Re-injury Jog

This is where it hurts

With race day six short days away and my training schedule a mess because of this IT band injury, and after a successful two mile run on Saturday, I went for a four mile run yesterday. It did not go well. The pain started almost right away. I stopped at mile three and stretched the right hip flexor for a moment and that really helped. But by the end of mile four I was hurting. There was nowhere to stretch where my run ended but gravel so I had to walk/ jog another mile to find a place to lie down so I could get a full blown stretch of all my hip and glute muscles. That was pretty frustrating. Last thing my body needed was some more jogging, but I didn't want to stretch cool muscles.  Took a quick regular shower as soon as I got home and then a cold bath right after.

I've been using a lot of ice packs, took some Aleve, and am trying to elevate, but that's not so easy with a HIP. I iced it in my office chair several times today and took an ice bath when I got home from work. It all seems to be helping. Tomorrow I will continue to use RICE (subtract the C) and gently stretch. Hoping to be in shape for at least two more  miles by Thursday.

After the race, the plan is two more weeks of cycling with no running and another visit to the PCP. I am also going to focus on stretching and strengthening my hips, knees and core. If that helps, I will make it a part of my routine. If not, on to the next thing, most likely PT or gait analysis.

PHOTO CREDIT

Post Injury Jog

Ugh, I have been putting off my post injury jog for several days. The hip still doesn't feel right when walking. However, thoughts of hitting a wall in my very first race which is a 5.4 mile leg in a marathon relay in SIX days, and having to listen to people tell me I should have started with a 5K, had me concerned enough to quit being such a baby.

Finally laced up my shoes and went for it. Plan was to do two super slow miles then stretch thoroughly. Went better than expected! At first I thought my aerobic ability was in the toilet, but it came around. I think a four mile run on Monday and then maybe two or three on Wednesday, and two more on Friday (IF NO PAIN) ought to be just about perfect!'

Feeling a bit better than I was before the run. It calmed me down a little.

I also saw a chiropractor yesterday. It was a very brief upper back and neck adjustment, but maybe after a few more sessions, I will see a benefit to the hip as well. You never know.

So, I listened to my body and the doc, taking it easy for two weeks. I suppose if all goes well, my advice will be to listen to your body and the doctor. At some point you need to be able to do that first test-the-waters run. I was afraid of this because I didn't want to feel pain and be woefully disappointed. One more day, one more day, I kept telling myself. But I had to weigh the benefit of one more day of healing with the cost of one more day of losing ground. Today I guess the scales were tipped, especially with the race right around the corner.

Next post will be about my first race experience!

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