Faster stronger injured. It’s where I’m at.
While training for a half marathon, have you found yourself getting faster, stronger and more lively with each run, only to have an outcome “injured” status? I’m there!
My workouts last week looked like this:
- Monday = 3 miles + strength
- Tuesday = 7 x 800 at race pace + yoga
- Wednesday = 3 miles
- Thursday = 50 minutes tempo + strength
- Friday = 10 miles
- Saturday = 30 minutes elliptical + stretching
- Sunday = off
I realized while doing the tempo run on Thursday that those are my most favorite runs. They teach me patience and pace. I never outrun myself in the beginning, and I gradually get better as the minute’s pass. The tempo runs have gotten me faster and stronger.I know this for a fact because this week when I did my 10 miles, I had all the energy in the world. I wasn’t even out of breath upon finishing the 10 miles.
Running this past month fairly hard has resurfaced all my injuries (again, these injuries are not to be confused with the reason I wasn’t running before). Even with my frozen water bottle, lacrosse ball and other running healers, the plantar fasciitis and all sciatica problems have come back. And mounted on top of both of them has surfaced this left-sided knee pain, which I’m sure has to do with the prior two problems. I made it about 5-6 miles before it really started on Friday night. But by mile 7, I was miserable and consequently, my pace slipped. By mile 8.5, I was literally almost limping to run the rest of the way.
Tears nearly filled my eyes as my run ended. I felt amazing because that’s how running makes me feel – on top of the world, free and confident. And yet I was in so much pain I could barely walk into the house, and my overall pace slipped to almost 9:20/mile.
I spent Friday night on the couch with an ice pack. I then spent the rest of the weekend thinking of how I will get through this half marathon with pain as such. With the race so close, I don’t think there is too much I can do beyond my day-to-day stretching, icing, and yoga? Would a knee brace help? Or taping my feet? If I had the time, I’d make the hour trek to my sports doctor again, but this time of year I’m much too busy to go see him.
I’m still positive and optimistic about seeing the finish line at the Rock ‘n Roll Las Vegas. The only thing that has really changed is the idea that I might make a sub 1:45 finish. But so is life….
It’s not always how we get there, but that we get there.
I made a commitment, and I will stick to it no matter what.
Question: Are any of you currently injured and training for a race? Frustrated? Still going through with it?
Xox,
SKH
You will heal. I will help.
I injuried my ankle as well. The worst thing to do is to try and get back on it too soon. Look after it, physio and don’t push it. It will take time to heal, I’m a year on a still have some pain but things will get worst if you force the recovery. It is frustrating just sitting there when you know you’ve been getting fitter, stronger and have more energy but give it time and you’ll be back on your feet running again. Hope for the best for your recovery
Hi Jetha! I ABSOLUTELY, 100% agree with you. I have been “baby-ing” it the best I can. Laying a little lower when at all possible, and once this half is over, as much as it’s going to kill me I will be spending my time at the sports doctor and with ice and rest vs. hard runs. I can’t wait until the day I fully recover! Thanks for stopping by. By the way…do you tape your ankles and/or feet in general?
Have you considered getting custom orthotics? I had some problems with my calves and it wasn’t until I got orthotics that the problems cleared up.
My sports doctor said I could get them. Did you just get the inserts at a running store, or did you have special ones made?
That sucks and now I know the feeling. I always assume it happens to other people, but 2 weeks before I was supposed to run the NYC Marathon this year my got a stress fracture on my left foot. It was my fault for bad running form in my 5fingers and now I’m not supposed to run for 2 – 3 months. Missing a 13.1 and 2 more marathons in addition to NYC….sucks.
Hey Justin! I am so happy to hear from you. Like you, I’m feeling like I’m the only one falling apart physically; growing stronger mentally. What are you doing in the meantime? Anything? I am so sorry to hear of your ailments!
I’m slightly injured, but at this rate, I can’t let it affect me. I’ve been using this injury as an excuse to not work out and so far it’s work. So far, I’ve gotten lazy. I’ve also gained a little fat, which isn’t good, especially when I want to get a six pack. I really have to start watching what I eat again, and get active. Any suggestions? I’ve got a Hernia, but it’s not really hurting. If it does start hurting, though the doctors can fix it for me. Right now, I don’t have a job, or insurance to get it fixed, but I can’t let that keep me from working out. More fat is increased risk of disease. I can’t have that.
Hi Roger! I’m so sorry to hear all of that. Make sure to take care of yourself!!
Sorry to hear you are feeling pain (and I hope it doesn’t interfere with Rock & roll). But I am glad you wrote this post and received response. Because a while back my knees were giving me pain – more like a Frankenstein stiff knees and they ached. And I was asking how people deal with the frustration from getting it, allowing it to let it heal, etc… Nice to read some responses here.
You know what I’m thinking it is? The IT Band. Ugh. I’ve been on a stretching spree:)