Running with the reindeer...December runs!

[skhill]

Got to a yoga class last night for the first time in a couple weeks (December can be crazy), and I was shocked to find how stiff and tight I was. But the class really helped-- everything felt so much free-er on this morning's run. I felt so good that I added on an extra mile.

[VeganBikeChick]

Ugh, I've really fallen off the running bandwagon this week. Started dating a new guy and running has been put on the back shelf. I know from experience the more I slack the harder it is to restart, so back to the treadmill today. I don't think playing Wii tennis tonight with him is going to burn as many calories as a good session on the treadmill will

[emily_in_nc]

Did my 4+ mile run this morning. Felt pretty good -- not great, but much better than Wednesday's run.

[Wahine]

I did a 3.5 mile trail run in the dark with a head lamp. It was fun. And frosty.

[Bike Chick]

Well I had my appointment with the PT yesterday. He thinks that it's bursitis or tendonitis of the hip, IT band syndrome or (worst case scenario) a tear or impingement of the labrum. I didn't take any of it very well, especially the worst case scenario part, but he tells me if it's not my labrum, he will get me through the Disney marathon in 3 weeks. If it is the labrum, I may never run a marathon---ever. Yesterday wasn't a good day.

Today was supposed to be my second 20 mile run but I've been told no running or riding. I never thought I would miss my long runs so much but I really look forward to them, even with the pain.

[yellow]

If it is the labrum, I may never run a marathon---ever.

FWIW, I have a torn labrum with pincer impingement and a retroverted hip. I'm still running pretty long distances. I might eventually have to give it up, but am managing. Once I got the initial inflammation mellowed out, it became more tolerable. It can really hurt sometimes, but now I know what to do to bring it back down to earth.

I was offered surgery but politely refused. I know a couple of other very talented runners who also have a torn labrum; there are a lot of people out there walking around with soft tissue damage to the labrum. So if that is the problem, know that it can be workable. If it were me and that was the diagnosis (torn labrum and FAI and no running long distances, possibly ever), I'd get another opinion.

All that said, hopefully it is something minor that you can tackle in the next few weeks before your marathon!

[Bike Chick]

FWIW, I have a torn labrum with pincer impingement and a retroverted hip. I'm still running pretty long distances. I might eventually have to give it up, but am managing. Once I got the initial inflammation mellowed out, it became more tolerable. It can really hurt sometimes, but now I know what to do to bring it back down to earth.

I was offered surgery but politely refused. I know a couple of other very talented runners who also have a torn labrum; there are a lot of people out there walking around with soft tissue damage to the labrum. So if that is the problem, know that it can be workable. If it were me and that was the diagnosis (torn labrum and FAI and no running long distances, possibly ever), I'd get another opinion.

All that said, hopefully it is something minor that you can tackle in the next few weeks before your marathon!

Oh, Yellow, this is so promising. Thank you for your input. It means a lot to hear this. I'm staying positive and thinking that it's not worst case scenario and will see how Monday's session goes. I may just go to my doc on Monday and ask if I can have the MRI just to rule it out. Then if it's not, I'm running on it and doing the marathon regardless. When I met the PT yesterday for my initial consult his first statement to me was, "so you are trying to run a marathon in 3 weeks." My response was, "No, I AM running a marathon in 3 weeks and you are going to help me accomplish that." I didn't mean to be so stubborn but I wanted him to know how determined I was.

[Selkie]

Oh BikeChick...sorry to hear this. Take Yellow's advice to heart, you never know. Get another opinion.

Two weeks before I was set to do my 2nd Marine Corp Marathon, piriformis syndrome hit me hard. In addition to missing the marathon, I ended up giving up running for more than 10 years.

Sending you lots of good healing vibes/wishes.

[indysteel]

((((Bikechick)))). I really hope that it is not the worst case scenario and that if it is, you are able to keep running. Hang in there.

[katluvr]

So I skipped my long run yesterday. Was tired and just wanted to have a morning that I did not have to jump start my day and get busy early. Plus my folks came for a visit for the weekend and I had to get my house in order (clean) before they arrived. But I felt like a slacker.
Did go out this AM for a slow and easy 4 miler. Bit "cool" for Florida this AM with a strong north wind. But felt good. Need to get back to speed work this week and long mid week before the holiday weekend.

K

[Wahine]

Bike Chick,

At your next PT appointment, ask your PT specifically what tests he or she can do to get a clearer picture of what the diagnosis is. It is quite possible to get a reasonably good impression of a IT Band syndrome (bursitis is usually secondary to this) vs a labral tear. If he/she can't give you an answer, or gives you some sort of vague answer that isn't really an answer at all... you may want another opinion.

Go get a really good deep tissue massage and have the massage therapist work a lot on your Glute max, glute medius, glute minimus and TFL. You may also be tight through your low back area (most likely L4-5) and some work there will also help.

Get on a foam roller and work your hips out as much as you can.
Foam roller techniques for the hip.
The thigh.

And stretching is key. This is a reasonable routine for stretching the hip/IT band complex.

If you get on these things now and you respond well, you can be ready to run your marathon in January.

It would also be very helpful to do a running form analysis with a qualified PT. That should be done after your marathon and recovery period. You shouldn't try to change your running form drastically right now.

Finally, even if you do have a labral tear, it is quite possible to continue running. I have a labral tear too and like Yellow, I still run distance. I also work with people following arthroscopic repairs to the hip and I have seen many do very well and go back to running.

[7rider]

Took part in a trail race from the other side today. I was a course marshal - one of those who stands at an intersection wearing a yellow vest and waving a flag telling folks to turn (or to be careful on the slippery bridge as I did). The running club I ran with last week had a 8k trail run this a.m. Since im in no shape to do back-to-back 5-mile rubs (although I did see one jersey from yesterday's run), I volunteered to just help with this one.

After sweating from running back and forth between my two locations, I cooled down and was downright chilled by the time my mountain biker sweep showed up, trailing the last runner (a 5-y.o., and her parents). I was happy to help, but more happy to see my duty done. Runners arrived, ran, ate, and left in the time I was out on course. My back was killing me from standing in the cold so long. So, yes, although I always did before, I am now much more likely to thank the volunteers at the events I do! They work hard so we can have our fun!

[skhill]

Found a great way to have a fast final mile-- a full bladder. Had an extra cup of coffee before heading out, and it sure had an effect. 5 miles total, with the last in about 8:10, despite it being mostly uphill.

[limewave]

I was supposed to run 7 yesterday but it didn't work out. I felt horrible all day. I had a short window between church and family Christmas gathering to get my run in. All I wanted to do was take a nap but I thought I would feel better if I ran instead.

I was wrong. I should have napped. I managed about 2 miles and then could not take one more step. I walked home slowly. It was a miserable day. Tired. Dehydrated. Too much sugar. Blech.

[GLC1968]

Just getting caught up here!

Bike Chick - I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but I hope both Yellow and Wahine are right and that you'll continue to be able to run. Hang in there!

I managed 5 miles yesterday. It was a very good run and I felt strong. After the first two miles with my H, I moved into my own pace and found I was comfortably running a 10 m/m which is significantly faster than I was running just six months ago. I pushed it to a 9 m/m for the last mile without much increase in effort.

Unfortunately, I had to eat, grocery shop and then take care of our puppy in my sweaty running clothes. Then there was a nasty accident on the intersection outside our house, so I ended up out there, trying to help pry open a car door and holding flashlights for the EMT while shivering something fierce. It took me forEVER to warm up once I got into a hot shower! I think I am still chilled 15 hours later!