Will I ever run again? 

After posting this I didn't check my social media too much so coming back here to see so many messages of support has been great so thank you all, I would love to reply individually but between here and instagram especially its been a little overwhelming in terms of catching up with everyone. I do read everything though and although down I am by no means out....I will continue to update but also share what I can outside of being injured long term too :)

Gary, you will run again. I suffered L5 and 6 prolapsed discs when I was 32. The symptoms you are having are exactly what I had, including the loss of all feeling in one leg below the knee. I didn't have surgery. I'll be honest, it took nearly 2 years before I was right and even now 20 years later I'm careful when lifting or messing about. To add to this I was diagnosed with arthritis in both hips aged 40 and I do suffer a bit with them but I get by just fine. Anyway, my point is I took up trail and mountain running just prior to my hip diagnosis and I'm still running over a decade later. I'm an average runner but I'm getting out and will continue to do so. It might take you some time but it won't be the end of running for you.

Hey mate. Just going to add my experience of going through similar - herniated L3/L4. I rode horses at the time and was told I'd never ride again. I didn't just come back, I qualified for the Olympics. But yeah, it takes time and requires constant management. I'm also an ex Ortho and A&E nurse. Nerves are stupidly slow growing for a start, plus there's this thing called spinal shock where the messages just stop, even when there's no longer any structural damage and that can take a long time for the neural pathways to restore and/or compensate. Besides the physical thing, I've gone through a similar experience recently psychologically, where a new chronic condition significantly disabled me for over a year. I went from properly fit to housebound, with no end in sight. It's tough. I'm better now, (have signed up for the Lap!!) but beyond the physical challenges and learning how to manage my body with this new issue, the psychological impact has been immense and I'm honestly only partway there on that. It's OK to be sad and angry. Anyway, just wanted to reach out and let you know that you're not alone. I've been a follower for a while - love your advice and attitude, such a refreshing change. Know how much good you have already done and simply sharing this journey will do even more. I'll send you a message on Insta in case you want to sound off to someone who understands. Happy to translate Ortho to English for you, too.

Best wishes for your recovery. GWS

You’ll be back Gary. 100%. I have bet a friend you’ll complete Dragons Back before 2030 so don’t let me down or I’ll be out of pocket.

I had this as a triathlete and I said the same thing. I thought I was done forever with nerve damage down my leg and leg weakness. I'm back 100% now and I'm 57. I've had back issues and collapsed discs for decades. Cycling is the most aggravating activity for my back. You will definitely be back if you follow the proper protocol. Look up Dr. Stuart McGill and start with his book "The Back Mechanic". You just need to patiently stabilize your back and let the sciatic nerves recover. Then gradually build back. Good news is if you follow the McGill core routine everyday your core will be stronger than ever. I'm back training for a sub 3 marathon right now with no back issues. Good luck!

Hi Gary .. so sorry to hear this but I echo a lot of the messages saying you will run again. Mine was about 20 years ago when I was 40, herniated disc trapping my nerve loss of sensation in my right leg and foot. My surgeon said it was one of the worst he’d seen and two choices, operate or live with it. I couldn’t even sit down properly so obvious what I decided. My shin area is still slightly numb I can’t raise my toes up as far but I run .. just ran the Arc50 in 12 hrs 18 fastest vet60 so IF I can YOU can .. always happy to chat but take advice listen recuperate and you’ll run again

Hi Gary, I suffered with SIJ issues for 6 years. Your story sounds identical to mine. Eventually, I found a physio called Clare Woodward, who is based in Tewkesbury at a practice called Back Into Action. Her treatment combined with prolotherapy injections helped me run again, when I too thought it impossible. I heartily recommend you give them a call and ask to see Clare. Treatment of SIJ issues is one of her specialities, quite common in women who have had children.

I really hope you get this sorted Gary. Please do not lose hope though. Each day as it comes and what will be will be. I had a full hip replacement in 2019 and I’m now back running better than ever. I know it’s not the same but please stick with it , you never know. I know exactly how you feel.

