out that every day activities take a toll on our bodies but coupled with running, especially running with poor posture, places tremenduous stress on our spines and other joints. Now like all fanatical runners when I first discovered the ailment it was minor and I still tried doing my normal running routine. Unfortunately I have paid the price.

So what am I doing differently? Well, I’m working with a physical therapist to do a couple of things.

• Develop proper posture for normal activities.
• Learn exercises that will strengthen my back and joints.
• Learn proper running form.
• Learn proper exercise form in general so that the other activities I take on don’t impact me either.

These are some of the things that I’m working on because I would rather spend the time, effort, and expense now than have to be laid out for an entire season or summer due to an injured back, or knee, or anything else for that matter.

The one thing that I won’t do again is wait to talk to my doctor. My back has had problems off and on again for the last 3 or 4 years and I never took the time to fully rehabilitate it and learn to care for it. Now I have too. If you injure yourself, or have pains in your joints or muscles outside of normal exercise pains please see a doctor. Being stubborn is only good for you some of the time and not when it comes to ignoring physical warning signs.