So in my race report from the Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver Half Marathon, I left out one minor detail: something sprung in my right side area between Mile 11 and 12. Something that felt like a virtual dagger plunged into that high hamstring/low glute area when I was bounding up a hill, and it took my breath away. But because I was running pretty well and because I had finally, finally executed a smart race plan–and because the last mile was downhill–I did my best to shove it out of my head.
Two weeks later, and I’ve hardly run a step since then. I went out for an easy 30-minute recovery run on Tuesday morning after the race, and took about seven steps, and Ms. Right Glute immediately told me she was not interested in playing this game. I thought about going around my block to see if I could coax her, but I know better.
Even if if a little blood flow would’ve shut ‘er up, it’s not a like a 30 minute run was going to make the situation better. More likely, it would’ve pounded another nail into the coffin–or dagger into my hammy. As I wrote in Run Like a Mother, a really intelligent running doc told me anything above a pain level of 3 on a scale of 1-10 means you stop, drop, and roll. Or at least complete the first part of that directive. And this clocked it at a sound 7.
So I turned around, and walked the 100 yards home. I rested, I iced, I heated, and I tried not to sit too much. Sitting is agony. (Sitting in a window seat, in a true “economy”–read: mouse-sized–seat, on an airplane is hell. But you get enough whining from your kids, so I’ll be quiet now.)
Mostly, I tried not to freak. The tweak/strain/twinge/sprain/whatever you want to call it happened almost a year after I got my boot off from my stress fracture. I had one sobfest as I slobbered and complained to Grant–this is my “healthy” right side; I feel stronger than I have in years; I haven’t been trying to run too fast or too far; I really wanted to cap off this great year with a rip-it-up race at the Strip at Night in Las Vegas–but mostly, I’ve tried to keep it in perspective. So I don’t go down to sea level and run like a rock star? If I’m smart about this, I’ll still be able to run it. Or, as they say on twitter, #firstworldproblems.
I’ve embraced my bike again and am on speaking terms with the elliptical machine. I really hate the elliptical, though: at least with the bike, there’s the promise of going somewhere. But the elliptical? Last I checked, making ovals with your bottom half as you slice and dice with your upper half doesn’t get you anywhere except on the express lane to crazy.
Still, neither pedaling or ellipticalling hurt my hamstring, and we all know how much I need to sweat. I also need to foam roll daily to unkink my right side, which apparently is more taut than the shortest string on a harp, which is why the uphill plucked it a little too aggressively. I’ve had directives to foam roll daily, but I just couldn’t seem to find the oomph to lie down among the dog hairs and roll on a regular basis. That oomph now originates in my right butt cheek and, coincidentally, seems to have a magnetic relationship with the roller…funny how an injury can do that to you.
I’m not sure when I’ll get to run again; hopefully in about two weeks. Until then, I’m just going to take it pedal by pedal, oval by oval, foam roll by foam roll, and believe that there’s some healing going on down under.
You dealing with any injuries–minor, major, somewhere in between–lately? How’s your mental perspective? Your physical body?
Ugh, I know the feeling. Something crazy is going on in my foot right now, and I have no idea what it is or how to fix it!
No real “injuries”, but our entire family has been battling a cold – going on week #3 now. Last week I didn’t run at all during the week (I had zero energy), but felt good enough to race Saturday. Yesterday…on the couch again. (Miraculous Saturday recovery?) I know you’re supposed to chill for the body injuries, but what about a cold? Suffer through a run, or act like your husband and insist that any physical activity is off limit?
Hey Lisa–So for a cold, the rule of thumb is that if your symptoms are in your head–stuffy nose, headache, etc–you can still run. But if you’re congested in your lungs or have a fever, sit it out. (And obviously don’t go if you’re feeling awful. Then act like your husband. :))
… don’t worry, I play with building blocks after my bike ride, too.
My only “injury” is having a preschooler bring home every germ in the book to his immuno suppressed mommy. Really, I could complain about it for hours. Heck, I’ll let you go on for an hour if you give me one. Sound good?
ps I am really sorry. I wish you a quick (aka smart) recovery.
I could’ve moved the blocks, Rebecca, but then I’d be breaking the “I don’t pick up the basement for the kids anymore” rule I recently instituted. :)
No real injuries at the moment, knock on wood! I am trying to keep my PF foot happy for 3 weeks until the Seacoast Half, fighting cold germs swirling around me, wondering WHY I feel like a truck hit me after my long runs lately, and feeling the pain of Erica with her achilles (‘met’ on your Facebook wall, and meeting in real life in 3 weeks!)
