RICE = Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
And we are NOT happy about it. The IT band is winning this fight, so far.
Today I set out for a 16 mile run, stretched with the new foam roller Jon got me for my birthday, adjusted my IT band strap a few times, and by mile 7 was feeling pretty good. In fact, I actually quite enjoyed myself for 5 miles. Then as I was smiling and waving to a small family along the Danvers Rail Trail, I felt something go in my left knee.
I was 4 miles away from home.
I could have stopped at the next gas station, next sub shop, next pedestrian, anywhere really, and asked for a phone to have Jon come collect me. But I walked. I walked those 4 miles on this 40 degree day in my thin long sleeved t-shirt, IT band strap in hand, and thought.
What am I going to do?
I've never been more motivated to work hard at this and do well. I really want to OWN Boston. But if I don't do what all the books say and RICE it for a couple weeks, I will not make it to the halfway mark on April 16. Obviously we would be better off if I didn't have to take any time off, but I really think at this point that it's either take the time off, or forget about the marathon altogether.
Tomorrow's running purchase will be some paper cups for icing-- I've been icing using ziplock bags, but apparently that's no good because whatever you're icing can't get cold enough without direct contact. Who knew?
Happy running. Death to IT band injury.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
4am cookies
I am always hungry.
No really. I am always hungry.
This is one of the (better? I don't mind it.) side effects of running a lot.
Today I overheard part of a conversation that ended in, "Yeah, I just haven't been able to sleep through the night because I'm so hungry. I woke up at 4am and had to eat some oatmeal cookies." It's comments like this that make me feel marginally less weird. Even if these comments come when we are, oh yes, running in circles around the indoor track.
Side notes for safe keeping:
a. I ran 14 miles on Sunday when it was 15 degrees out. While I was shockingly dressed appropriately, complete with face mask, and I was not cold, it was NOT fun. My muscles definitely had to work harder and it was just not enjoyable. Though looking like a ninja was pretty BA.
b. Killer track workout tonight! Running negative splits at the end of a workout makes for an excellent day.
c. I am racing the mile on Sunday at the GBTC invitational at Harvard-- first time since high school GAH. In a uniform and everything. My goal is to break 6:30 but it has been a long time, so I'm not quite sure what to expect. I'm sure celebrating Adam's birthday on Saturday will shave at least 10 seconds off my time :-D
Happy running!
No really. I am always hungry.
This is one of the (better? I don't mind it.) side effects of running a lot.
Today I overheard part of a conversation that ended in, "Yeah, I just haven't been able to sleep through the night because I'm so hungry. I woke up at 4am and had to eat some oatmeal cookies." It's comments like this that make me feel marginally less weird. Even if these comments come when we are, oh yes, running in circles around the indoor track.
Side notes for safe keeping:
a. I ran 14 miles on Sunday when it was 15 degrees out. While I was shockingly dressed appropriately, complete with face mask, and I was not cold, it was NOT fun. My muscles definitely had to work harder and it was just not enjoyable. Though looking like a ninja was pretty BA.
b. Killer track workout tonight! Running negative splits at the end of a workout makes for an excellent day.
c. I am racing the mile on Sunday at the GBTC invitational at Harvard-- first time since high school GAH. In a uniform and everything. My goal is to break 6:30 but it has been a long time, so I'm not quite sure what to expect. I'm sure celebrating Adam's birthday on Saturday will shave at least 10 seconds off my time :-D
Happy running!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Thoughts from today's long run
When setting out to complete a challenging workout, a different kind of thinking sets in. I've found this to be true whether a "challenging" workout is starting the first 3 mile run back after a hiatus, blazing through a speed workout, running a race, or -- setting out for the long run you've been anticipating all week because the training schedule hangs ominously on the wall next to your desk. The thoughts reflect anxiety, fear, excitement, and determination.
Training for my first marathon meant that I'd need to run distances I'd never tackled before. So each time I ran a longer distance for the first time, all I could think about for the first half was if I was going to make it back. Imagine? You set out for a 3.5 hour run and for the first hour and 45 minutes, the only thing that plays over in your head is "You're ok. You're gonna make it. Are you gonna make it? What's this gonna feel like? How many miles are we at?"
However once I hit the halfway mark, I always felt a huge weight was lifted and plugged on towards the finish, letting my mind wander aimlessly. That's when funny things start to happen. My blood sugar's low, I've been alone with my own thoughts for hours already, and let's be honest, runners are a little crazy to begin with.
Thoughts from today's 13 mile run into Salem?
1. Don't take a deep breath in Salem at low tide. MAN did Salem smell bad today.
2. Lots of people out with water belts today! Must be long-run-Sunday!
3. My garmin watch and/or Ipod armband cuts off the circulation in my right arm.
4. Salem smells REALLY bad.
5. When you get lonely, and you start singing aloud to your Ipod, you will definitely discover that there was a person around that corner, and yes, they definitely heard you singing.
