Training setbacks

You know I completed two half marathons last spring/summer.  And a sprint triathlon in the summer.

I wanted to springboard off of those and work really hard this fall/winter to push my running to a new level (aka, actually RUNNING instead of some jog/walk mutation).  I was even planning to switch my training back to runner only style workouts instead of the swim/run/bike stuff I did all summer.  After all, I'm scheduled to run a full marathon in June, so I need to focus my energy on technique and stamina.

There is just one problem.

I can't run.

I can't even jog.  My back is so tight!  I tried a treadmill workout and failed pretty bad.  I ended up walking and gave up 20 minutes into it.  I can't even do a 5K.

I thought whiplash was a neck thing.  You always see whiplash victims in those goofy looking neck braces in the TV shows.  No neck brace for me.  Just a messed up back.  There is a spot midway down my spine that feels like someone punched it.  Hard.  All the muscles in my back complain when I fill my lungs with air (so the rib cage expands), but that 'punch spot' complains most of all.  Can you imagine what that is like when trying to run?  Can't do it.

So I'm not allowed to run or jog.  Doctors orders.  Just non-impact stuff, like swimming and spin class.

Great.  Instead of a running only training schedule, I'm down to swim/bike.  Except spin class was hard on my lower back and my knee, even though I took it easy.  I've never had knee problems before.  I tried swimming tonight.  I'll see how my back feels in the morning.  I usually swim a mile.  Today I didn't even do half of that.  I don't dare do too much for fear of preventing healing.

Boy, that is a fine line.  I'm supposed to stretch and do as much exercise as my body will allow, while being careful not to over extend and cause more damage.  This is really messing up my training.