And dog hair means I have no incentive to use the foam roller, either.
Excited for you guys to run together…here’s hoping Erica heals quickly.
Glad you’re finding a way to sweat. Muscle injuries are so random and freaking frustrating. My hip is on the mend and I see the light at the end of the tunnel now. Though this weekend after my run, my hip bone was sore to the touch. Stretched, iced and rolled (in the dog hair) and the pain is gone today. Go figure.
Good for you for turning around when you knew that run wouldn’t get you anywhere. That’s huge, Dimity! Would the old you have plowed through it? Keep taking good care of yourself–that muscle will heal. Your body has recovered before and it will again. And then hopefully, enough already! :)
I have a similar bike set-up in my basement except I prop my computer on a stack of books :) I haven’t been running much due to scheduling conflicts. My husband leaves early for work and gets home late so I don’t have much opportunity to get out these days – and it is killing me! My mom is here at the end of the week for 2 weeks so I am taking full advantage of Nanny :)
Feel better soon!
14 days of running/nanny/mom? Enjoy!
Sorry to hear and I can totally relate. Just ran the St. Louis Rock n Roll Marathon which I thought would be my best race as I had run my long runs faster and stronger than ever before. After my second 20-miler, I started noticing that heavy leg feeling which persisted for the rest of my taper. I had chalked it up to the usual taper blues. Started the race but I knew within the first 2 miles that I was going to fall short of my expectations. Something just wasn’t right. Nevertheless, I kept pace (probably a mistake) for the first half but then the pain/cramping in my calves left me walking for a large part of the second half. There were times when I wanted to quit (and maybe should have) but I kept going, mainly because I knew my 2 kids would be waiting for me at mile 16 and the finish line and I didn’t want to tell them I quit! I now think I have a pretty bad calf strain. And I also think, maybe quitting isn’t always quitting. Maybe it’s just knowing when you need help. Another lesson I should teach the kids. I”m disappointed but know I”ll get back to running and will hopefully have my best race ever in the near future. In the meantime, happy biking to you and here’s to a quick recovery!
Sorry to hear about your calf and crappy race, Stephanie…love the maybe quitting isn’t always quitting sentiment. Important perspective for sure.
Plantar facis here….no races planned, but I did have plans to get into nordic skiing season in shape for the first time in years and I’m watching my fitness dwindle away after two weeks of hopeful denial that rest and stretching would get rid of that evil little panful bump on the bottom of my foot and let me run and dryland train again through this gorgeous late fall….but I think I might really have to commit to the erg, at 4:30 am, boring as all h**l and so NOT what I want to be doing this time of year.
So yup, right with you Dimity….if you can do boring ovals I can pull 2k splits again….:-)
Hugs…quick recovery and remember YOU DID RUN AN AWESOME RACE!!! So frickn’ proud of you….we all are!!
Wow: you’re more badass than me, Kerry. I was on the erg for like 10 minutes two weeks ago, and honestly have no idea how I spent YEARS of my life on that thing. Keep us updated on your 2k time. :)
Too old to run any more. I am afraid of just what you are describing. I hike mountains instead – hard enough on my knees, glutes and hip flexors. I am 53 and without foam rolling, I would be “almost sitting” all the time. Foam rolling allows me to function. It is winter, so I imagine I’ll be sitting even more.
No injury here, but nasty virus going through our house. Luckily it waited to hit until after my first half marathon a little over a week ago. My son was home from school for 5 days, (I usually run while he’s in school) then it hit me, so I”m looking at two weeks of no running too. And I have this great new exercise schedule I’m ready to jump into. But my body needs the rest. I guess all we can do is listen to our bodies, take care of them, and get back to it when we are able.
The top of my hamstring and into my glute hurts. But not while running just after and at night. Religiously foam rolling my calves has helped my transition to Newtons. Getting ready for our 19 mile run this weekend that I think mentally I’m just not ready for. But, already paid for that ‘thon and it’s not going to run itself.
But, already paid for that ‘thon and it’s not going to run itself.
That is the sentence of the day. Hope your 19 miler goes well…you’ve got it, Kristen.
I hurt but mainly due to having to run a gsp puppy daily. He zigs when I want to zag…you get the picture.
Do hope you get to feeling better soon.
Yep, I am right with you! I was feeling really strong for the first time in a while and running killer 6 mile runs, gearing up to chase mr PR in my next 10K. Well one night after tucking the kids into bed, I turned around and tripped over a toy on the floor which busted up my foot, leading to tendinitis. Not fun, and tendons heal so slow! I have slowly nursed it back to health, relying on the elliptical for the cardio my body needs. It’s so frustrating though, I know I will have to slowly dig to get my running endurance back without reinjuring myself. Worst is that mine wasn’t even a performance injury!!
