Running into trouble...week of 11/30/08

[Jolt]

This running forum has been slow lately! I went for a trail run this afternoon--I am up to 2 miles at a time (next run I get to go up to 2.5--yahoo!) so I did my two miles and then walked for a bit before turning around to go back to where I started. It was snowing! I only saw one other person on the trail, which was surprising. This run was a lot better than my last trail run two weeks ago--I felt much less clumsy and had no aches and pains, IT band or otherwise. Maybe the new shoes helped since they fit better, and plus I had been running more and getting some confidence back. It felt really good and I think I needed it--I'm in a very good mood this afternoon! The only thing that could have been better was when WALKING back, I was jumping over some especially squishy mud, my foot slid out from under me because I stepped on some leaves that were on top of a wet rock, and I landed right in the mud . I guess I'm not back to 100% agility yet...or maybe I should just blame that one on the fact that the trail is under a thick layer of leaves this time of year so it's harder to see where you're about to put your foot (and they can be slippery too). How's everyone else's running going?

[ASammy1]

I have just recently started running and am taking it very slowly. My goal is to run an 8k in March and then a half marathon in September.

I am following the couch to 5k training program on coolrunning.com to start and am currently on week 2.

Here is my current training schedule which includes my cycling.

Sun- morning yoga for core, cool running program in the evening
Mon- cycle cadence training
Tues- cool running program
Wed- cycle hill training
Thurs- cool running program
Fri- off
Sat- group cycle ride

With this schedule I should have no problem completing the 5k in March, my first century in June, and the 1/2 marathon in September.

The schedule is a bit grueling (for me) because of my job, but I think I can get it done.

[michelem]

Thanks for getting this started Jolt. Sounds like you had quite the adventuresome run/walk!

ASammy1, I like the looks of your program. I've been concentrating on running to the neglect of cycling, and I sure miss my bike! I plan to hop back on at the first of the year -- yay!

Well, as I posted in another thread, I did a 10k on Thanksgiving morning, which was fun if not a challenge due to all the walkers with dogs, baby strollers, kids, etc. Yesterday I about 9 miles, and it was pleasant one minus the tummy cramps (very gassy for some reason, despite eating very low residue as of late).

I am entering major taper mode and feeling like a slug. I have 6 x 1/4 mile speedwork scheduled for Tuesday and a 3 mile run at predicted marathon pace on Thursday and then the actual marathon is on Sunday. I know this is the way it should be, but seeing as my last run over 20 miles was over 3 weeks ago and quite the bust I am getting very nervous. It's going to be hard to concentrate on work this week, especially with two full days of video conferencing coming up -- bleh.

I had my kinesio taping removed yesterday and I'm going to see how it goes on Tuesday's run without it. No matter how that goes, I'm going to get re-taped before the race. Better safe than sorry, in my opinion.

Keep the updates coming! I'll need to be living vicariously through you all this next week.

[emily_in_nc]

I haven't been posting since my runs have all been on the treadmill lately. Boring but steady, 2x a week. Did 3.25 miles running, .25 walking today. Just keeping myself in shape until I have the time & decent weather for some outdoor runs...

[teigyr]

I've been running 22-ish miles per week with my long run being 10 miles. I'm working on form and have been going to physical therapy because I am lopsided It's actually pretty great because all those theories I had as far as why necklaces went crooked on me are confirmed. I'm working on the muscles I need to work on and I'm actually getting faster and with less fatigue.

Michelem, what race are you doing? Best of luck! I am sure you will be fine and all those energy reserves that you're building up will kick in.

My next marathon isn't until June. I'm feeling kind of wistful, actually, but am trying to put my time to good use. A co-worker ran a really awesome half-marathon this past weekend and it was her first distance race. I'm trying to convince her that 26 isn't THAT far out of reach...so maybe I'm using my time for evil also

[katluvr]

Hello!
2 weeks have passed since my 1/2 marathon, I then had a cold and I have been a slug. I ran twice last week... a easy 30 minute "jog" and then teh Turkey Trot (5K). I have NOT been on the bike or doing anything else. Just a slug!
Today & tomorrow I am scheduled for a short, easy, w/ some increased pace interval runs. I MUST do them.
I find it hard when I don't have a major race planned and keeping up w/ the training. Then again, this should be my month of rest. Problem is, resting (and eating) TOOOOOOO much!
Keep up the good work ladies!

