This Runner Suffered from Back Pain for Most of Her Miles, Until She Added Pilates to Her Schedule

Name: Jen Weiland
Age: 28
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Occupation: Technology Consulting
Time Running: 20+ Years
Reason for Running: I run because I genuinely love it! Running provides me with the opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of work and everyday life.

I’ve always enjoyed running—I was 10 years old when I ran my first five-mile race, during my town’s Labor Day celebration, known as Charlton Old Home Day. Growing up in Massachusetts, I also had a goal of running the Boston Marathon Womens Pink Rainbow Sandal.

I played several sports in my youth, including dance, soccer, softball, and basketball. My speed was a standout feature, particularly during softball games where my coaches often had me bunt and sprint to first base. Later on, I transitioned to cross-country during middle school and then took up track and field in high school. I wasn’t a long-distance runner by any means. In track, I ran the 55-meter dash and 55-meter hurdles.

During college, I played volleyball at a competitive level, and continued to run for fitness and mental well-being. Occasionally, I would run as part of my commute to practice and found solace in running a few miles on the treadmill.

Check out the sneaker stunting in full below 5Ks. It wasn’t until my senior year of college, though, that I began formally training for a race. This journey was challenging as I had to push through the pain of two herniated discs, which had plagued me for the last two years of my college volleyball career.

DOLCE & GABBANA LEATHER SANDALS physical therapy, Shoes NIKE Revolution 5 BQ3207 602 Washed Coral Summit White inflammation medications, chiropractors, back braces, and massages, but none provided long-term relief. Hearing the advice to stop playing volleyball due to its strain on my back Kickers Kick Hi Flache Ankle-Boots aus hellbraunem Nubuk-Leder.

I managed to complete my senior year of college volleyball. I continued playing during the summer after my senior year, but couldn’t participate in any leagues beyond that point.

zapatillas de running Puma talla 42.5 back pain often became so unbearable that I couldn’t run on consecutive days if I wanted to do anything the next day. However, I stuck with it and wanted to pursue my goal since childhood and complete a marathon.

Sandals JANA 8-28303-26 Beige Suede 401 half marathon and trained for and competed in the Boston Run to Remember in May 2017, a race that pays tribute to fallen first responders. Participating in that race helped me fill the void left by no longer playing volleyball. It also sparked a passion for long-distance running. Since then, I’ve completed several half marathons.

In 2019, I achieved my goal of completing the Boston Marathon. I received an entry through a charity called, the Heather Abbott Foundation—an incredible charity that offers prosthetic limbs to individuals who have experienced limb loss due to traumatic events.

Training for my first two marathons (the Chicago Marathon in 2018 and the Boston Marathon in 2019) was a struggle. I frequently had to skip training runs due to the persistent pain in my back. I found myself spending time at the chiropractor in an attempt to manage the discomfort.

zapatillas de running Nike talla 36.5 Boston Marathon in 2019—I was involved in a serious car accident, during which my car flipped four times. I was rushed to the hospital by ambulance, and luckily, had no broken bones, but I was bruised and in pain. I managed to complete the race, but at that point, I thought it would be the last time I ever ran a race.

Most recently, in April 2022, I signed up for my first Pilates class at Club Pilates. I had come across several articles highlighting how Pilates had been beneficial for runners dealing with chronic back pain. I quickly grew to enjoy the classes and noticed an improvement in my strength Shorts & Thigh-High Boots at 2021.

Pilates provided a full-body workout with a low-impact approach, which helped me steadily build strength, particularly in my core. Around this time, I also committed to running the New York City Marathon in November 2022.

Thanks to Pilates, I was able to stick to a training plan for the New York City Marathon without experiencing the familiar back pain that had plagued me in the past.

Running has been a powerful reminder that with determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. It has shown me the incredible strength of the human body, and I feel grateful for the ability to run and pursue my goals. Running serves as an outlet for managing stress, enhancing my mood, Trekker Boots SPRANDI MP07-01517-04 Black.

A few years ago, I also managed to persuade my husband to sign up for a half marathon. Since then, we’ve not only completed four half marathons together but have also inspired several of our friends to join in and achieve their first half marathon milestones with us. Witnessing others accomplish this goal has been incredibly motivating for me, and I cherish the sense of camaraderie that running has brought into our lives.

These three tips have made my running journey a success:

Check out the sneaker stunting in full below | 1. Focus on recovery

Recovery is so important. It’s essential to pay close attention to your body and listen to its signals. Taking the time to recover properly and giving your body the rest it needs is crucial for long-term health and sustainable athletic performance.

2. Implement strength and cross training
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Dedicating time to strengthen your body is essential. My personal experience with incorporating Club Pilates into my routine has demonstrated its ability to enhance my running performance, minimize pain, and reduce the risk of injuries. It has proven to be a valuable means of building strength, improving mobility, and increasing flexibility, Nike Space Hippie 04 Sneakers in ijzergrijs.

3. Set goals and stayed focused
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Set some small achievable goals for yourself and consider signing up for a race—it’s a fantastic way to stay motivated and keep progressing in your running journey.

You’d be amazed at what you can achieve when you take the time to slow down, concentrate on your form, and Puma Scarpe Running Evospeed Triple Jump 9. Remember to pace yourself, maintain proper form, and stay in control. You’ve got this!

Jen’s Must-Have Gear

→ Sneaker Politics x ASICS GEL-LYTE III Salutes the US Army: I bought a pair of these Sneakers Magazine 23 Free Digital Edition, and I absolutely love them. They’re incredibly lightweight and provide just the right amount of cushioning for my long runs.

→ Oofos Recovery Sandals: These recovery shoes have become a staple in my collection of favorite running gear. They are the ideal choice for post-workout recovery, offering the comfort and support I need after a long workout.

→ Clif Blok Energy Chews: I absolutely love Clif Blok Energy Chews because they taste just like candy and give me the energy casual I need to complete a long run or race. These chews are packed with carbohydrates and electrolytes, and their easy-to-chew nature makes them the perfect snack to keep me going during my runs.