No current injuries…but glad to know there is someone else who loathes the elliptical with the same intense hatred as myself. I used it faithfully during a two week ban from running to help my hip/lower back heal. The only thing that makes it bearable is a AMR podcast. :)
No current injuries…but glad to know there is someone else who loathes the elliptical with the same intense hatred as myself. I used it faithfully during a two week ban from running to help my hip/lower back heal. The only thing that makes it bearable is an AMR podcast. :)
You know, Dim, I had a PF issue that sort of seems to have resolved itself. Not sure how that happened, but I’m thankful. However, reading that you rested, iced, etc. reminded me of something Dan told me yesterday. He hasn’t run at all because of truly messed up knees, but it doesn’t stop him from playing soccer, and adding way more insult to his injuries. So yesterday, with ice packs on the front and back of his knee, he says, “It’s RICEs… Rest, ice, compression, elevation… And Scotch. Keep that in mind. Xo.
I hear ya!! I am close friends with my bike because my ortho won’t let me run yet! I will soon be 3 months post op from ACL recon. Instead of running the two 5ks that I was training for at injury time, I am walking them! What a blow to my ego but I paid and doc said ok so walk it will be!
right side of my back totally seized up today mid run and i had to hobble 2k back to car so I definately feel your pain!!
I’m blaming the dog for my last injury. She took off out the front door when the pizza delivery guy was here one night. Thinking I would only be going as far as the neighbor’s house to nab her collar had me running out the door after her in bare feet. Little did I know she would lead me almost a full mile through the neighborhood before I caught her (still .2 miles from home with no leash…and still no shoes). I could feel the hot spots on the bottom of my feet, which I figured would take a couple days to heal. BUT on the way home, she did something that jammed my middle toe. By the time we got home, I thought the toe was broken. A full week of taking it easy convinced me it was not broken, but I only walked the following week. First run in two weeks this morning was much needed and therapeutic. Hope you’re back on your feet soon! It’s no fun to have to change your routine, and I’d much rather be moving forward than staring at the same spot for my entire workout (even if it is staring at Coach Taylor and Tim Riggins). :)
Rachel: crazy pizza/hound story. Now you now: always answer the door in shoes. :) Glad you’re back to running.
Torn cartilage in my right shoulder ~10 weeks ago, tendonitis in BOTH Achilles since sometime mid June, and just back from splitting my eyebrow open (15 total stitches internal and external) 4 weeks ago. I hate being injured. HATE. Plus I don’t belong to a gym or own any stationary machines for home use (I live in San Diego, I’m spoiled with year round outdoor exercising weather).
But…can’t do anything at present about the shoulder, think I finally figured out an underlying cause to the tendonitis (and luckily the pain lessens the longer I go), and the eyebrow is healed and stitch-free.
Hope you’re back on your feet again soon – try not to let the elliptical drive you bonkers. :)
Holy cow, Leslie…do we need to wrap you in bubble wrap? Take care of yourself, friend..and enjoy the sunshine!
Sorry to hear of this. I’ve had mucho injuries in the past. But that’s why I’m a PT now. Get it checked out but sounds like it might be piriformis syndrome-sciatica type issues. That’s the bootie muscle that can get strained with excessive rolling in of the leg and foot (pronation) or hills, sprinting etc…And it compresses or irritates the sciatic nerve. Sometimes can start in the back area too. Good things are piriformis stretch and massage (foam roller yes but not too much as it may irritate more, icing after, ultrasound is great, check shoes and maybe gait analysis and hands on assessment to check where form breaks down. Good luck!
Thanks, Andrea, for your insight. Going to sign up for massage right now. (“The PT ordered it!”)
Dog hair often prevents me from stretching as frequently as I should, too! Feel better!
You said we could whine. I have been trying to get my gf to run the mini here in Indy for a year or two. One finally did last year. Now two of them have signed up and are all gung ho excited about it and I just had foot surgery with a long recovery ahead. Growl. Not fair. Tempted to sign up anyway, but can’t even imagine it right now.
so sorry to hear! Follow your plan so you can be strong for Vegas! Easier said than done but possible! Hang in there! Love the set up
I feel your pain! Had to cut short a planned 12 miler in preparation for my next half. Hobbled back to the car after 7, called the doctor when I got home, and had an MRI this morning. Happily, no tears in my Achilles or surrounding muscle but I do have a moderately strained soleus. So, resting, going to the chiropractor tomorrow, graston on Thursday, and hoping to throw in a deep tissue massage this week too. I forgot that it takes a village to keep me running. Hope to be good to go in less than 3 weeks for my half marathon with Lisa and Amy!!! And I hope you will be as well. Happy biking, rolling, and healing!
