Why is running hurting my back? UPDATED

[wildfloweragain]

I'm having a lot of motivation issues right now with running but I think the biggest one right now is that for the past few weeks, if I run, I'm guaranteed to have a stiff back while running and a sore back for the next day or two.
I haven't really increased my miles by a lot lately. I have good shoes. I alternate with swimming. I just took almost a whole week off plus I stopped several times to stretch or walk today.
So I'm not overdoing it and I've even gotten enough sleep lately.
Could it be my form? Any tips? Lately I just don't even like running but I think its mostly a combination of back pain and not reaching any new goals.

...sent from my Jedi mind


It looks like maybe it was form AND core.  I paid close attention to my form and in the process realized that I hadn't been tightening my abs while running.  I think as running got harder, I was trying to be as lazy while running pas possible so it was "easier."

The god news is I had a back pain-free run! 

And while running, an old friend ran up and ran part way with me.  I'm more of a solo runner, but scheduling some more friend runs might help with the motivation.

[joenali]

Strengthen your core maybe??

[Wines Not Whines]

Long runs used to hurt my back. I think it was a combination of weak core and my form/posture when running. I realized I would start to hunch over a little when I got tired, and that was making my back sore. I fixed my posture and now it doesn't hurt anymore.

[grk2012]

I get a sore lower back post-run if I've been slacking on my core work. A stronger core definitely makes everything feel better.

[wildfloweragain]

OK. More core work. I actually started slacking on core work/ at home strength training after reading nrolfw because I didn't want to be unbalanced. Some stuff he said about building up the abs too much and neglecting the back applied to me as I have strained my trapezius a few times.

I haven't started nr yet because I wanted to focus on running until that race I just bombed. So, looks like a good time to start some all over strength training now.
Maybe that will get me out of my running rut.

I may also be hunching without realizing, though my back starts right up at the beginning of the run.

Thank you!
...sent from my Jedi mind

[TEM325]

The way your feet hit the ground could affect the alignment of your knees & hips, which will affect the way your back feels. Are you a heel striker? Heel striking def leads to back pain.

[wildfloweragain]

I've actually been trying to hit more in the middle of my foot lately, so not more of a heel striker than before.

[wildfloweragain]

update in OP