[alpinerabbit]

I haven't been good - what with a head cold and recurring irritations along my thigh.

I finally visited the sports doc.

She examined me and diagnosed mostly severely hardened muscles (front of thighs, shins, butt), mediocre flexibility and weak core.

She prescribed a PT regimen starting out with manual therapy turning into building core strength and a running program (they'll even go to the track with me). Since I'll be paying this out of my pocket I know what I want for Xmas: PT money.
Heck, my core strength is already so much better. She should have seen me before the past 3 months of yoga.

[Urlea]

Ugh. I'm starting to get frustrated. Especially after watching "Spirit of the Marathon" today and really wanting to get out and run.

I have been sick since Nov. 11th! Because I'm stubborn I still got about 5miles of running in each week since then (there were a few days I felt okay-ish), but now that I'm coughing enough to warrant sleeping on the couch at night to avoid waking my husband I just can't run. Sigh.

Not sure if I should waste the money and go into the Dr. again. I went a few weeks ago and there wasn't anything they could do to help.

Anyway. For those of you who are able get out there and run for me!

Congrats to those of you who made it out for a Turkey Trot!!

[michelem]

Completed last night's speedwork with no problems (although, I did crank it down from 7:30/mile to 8:00/mile pace for the last intervals). I rolled on the foam roller afterward and had no pain the right IT band at all -- yay! Actually, the left had a few tight spots this time, which is different. I'm still going to get re-taped for the race. I don't want to push my luck.

Now I'm starting to obsess -- where will I stow my ID's? Will I be able to hydrate properly using the aid stations (I've carried my own on all my training runs as well as 1/2 marathons . . . don't need any on 10k's . . . )? How will I keep warm and calm during the 1-1/2 hrs. prior to race start (the bus leaves at 5:00 - 5:15am and is only about 15 minutes away from the start -- the return trip home is more like 45 minutes)? Will my tummy cooperate? I'm already starting to eat low residue and hope that doesn't compromise me nutritionally. And on and on and on and on . . .


teigyr, it is the California International Marathon on December 7. Keep us updated on the results of your physical therapy -- sounds like you're on the right track!

emily_in_nc, treadmill runs count! Maybe boring, but they count!

katluvr, maybe you can take an "active rest" month? Lay of the running and incorporate some lower impact activities, such as CYCLING??? Or maybe swimming if you have access to an indoor pool. Yoga. Etc. Be gentle with yourself, okay?

alpinerabbit, I hear you on the money for PT! I'm in the same boat. But, it's necessary. Keep us updated on your results. I'm interested to hear what they have you do and how it affects you.

Urlea, probably the last thing you want to hear, but I bet taking some time off and resting will do you wonders. My dh came down with what sounds to be a close cousin of your "plague monkey" (yes, I took a peek at your blog). Same thing that his strep test came back negative. He took time off work, plus a weekend and Veteran's Day in there as well, so a total of 6 days rest. During that time he slept as much as possible (kind of tough with all the drainage he was having down into the back of his throat) and hydrated lots. He had a slight setback over the weekend when we had company and he pushed himself too much. He even skipped his most favorite sport, basketball, so I knew he was really sick. However, he completely recovered in that time and I have a sneaking suspicion that it would have dragged out much longer had he not taken the time off and rested. Anyway, just my two cents . . . Hang in there!

[Jolt]

I did my first 2.5 mile run tonight and had a little pain near the outside of the left knee during the last few minutes...it wasn't quite in the IT band area (slightly in front of it) but radiated around to the back a bit and it was a real "oh, #@*#!" moment given that I remembered having some of that pain along with the IT band issue on one of the hikes I did at the end of the summer. So I got home and was stretching, and decided to look in this trigger-point book I have (which I highly recommend--it's "The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook" by Clair Davies; it has a few off-the-wall things in it but the trigger point stuff itself is great) and see if I could find anything that might explain that pain since it didn't seem to be the IT band. Lo and behold, there was something about a spot in the vastus lateralis right near the knee that can cause pain in that area, and when I went poking around there it did not feel good! We'll see if working on that area keeps that particular pain from happening next time I run...

