I have sciatica. Can I still run?

Your “weak link” is currently sciatica.  While this takes a while to heal, almost all of my Ecoach clients who have had this condition have been able to continue training while it healed—even for the marathon.  The key is to stay below the threshold of irritation.  Here are my suggestions based upon healing success.  

1. No stretching

2. Run every other day

3. For 3 weeks, take walk breaks very frequently.  I would suggest 30 sec run/30 sec walk.

4. Sit on a tennis ball each night, for 4-5 minutes.  Roll it in to the trigger point of the sciatica.

5. No fast running for at least a month

6. Run with a short stride, feet low to the ground, light touch of the feet

You’ll find more information in the book Running Injuries – Treatment and Prevention which I wrote with Dr. David Hannaford (available autographed at JeffGalloway.com). 

Jeff Galloway smiling near a lake with city skyline in the distance.
Jeff Galloway

Jeff Galloway, US Olympian and creator of the Run-Walk-Run method, has helped over 350,000 runners achieve their goals through his innovative training programs. As Runner's World's monthly columnist and author of North America's best-selling running book, Jeff has spent over 50 years sharing his expertise and continues to conduct running seminars worldwide as runDisney's Official Training Consultant.

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