25 days from my Half Ironman and I think my IT Band is injured!

[Deborajen]

I hope it's nothing major - I know you've been working for a long time for this.

I think I've been having IT band issues, too. Have you tried IT band stretches? I found some on the Runner's World website and have gotten some relief from them. I hate to say it, but I'm not 100% yet and it's been about a month since this all started. I've only been doing the stretches for about a week though.

Maybe someone else has some other suggestions. Knee stuff is all new to me. Good luck - hope you get it resolved and finish that HIM that you've earned.

Deb

[Wahine]

KSH - I experienced something very similar 2 weeks before IM. I went for a deep tissue massage and stretched like crazy. I stopped running and hoped for the best on race day and it was fine. No problems during or afterward.

If you need some specific stretching links PM me.

[RoadRaven]

Do all the stuff Doc suggests, and PM Wahine for her stretches!

Sending positive thoughts your way, KSH

I know how virtually devastating it can be to get so close... but there is still time to manage it

[rocknrollgirl]

KSH, I have had ITB problems off and on for the past two years. It usually gets pissed off if I increase my distance too suddenly, or run too many hills. Do the stretches, massage does help, and ICE.

You have to back off the running, for a bit or it can become chronic. You have a good strong base, so don't panic.

Let us know what happens.


Ruth

[tattiefritter]

As has already been said, rest, stretch and get a massage, the last is very important. I got ITB problems when I suddenly introduced loads of hills into my running in one of my usual fits of overenthusiasm I also insisted on running on it and ignoring it which made it worse though thankfully I saw sense when I realised I was contemplating taking ibuprofen to allow me to run. Its a personal rule of mine to not do exercise if I have to take a painkiller first. Luckily biking was ok and I kept my fitness up.

I did all the stretches I could and took ibuprofen but it was the massage that sorted me out - I am not ashamed to say I nearly cried with the pain , it was possibly the most painful hour of my life (and I paid for the privilege) but it worked. I jetted off on holiday to NYC the day after the massage and spent a weak walking around which wasn't the best plan but once I came back and got off my feet for a bit recovery was quite swift for the ITB issues though I had other problems aside from this.

I stretch my IT Band pretty much everyday now using the yoga pigeon pose.

[spokewench]

I stretch my IT Band pretty much everyday now using the yoga pigeon pose.

THe Yoga Pigeon Pose is the best thing for stretching the IT band - be very careful at first - you can really feel this one! I do it every day since I have had chronic IT band stuff going on for 15 years. If I stretch every day, I am fine.

And ICE when it is inflammed like you are experiencing. I had the same pain you have years ago when I was running! THe funny thing with me was that when I ran it was not bad, it was when I started to walk that it really bothered me.

[tattiefritter]

Yes, be careful and do it gently. When I first did it I found it relatively easy but then we covered it in yoga class and I found out I was doing it wrong! The correct way is much more deep and effective - and really exposes the tightness.