[kacie tri-ing]

michelem --are you getting excited! This weekend is your big day right?!?!

I ran 6 last night. I find my muscles are taking a couple miles to warm up now until they start to really feel good :-(

I have a 7 miler planned tonight.

I started working with a coach. It is my DH's coach. Basically, he writes my workouts and answers all of my questions. When I switch from training for the disney marathon to training for the new olreans half ironman in january, he is going to help me with my swimming too.....

He does all heart rate training, so I got the polar F6. Then I tried to wear it and it hurt! I am going to have to figure out how to add it without the chaffing! I went ahead and took it off after half a mile, because I did not want it to actually chaffe and I would not be able to use it at all until I healed. Any suggestions?

[OakLeaf]

I was sick and off all last week. This week I've been on the road.

The air in NYC was much clearer than it had ever been when I'd been there in the past... but I didn't pack my running shoes. I wasn't expecting to be able to run, so I only brought my indoor shoes and had to work out on the elliptical machines. Guess that run in Central Park will have to wait for another time.

I've run the last two days, but I know I'm not going to be able to work out tomorrow, so I'm trying to figure out whether or not to run today. Probably will take an easy lope.

Kacie, what kind of sports bra do you wear? My Garmin HR straps do best under a wide, flat band. My favorite bra is the shiny Champion. (They seem to change the name of that bra every couple of years, but the product is the same.) The band holds the HR strap nicely and doesn't chafe.

Then I know there are some bras that are made specifically to go with Polar HRMs but I don't know the brand. Nike, maybe?

Yikes Urlea, that doesn't sound good. After all this time it's possible you have a secondary bacterial infection?

Anyway, hoping everyone sick or on IR feels better soon. Keep your fingers crossed that I don't catch the flu from my dad. I just can't get sick right now, I can't, especially not the flu.

[katluvr]

Ok I DID run last night. Headed out for a 3 miler w/ some short, increased pace intervals. I underestimated how cool it was. I was cold the whole first mile for "warm up" so I ran a bit toooo fast, was still cold and got a side stitched. So a walked a bit and turned about and ran slowly (w/ side stitch) home. I did feel better by mile 2 and probably just took that long to warm up and get into the groove. But I did nto push it and called it a night. 2 miles is better than nothing.
Skipping out of work at noon today to hit the gym and TM and get my 3 miler in. I know once I do it...I'll feel better.

Yep, I need to get back to cycling...This month my schedule is just really wacky. As we fly out tomorrow for Vegas and the Great Santa Run. Yes, I will be running a 5k in a Santa Suit!

Kacie,
Having a coach and training plan has been great for me. I, too, will be transition from a 1/2 martahon training, to biking (multiple 2 day charity rides w/hills) and hopefully my FIRST tri by the end of summer. I could never figure it out without a coach. Some folks can...not me. Plus keeps me honest. I did drop 10 minutes off my last 1/2 PR to a my most recent 1/2 marathon.

Of course my coach said this was a "rest month" and that if I didn't feel like doing the run or whatever it was ok to rest and skip it. Once I get that permission it is like a free for all! But Jan will be here soon enough and I'll be focus and really back on my TP.

Happy running to all!
K

[alpinerabbit]

alpinerabbit, I hear you on the money for PT! I'm in the same boat. But, it's necessary. Keep us updated on your results. I'm interested to hear what they have you do and how it affects you.

sure will - maybe I'll start my own thread.

BTW I was never in pain but the nagging ache was making me paranoid - afraid that my tendons might start breaking down with chronic inflammation. And that I might need to take oral anti-inflammatories or even better, injections to stop these once and for all. So I asked if it would be a good idea taking some oral diclofenac and the doc said this wasn’t a true inflammatory reaction.
So, since I can bear the pain (it’s not even pain), I’m not taking anything.

Boy, am I looking forward to some release. Even if it sends me jumping to the ceiling (had some previously so the jumping bit is in my future).

[Karma007]

Okay, guess I'm here too. I'm a returning runner (I stopped 3 years ago, after a stress fracture left me in crutches for months). I took up cycling and never looked back. But then my darling (and slightly roundish) bf decided he wants to take up running. I can't let him do it alone, so now I'll be doing a bit of running to support him, and compliment my cycling. I have shiny new sneakers, my old training logs, and a very fast dog.