Sorry to hear about your aches and pains, Dimity. I just had to post to say I LOVE your home gym set-up. I am not being sarcastic. I am glad to see I am not the only one who needs a fan 6 inches from them while working out and bonus points to you for the ironing board entertainment center…just the right height. Brill.
Iyengar yoga does wonders for runners. Even better than pilates IMHO. And definitely better than other varieties of yoga for injuries.
Try this pose: it’s great for that piriformis/hamstring/glute area http://www.netplaces.com/yoga/standing-poses/utthita-hasta-padangusthasana-i.htm
Thanks, Judy. Will check it out for sure.
I’m sorry to hear of this obstacle. However, I’m grateful for your honesty and insight. I have super crappy pain on my inner right lower leg. I’ve been icing it, biking for the last 2 weeks with the only exception being my 18 Miler last Sunday, which I should have skipped. 4 weeks til my marathon. This is my 1st injury that has been the owwwweeee wincing while I walk injury. I’m mentally committed to thus race so I will bike away until race say if that is what I need to get better. Hope you feel better soon!
High hamstring problems here too, also on the right. I’ve been doing shorter distances to keep it happy for a while, but I’m doing my first half in almost a year in two weeks. Hoping I’ve spent enough time strengthening and stretching it…so far, so good. I did my 12 miler and could still walk afterwards, so that’s a good sign!
Ugh I threw my back out with one poorly executed dead lift. haven’t done anything exercise wise since Wed., its starting to make me crazy! (Though I am on my feet all day at work, which seems to be enough or my sad muscle.) Meanwhile I’m trying not to go nuts and assume I’ve slipped disc or something awful. Easier said than done.
I would give anything to run right now. I’d love to bike, swim or elliptical. I’d even be happy to get into child’s pose. I am five days post microdiscectomy, and I’m going nuts. The slow quarter to half mile walks are fine, but I’d give anything to sweat right now. It’ll happen eventually…
Sitting in my recliner recovering from my torn meniscus surgery. Misery loves company!:-). I tried to resume some normal household things yesterday….laundry Everest, dishes, the endless throw-pillow pick-up, etc. and I paid the price last night and today. My knee is swollen up like a balloon, and I am walking like Captain Barbosa again…. Darn it! It is very hard for me to take it easy and watch the messes multiply like rabbits! Someone please glue my butt to the recliner!!! Hahaha.
Here’s your company Beth! Hang in there. Sitting still is brutal!!!
I’m recovering from back surgery last week.
Sorry ladies! Sending you both healing vibes…and love the line about messes multiplying like rabbits, Beth. Just find a good BRAVO marathon and chill. (Easier said than done.)
Ugh, sorry about the hammie/glute – I have a very similar issue but my PT doesn’t seem too concerned about it and said it’s just an imbalance thing and I need to strengthen the crap out of it (stretching it does nothing for improvement). I hope you find improvement soon and back on the road running. Until then, enjoy the trainer…and if you need some company, I can bring my bike and trainer over (I’m not working days right now so have a bit more free time) :).
I don’t do injuries well, they seem to require patience and cauteling – two things I just don’t do well. Mine actually happened after the Girlfriend’s Half (WA) two weekends ago. Was fine the whole race, then walking through the food line started to cramp in that area where hamstring meets glute meets pelvic bone. I must have looked like quite the sight hobbling around at the ‘after party’. Well, ask Sarah… she even autographed a book for me with congratulations on pulling an butt muscle ;) I’m still stiff and have only managed to run once. I think it’s going to be a while… but am also paid up to run the Vegas RnR in December. Like I said, I hate injuries! I hope your recovery is better than mine has been!
I found out yesterday that I have tendinitis in my left posterior tibial tendon. I’m out for at least 6 weeks! It’s killing me. I am in the bad habit of using running as my only source of exercise and sole outlet for stress relief. I guess it’s time to join a gym and get ellipticalling and biking.
I developed plantar fasciitis several weeks ago. Not realizing what it was at first, I kept running and made it worse. I’m trying to bike regularly, but the cold, dark mornings make that difficult (it’s been about 40 degrees here at 6:00 am. Add the wind and it’s a COLD bike ride). What brand bike trainer do you have? I’m looking into getting one to use this winter.
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