Training Check-in/Encouragement Thread

**JMTStone** · 06-05-2014, 02:56 PM

I'm hoping everyone's spring running went well. I have a 5K for March of Dimes on Sunday. Then the Dirty Girl Mud Run next weekend. Then I take a break. September 13th (the weekend I turn 45) I'm doing the Erie 1/2. I hear since its so flat its a great first 1/2 to do. Then someone talked me into the Buffalo Creek 1/2 in October.

Hopefully I'll be able to keep my distances up throughout the winter to easily tackle the 1/2 after the 5 and 10 K for #runICOT weekend. I'm thinking I'll be walking the 5K with DH. The 10K and 1/2 will be my run-walk with Galloway.

I've improved my speed through this program. Even reaching 10 minute mile at some points. Our weekend runs are through different areas of Pittsburgh. Always a different theme. Veterans day it was all the monuments. Then there was the bridges run. Then the "filmed in Pittsburgh" run. So I'm always running different places. It has made it lots of fun.

I can't wait to see the #runICOT t-shirts in all of the colors. After all, I have to plan my matching bondi bands and tutus.

The weight loss is sorta at a stand-still. Kickboxing 3 days a week then 2 weekend runs. But I'm still down 84 pounds so I'm not mad at it.

But now I'm thinking of coast to coast.... Is it possible I'm addicted?

**Tri Minnie** · 06-05-2014, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by JMTStone

Our weekend runs are through different areas of Pittsburgh. Always a different theme. Veterans day it was all the monuments. Then there was the bridges run. Then the "filmed in Pittsburgh" run. So I'm always running different places. It has made it lots of fun.

...But now I'm thinking of coast to coast.... Is it possible I'm addicted?

I must say that the themed runs through Piitsburgh sound substantially more fun and interesting than my treadmill runs. It sounds like training is going great and you are going to be well prepared for that first half. My friend just mentioned the Buffalo Creek half to me, but I am still undecided about running it.

Coast to coast sounds wonderful to me, but I may also be slightly addicted

It will also be years before I can make all of the logistics a reality, so I am all for living vicariously.

**BrerGnat** · 06-12-2014, 08:58 PM

PSA: DON'T RUN THROUGH THE PAIN!

Just don't. I did. I knew I shouldn't have. But, I did. Do not do what I did.

I have had nagging Plantar Fascitis in my left heel for MONTHS now...like over 9 months. I tried all the home remedies. Sometimes, it would get better, and I would think it was going away. I'd run, have more pain. Stop running, feel better, repeat.

A few weeks ago, the pain was really starting to be more constant (except I NEVER had pain while I was running, just afterwards). I was getting heel pain after simply walking my dog. So, I did the *logical* thing, and started cycling on my road bike. 15 miles or so, a few times a week. My heel was getting rest, right? Well, I started having hip/thigh pain. Figured it was just sore muscles from biking. So, went back to jogging a few times a week. I did a slow jog/walk for 3 miles Monday, and Tuesday, I could hardly walk. My thigh was on fire. My heel was in so much pain I couldn't support myself when I got out of bed.

I finally, FINALLY took myself to the doctor. Yesterday, I went from my primary care doctor straight to a podiatrist. Today, I had my first PT session. Bottom line: I have a HUGE heel spur and severe PF; I have IT band syndrome causing the thigh/hip pain; at my PT evaluation, the general consensus is that months of running and generally putting up with PF has caused all sorts of issues with my muscles in my feet, ankles, and hips/glutes. I have to do 6 weeks of PT. I got a cortisone shot in my heel yesterday (YOWIE!!!) and I am on strict orders to do NOTHING for 3 weeks. I actually caused the IT band syndrome by biking with messed up tight hip muscles. Oops. After 3 weeks of PT, I will be evaluated by the podiatrist again and he may allow me to begin running again.

Luckily, it's only June, so there is plenty of time for me to get back in shape for the 10k in January.

The point is, I was stubborn. I felt like I could "deal with the pain" and it was no big deal. I figured it was just PF and it would eventually go away. Not the case, unfortunately. I did a whole lot of damage by simply not addressing the PF after about a month of no improvement in pain.

So, don't do what I did. If you are hurting, STOP and see a doctor. You can really mess yourself up in other areas if you try and compensate for pain by changing how you run or walk. It can really screw you up. I learned so much from my PT appointment about my body that I never knew before and now with that knowledge we are going to work on strengthening my weak areas and loosening up the areas that have been in knots for months.

**GMRO** · 06-13-2014, 10:28 AM

Very sorry to hear that your injured. Hope the road to recovery is not too long, I'm sure you won't rush it, and you recover fully to meet your goal.

When my hips begin to hurt, if I run too many long runs in a row/daily, I take a day off and recover. Depends on how I pushed. I try not and let my body get wore out or allow it to self adjust and plow thru it. Which as you found out is not good.

GOOD LUCK! I wish you the best as you heal up!!!

**BriarRose0708** · 06-13-2014, 10:51 AM

Originally Posted by BrerGnat

PSA: DON'T RUN THROUGH THE PAIN!

The point is, I was stubborn. I felt like I could "deal with the pain" and it was no big deal. I figured it was just PF and it would eventually go away. Not the case, unfortunately. I did a whole lot of damage by simply not addressing the PF after about a month of no improvement in pain.

