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.

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