You don’t sound miserable Gary. Feel for you mate. I would have the surgery because with that there is at least hope. Fingers crossed pal

I can empathise a great deal with your story and feelings having been in exactly the same position in 2016. Like yourself, over 6 months I went from feeling odd sensations in my leg and back to being in crippling pain and collapsing if I was to stand for more than a few minutes at the time. Actually getting the a L5/S1 diagnosis was a huge relief to an extent as I so scared not knowing what was happening. I had a microdiscectomy in the December. I felt the relief immediately and could actually stand, even though I got tired. The recovery took a while, but I was able to run and still do fun stuff again. I did the ring of steall skyrace the following September. I was slow, and it was tough, but it felt more of an achievement than much harder races I had done before my back went. I am now much more careful, and much less appetite risk when pushing through pain, but I still get to do awesome runs and events. I am sure you will make a good recovery and get to running good stuff again. It was a scary time and frustrating. I did a lot of jealous and sad dot watching of big races wondering. However, having good friends and family helps. Also, as soon as I was able to start doing some recovery exercises again I had a structure that made me feel much better mentally. Good luck. I hope the recovery goes well.

I really hope you get fixed soon Gary

Gary, firstly, you are totally allowed to sound miserable and be miserable! It's a tough thing you are going through. Second, you mentioned at the beginning of the video that you weren't sure what people would be interested in. I truly hope that you get back to running, but in the meantime, please realise that people love your channel for so much more than just the running. Your advice, your humour, your take on life, your knowledge. All of which is still there and still valued. I hope that when you are ready, you will continue to make content. Good luck with everything!

Gutted for you. Best wishes for your recovery, whatever that looks like.

This just popped up on my feed. So sorry you are experiencing this. I have had nerve damage as a result of sciatica which left me with left sided foot drop, numb patch on front of shin and general weakness in my leg. I thought I would never run again but over time, I have recovered. My early days back running were tough, I felt as though I was dragging my L leg round! However, several years on, I no longer have any foot drop, full feeling back, although I am still a little weaker on that side. I hope this gives you hope - stay strong.

Ah gary, so sorry hear about your injury, I followed (not STALKED! 😂 ) for many years now, Its so frustrating when you cant do the things you love, I been injured since may last year, knee pain, given up running and tryed everything to sort but no luck, I have my fingers crossed and hope you can get some comfort and normal life back, one day at a time, all the best mate 👍🏻 💪🤞🏻🏃

Speedy recovery Gary. 🙏

Sorry to hear this news Gary. I've had many decades of spinal issues/ surgeries and i'm very familiar with the darks days you're experencing now. You're young and fit so will likely make a full recovery. I run 3 or 4 times a week, 95% pain free, albeit with calf atrophy and foot drop but the body adapts. If I were to give advice (based on a single case so worth ignoring!) it would be to stay active even if it feels wrong when you start.

Get well soon Gary. Best wishes & chin-up.

All the best Gary, as someone who is currently out with a long term injury this video did help! Would love to be able to follow your journey, hopefully back to full fitness 💪🏼

Wish you well. Whichever choice you take, be positive, you will run again

Good luck Gary, you're a breath of fresh air in the running world. Hope you can get back to it soon.

I think it's fine and maybe useful to admit not running etc, and not knowing how and when this will really improve, is depressing, more than sad. For myself and probably you and others watching we have learned to satisfy a bunch of fundamental human needs with running, so it is a problem when we cant and the future is uncertain. Of course things can be worse and other people are facing worse problems, that is part of keeping things in perspective, but when people minimise their own problems too much with that, I think it creates even more frustration. Especially privately but even here I think it's healthy and productive to aim to be realistic and authentic rather than cheerful or positive. Anyway good luck with all of this 😬

All the best for you in the future

Thanks for updating. With everything you’re dealing with you’re still thinking about how your experience and knowledge could help others. Says so much about you.

Everyone is different. Blew a disc out, fragmented from L1. That was 24 years ago. Completely lost feeling left leg. I had a Discectomy, spooned what was left of that disc out of the area, 3 months later back running and in the gym after 18 months of misery. Ive run half marathons since and ran an ultra last December at 57, no issues, the usual recovery doms. I’d have the op but everyone is different. All the best.

So sorry to hear this Gary. Wishing you a smooth and speedy recovery and hope you are kicking a ball around with your kids this summer.

Wishing you all the best mate.

From my side feels like you’ve got your priorities right. Take your time and try not to get too frustrated by the process 🤙

Sorry to hear about it Gary. Sending positive vibes and hope you're able to find as quick and as best a recovery as possible. Big hugs and all the best!