So, don't do what I did. If you are hurting, STOP and see a doctor. You can really mess yourself up in other areas if you try and compensate for pain by changing how you run or walk. It can really screw you up. I learned so much from my PT appointment about my body that I never knew before and now with that knowledge we are going to work on strengthening my weak areas and loosening up the areas that have been in knots for months.

AMEN! I am really sorry you're dealing with all these complications and pain, Nat. Sometimes as runners we tend to just deal with the minor aches and pains before or after, but the first thing my Sports Ortho said was "never run through pain." I am still dealing with tendonitis in my hip, it was getting much better after 6 weeks of PT and then Tuesday I pushed too hard on a run and now it's flared up again. The good news is, PT works (I just need to remember to do it every day,lol) and you'll be feeling much better by January. I'm glad you caught it early!

**badkitty** · 06-13-2014, 01:36 PM

Sending good vibes and best wishes to all during your training and healing.

Hang in there!

**JMTStone** · 06-16-2014, 09:11 PM

Originally Posted by badkitty

Sending good vibes and best wishes to all during your training and healing.

Hang in there!

RIGHT: Hang in there. Listen to your Doctor. I'm really sorry Nat. Its so frustrating. I hope you recover soon.

**Yungbuck73** · 06-23-2014, 04:11 PM

So I FINALLY went to the doctor and they think it could be my Achilles. Going to a orthopedic on Wednesday. So what I thought was a calf sprain, might be a whole lot worse. Just my luck.

**BrerGnat** · 06-23-2014, 04:15 PM

Justin, good for you getting to the doctor. Hopefully you will have more answers at the next Dr. Physical therapy and rest has helped me a TON in just two weeks. I have 4 more weeks before I can resume running again. It's still plenty early to be training for January. Hope you are able to get back on track soon!

**BriarRose0708** · 06-23-2014, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by Yungbuck73

So I FINALLY went to the doctor and they think it could be my Achilles. Going to a orthopedic on Wednesday. So what I thought was a calf sprain, might be a whole lot worse. Just my luck.

Keeping you in my thoughts for a speedy recovery!!

**Yungbuck73** · 06-23-2014, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by BrerGnat

Justin, good for you getting to the doctor. Hopefully you will have more answers at the next Dr. Physical therapy and rest has helped me a TON in just two weeks. I have 4 more weeks before I can resume running again. It's still plenty early to be training for January. Hope you are able to get back on track soon!

Wife and i are signed up for the 5k for wine and dine, and I don't even know if I will be able to do that. The pain has been getting worse. Thanks for the kind words.
At this rate, I hope I can even do the walking in the parks in October.

**Yungbuck73** · 06-23-2014, 04:58 PM

Originally Posted by BriarRose0708

Keeping you in my thoughts for a speedy recovery!!

Thanks Nikki. How's ur rehab going?

**BrerGnat** · 06-23-2014, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by Yungbuck73

Wife and i are signed up for the 5k for wine and dine, and I don't even know if I will be able to do that. The pain has been getting worse. Thanks for the kind words.
At this rate, I hope I can even do the walking in the parks in October.

Ahhh, I didn't know about the Wine and Dine. Bummer.

**Yungbuck73** · 06-25-2014, 01:44 PM

Got it confirmed by orthopedic that my Achilles is torn.
Gonna start physical therapy tomorrow for 6 weeks then get reevaluated.
Dr did say that the 5K for November is a good goal to strive for so gonna do my best to do it.

**GMRO** · 06-25-2014, 01:51 PM

Well that stinks, BUT at least now you can begin to heal up correctly knowing the TRUE issue.

GOOD LUCK with your goal!

Take care!!!

**BrerGnat** · 06-25-2014, 02:11 PM

Ouch! But, good news that November might be do able!

**cer** · 06-25-2014, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by Yungbuck73

Got it confirmed by orthopedic that my Achilles is torn.
Gonna start physical therapy tomorrow for 6 weeks then get reevaluated.
Dr did say that the 5K for November is a good goal to strive for so gonna do my best to do it.

My husband had problems with his achilles. I don't know if it would be classified as torn, but it was squishy to the touch and would kind of creak when he would flex and point his foot. He had great (and pretty quick) results from a Dr. who treated him using the graston technique.

Natalie, I fight PF, as well, and graston technique has helped me a lot (much better that the results I received from active release therapy). I had significant and marked improvement in approx 2 mos of twice a week treatments. I am now going once a month for maintenance.

Anyway, y'all, I just thought I would throw that out there - just in case you wanted/needed another avenue to explore.

Oh, the fun we have training! ...smh

**Yungbuck73** · 06-25-2014, 03:36 PM

Right now I'm very bummed. Since I have started getting ready for runs, I keep injuring myself. It's very disheartening. Trying to get healthy and keep getting hurt.

**AgentC** · 06-25-2014, 03:50 PM

Originally Posted by Yungbuck73

Right now I'm very bummed. Since I have started getting ready for runs, I keep injuring myself. It's very disheartening. Trying to get healthy and keep getting hurt.

Hang in there Justin. It's not easy but you will get there. Sometimes I think it's one step forward one step back.

I got sick and didn't run for a bit, then I hurt my back, then I got wrapped up in my daughter's dance recital, so I haven't run in a good 8 weeks. I know it is going to be horrible when I go back especially with the lovely FL summer weather

and I was bummed because I was working on my pace and distance. Then I remind myself that even though I might not make every goal, I'm still in a better place than I was a year ago and I'm still trying.