6. I love when "Final Countdown" comes on at the end of a long run.
7. The YouTube video Caitlin posted to FB about what it's like to run a marathon cracks me up, particularly the beginning when the guy says "Here we goooo!" Also his sweet dance moves at mile 23 are pretty representative of my entire run.
But the best part about a long run? Eating lots of delicious food for dinner!
Happy running!
Training for my first marathon meant that I'd need to run distances I'd never tackled before. So each time I ran a longer distance for the first time, all I could think about for the first half was if I was going to make it back. Imagine? You set out for a 3.5 hour run and for the first hour and 45 minutes, the only thing that plays over in your head is "You're ok. You're gonna make it. Are you gonna make it? What's this gonna feel like? How many miles are we at?"
However once I hit the halfway mark, I always felt a huge weight was lifted and plugged on towards the finish, letting my mind wander aimlessly. That's when funny things start to happen. My blood sugar's low, I've been alone with my own thoughts for hours already, and let's be honest, runners are a little crazy to begin with.
Thoughts from today's 13 mile run into Salem?
1. Don't take a deep breath in Salem at low tide. MAN did Salem smell bad today.
2. Lots of people out with water belts today! Must be long-run-Sunday!
3. My garmin watch and/or Ipod armband cuts off the circulation in my right arm.
4. Salem smells REALLY bad.
5. When you get lonely, and you start singing aloud to your Ipod, you will definitely discover that there was a person around that corner, and yes, they definitely heard you singing.
6. I love when "Final Countdown" comes on at the end of a long run.
7. The YouTube video Caitlin posted to FB about what it's like to run a marathon cracks me up, particularly the beginning when the guy says "Here we goooo!" Also his sweet dance moves at mile 23 are pretty representative of my entire run.
But the best part about a long run? Eating lots of delicious food for dinner!
Happy running!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
The (Expletive) Joy of Foam Rollers
Ever since my first marathon (Marine Corps Marathon in D.C.) in October, my knees have not been the same. This may be for several reasons...
a. I read all the articles about needing to take time off after the marathon, but I didn't. In fact, that's when I joined GBTC. And halfway through my 3rd 1000m repeat, I felt something go in my left knee, and hobbled the rest of the way around the track. Idiot.
b. As one girl pointed out to me last night, the more you increase your mileage, the more prone you are to injury. Even though I made it through marathon training ok, the timing might have been just right to avoid injury.
c. I did get new shoes after the marathon, but they're a newer version of the same model, so I don't think that's it.
I've never had problems with my knees before so it's a little scary, especially with just starting training for a new marathon. It's also a little scary when I think about heading out for a 20 miler and getting stranded 10 miles away.
Anyway, the girl suggested that I do some foam rolling to help get rid of damaged tissue. It's the new trendy thing in fitness these days- I've read a lot about it and actually tried it once in a promo personal training session at the gym.
The idea is that you roll over the foam roller on whatever area is damaged; you can do this for the IT band, shown here, or the calves, or hamstrings, quads, etc. Basically your entire body weight should be pressing down on the point of contact with the foam roller, which is supposed to help repair damage in deep tissue. Apparently the more it hurts, the more scar tissue present deep beneath the muscles.
a. I read all the articles about needing to take time off after the marathon, but I didn't. In fact, that's when I joined GBTC. And halfway through my 3rd 1000m repeat, I felt something go in my left knee, and hobbled the rest of the way around the track. Idiot.
b. As one girl pointed out to me last night, the more you increase your mileage, the more prone you are to injury. Even though I made it through marathon training ok, the timing might have been just right to avoid injury.
c. I did get new shoes after the marathon, but they're a newer version of the same model, so I don't think that's it.
I've never had problems with my knees before so it's a little scary, especially with just starting training for a new marathon. It's also a little scary when I think about heading out for a 20 miler and getting stranded 10 miles away.
Anyway, the girl suggested that I do some foam rolling to help get rid of damaged tissue. It's the new trendy thing in fitness these days- I've read a lot about it and actually tried it once in a promo personal training session at the gym.
The idea is that you roll over the foam roller on whatever area is damaged; you can do this for the IT band, shown here, or the calves, or hamstrings, quads, etc. Basically your entire body weight should be pressing down on the point of contact with the foam roller, which is supposed to help repair damage in deep tissue. Apparently the more it hurts, the more scar tissue present deep beneath the muscles.
Well, I tried it today, and there must a bit of deep scar tissue, because it HURT. SO. MUCH. It was REALLY hard not to SCREAM at the gym. Also the left side was more painful than the right side, which is consistent with having trouble with my left knee. GAH. It remains to be seen if this will actually make a difference over time.
On another note, when I got home from the gym, Jon said "It was a good mail day for you!" And this is what had come!
Good mail day indeed! :D
Happy running!
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