L1 and L5 herniated discs here from mtb crash. Could walk, stand or sit without pain. Had to sleep on front. Life was pretty tough. Stopped work for a month. Had a massive anti inflammatory, pain relife and steroid injection through the back of the pelvis (epidural style) . Felt like id been hit in the back by an iron bar for a few days. It brought inflammation around the si nerve down enough to move about. In time the herniated disc dried up and pain went away. A month later running again. That was 10 yrs and 15+ ultras ago.... I Feel where you are at but theres some excellent solutions out there that wont resort to surgery. You got this Gary and there'll be running again.

Really hope you can get the answer you want to hear mate and I’m really wishing you a speedy recovery… so sorry to hear this and I know it’s so hard for you because we all just love running and messing around… sending positive vibes mate 🙏🙏🙏

Best of luck with the recovery, pushing yourself to the very edge is risky!

Gutted for you! It must be so frustrating for you. I know you are willing to put in the hard work so hopefully things will improve. Rest up take care 👊

That is horrendous 😢. We are all rooting for you to bounce back. ❤

You will run again. I had L5 S1 disc removed and fused together. It was in 2004. Took probably year before could run walk climb without thinking about it. Has effected my body mechanics. Went from 15 16 min 5km to 21 min now. Main thing is that you will be able to get back. I now run bike climb swim without giving it any thoughts at all. Pain went immediately after operation. You'll be OK . Just go through it and let the healing begin. Good luck

All the best with your recovery Gary try and keep that positive mental attitude!!

Sending you all the healing and positivity mate, you’ll be back, in time!

Sorry to hear this Gary. I hope this isn’t the end of running for you, but whatever decision you take I wish you all the best for the future.

Sorry to hear this, mate. Hope in time you can get enough movement back to play with the kids, etc. Thoughts and prayers are with you

Bad news for you man. Hope you make a good recovery to get to your day to day life soon. Wish you all the best in the meantime!

I have been following you on instagram and there like here it is a tough pill to swallow for you. I had a life altering injury when I was 26 and again at 42 (the last one took me five years to mentally overcome) , Work on the mental game first Gary .. except the love, support and advice from family and friends and visa versa ) .. you will know when your ready to fly (in one way or another ) again. I look forward to seeing you when ever you pop up on instagram again 👍

I have the same mate, L4/L5 S1 disc degeneration, diagnosed in 1999 and still running ultras - obviously everyone is different. I opted to NOT undergo surgery on the recommendation from a top spinal surgeon. He gave me some tips to manage it, my body has a way of letting me know when I’m about to have a flair up, I then rest and use anti inflammatory tablets. There is hope just learn how to manage it, my range of movement is limited but manageable. I hope you can take some comfort in the hope that things may improve, but give it time 🤟

FFS, was a horrible watch that. Can see how hard this must be for you and obviously worrying. Fingers crossed everything works out for you. 🤞

Seriously hope you get sorted bud. Best wishes 👍

Gary I wish you well going forward, stay strong I have learnt so much from you over the last few years

I had a prolapsed disc in my back some 30 years ago, I avoided surgery but it took about a year before I could do running again. I still have niggles now and have to be super careful when bending down, but have still been doing ultras for 15yrs so all good, stay positive buddy 👏

Best of luck, Gary!

Wishing you the very best of recovery and a return to enough mobility to be able to enjoy your life and hopefully run again 😀🤞👍

Stay strong and don’t lose hope mate. I believe in you💪 Your content has been a great source of inspiration, laughter and thoughtfulness. Running or not, I hope you continue to make awesome content😊

I hope everything works out and you make a full recovery Gary. Absolutely horrible for you. Good luck🤞🤞🤞🤞

I would listen to the surgeon. In my case, the disc was herniated in such a way that even when it reabsorbed it was right next to the nerve, so the slightest relapse and it pushed on the nerve again. I understand for some other people, it reabsorbs more and so there is more "wiggle room". About 10 years ago I had the "takes an hour to get out of bed and crawl to the bathroom" level of issue and had the operation. It basically fixed it overnight (don't get be wrong, there is 6 months of recovery before you are fully back but the acute symptoms went almost immediately). Then lots of S&C, not too much sitting around and I have been running marathons, albeit at a very steady pace, in my late 50s and early 60s ever since. It is non-trivial surgery as is anything messing around with your spine but if the symptoms are really impacting your day to day, its definitely worth considering.

Fingers crossed for a good outcome and a swift recovery, Gary. All the best 👍🏻

It'd be too easy to say 'chin up.' I know that won't make you feel any better! I part run a club, so I am heavily involved with running and know this would devestate me just as an average runner! I hope to god you get better and maybe even use your rehabilitation to your advantage. I'm certainly not unsubscribing or unfollwing and hope to see some good rehab content!! All the best for a speedy recovery 💪👊

I’m so gutted for you to hear this. I am really sorry, makes you appreciate family and loved ones and that support. I really hope that you find a map through thus, we need the things we are passionate about to keep us going, thinking of you d

All the best and wishing you a speedy recovery ❤️‍🩹

Wishing you the very best Gary

Sorry to hear all this Gary! Good luck with your recovery, I hope it resolves quickly for you. 🤞🏻 🤞🏻

Wishing you all the best in your recovery. I've been out for 6 months after a knee injury. I initially tried rehabing it myself which has always worked in the past but had to eventually see the physio. Wish I did it sooner if I'm honest. I'm sure you are in good hands and you will be back to some good form. Even if you cannot run competitively in the future I'm sure you will find other things which get you just as excited. I'm waiting on the green light from my physio so I can get out hiking and scrambling. Something which took a back seat with how obsessed I became with trail running!

Shit dude sorry to hear this. Stay strong and good luck 🤘🏻

Damn. All the best.

Thanks for sharing your story Gary. All the best mate!

Wish all the best man! Tsya strong 💪 ❤️

I really hope it will resolve in a good way!!

Excuse the pun but I feel your pain ,had something thing similar, after a tri I did sometime ago also had a nasty fall from a ladder before the triathlon, pains in my legs ,the inflexibility in my back the sciatic pain that caused so much pain in my legs and despair I felt not being the athlete and person I was, I'd aged 20 years overnight .hopefully all goes well for you.. my condition did improve in time, alot of time. But you're a lot younger than me so you should be OK good luck mate, remember ice is your friend ..

Wow, I definitely know how you feel. I been in the same situation. I thought i would never run again. Even running 15 feet was painful; back pain, calve pain, weird numbness all over. It was embarrassing because I used to be a great athlete. A couple years back I had a digestion issue that bothered me so i decided to go on a complete food fast for a week. Only drank filtered water. After the fast while walking the dog I tried jogging for a bit and it quickly turned into a mile. Then within some short weeks it turned into 5 mile runs, then 10 mile runs. Now i use 10 miles as my short runs and do 30 mile loops with ease. I spent so much money with doctors, exercises, yoga, stretching, massages, etc. Wasted time and money. Not one single doctor has ever mentioned that some of the simplest healthy food that i thought i was eating can wreck havic on me. I used to walk on my toes because my calf muscle would let my heal drop. Now I run in barefoot shoes comfortably. I try to keep my food now super simple like potatoes, rice and some veggies. I don't trust much else in the grocery store. I had a decent list of issues that cleared up by a fast and it bothers me how common I now see it but people won't even try doing something different that cost them nothing and actually save money

❤ all the best !!!

Wish you all the best , thank for sharing .

Hopefully it's not the end... I'll stay subscribed on RU-vid and insta. Let's see those golf videos 😜

This sounds frighteningly close to my situation. Lower back, hip and glute issues

Best of luck

Mashed up properly by the sounds of it. At least the win sticks will get a decent work out over the coming months. No fragments in my case, just a little bit more wear and tear around the hip joints according to mri...iii..iiii's! A mysteriously angry sit bone/si/hip flexor/pelvic mix of shiiit for 18 months. The Verve had it right...They dont work, they just mask it and make it worse! 6 months of patient physio did wonders though. More than anything the extra time around the boys was a blessing (post grumpy few moths of cabin fever) as we both know that training for ultras can be a bit anti social towards family time. Although after the Devil Footrace in September and now 5 months off with heart beat weirdness...Ive seen more than enough of them and have even considered a mature movers class or some pickle ball. Who knows if you'll get back to running in to west highland way trees....its the long long term you thats more important dude

Well this news sucks balls! Judging by the comments all hope is not lost?! Keep the chin up fella!

Oh dear! 😢 wishing you and your flaccid leg luck! 😅

Whats up mate 👋😃

😂-5C very cold 😂 in my village we had -43C 😂 and 7 weeks between -28 to -43C try to run in that weather and say its cold! I hope all the best to u! Never give up and lost hope❤ u gona run again!

have you tried intensive yoga and breath work and things like a low oxalate diet? worth investigating in my experience