Taking in Semi-Easy

Well after my last two "long" runs, I had been having some super intense hip pain that felt like a burning sensation.  Last Sunday after my 11.27 miles (training for the half), I couldn't walk without limping the next day and the pain didn't dissipate after a while.  I decided to give the doctor a call (paranoid) about not being able to run for the half and see what is going on.  Referred to a physical therapist for some exercises and such.  My first visit confirmed that I have an IT band issue.  Apparently after doing some research on the internet, this is fairly common in runners.  Caused by a few things some including:  running the same direction around a hard surface track (yep), increasing your training distance too quickly (yep), and overpronation (yep).  The PT did a few stretches with me, a deep tissue ultrasound that I didn't feel, and DIDN'T tell me not to run (thank goodness).  But disclaimer inserted--rest is the best cure. 

I did take a day of rest on Monday.  Decided to do a short 2.5 on the Treadmill to see how it felt on Tuesday.  (not too bad-only a little bit sore) And Today (wednesday) went for a nice 3 mile run outside with Tina to test out some things.  Felt pretty good once again, but could tell there was still some tenderness.  Made sure to stretch REALLY good about 5 min into our run and again after getting home.  Also did some foam roller exercises concentrating on the IT band on my left side.  Tender at first, but it did improve! 

My major worries ARE/WERE 1.) that running would now be painful (which wouldn't be much fun) 2.) that I wouldn't be ready for the half and 3.) that I would hugely disappointment myself with all the hard work I have done. 

I am seriously taking it EASIER than last week and listening to how my body feels.  If it hurts too bad to run longer distances, I am going to stretch it out and slow it down as much as I can.  This weekend is kind of the DO or DIE weekend.  I am going to COMMIT for sure to do the half. I truly can't see myself quitting now, even if I have to modify my goals. --Steph 

10 down 3.1 to go!

Ran 10 miles yesterday with one stop at 60 min for less than 2 minutes for a drink of water!  It was really difficult and for sure wouldn't have been able to continue without Tina joining me for the last 4 miles.  Got home and was having a little bit of a muscle ache in my hip, but took some ibuprofen and all is well this morning.  There were a couple times I wanted to stop (not walk-STOP), but I trucked through it with a pretty good pace of 10:25 per mile.  I did realize that I HATE out and back routes.  We went around the lake 3 times and was supposed to go a fourth, but I realized that I didn't need to go that way to get my mileage in so I turned and took a different path.  At the end of the run, at exactly 10 miles, I stopped and walked the last couple of blocks home.  I must have been tired, because normally I would just finish the whole way home and then stop the GPS.  Next week is 11 miles and I am hoping that it is a bit easier. 

Hubby goes to Wyoming this week and the weather should be GREAT for runs outside!  I am hoping that it works out to complete mostly outside runs this week so I don't have to run on the TM! 

VERY optimistic about the half on March 19!  whoot hoot! --steph

Feeling like a Rockstar!

Today I ran 9 miles . . .but I feel that there should be a disclaimer (I did take a bathroom and drink break for a couple of minutes at mile 5).  Feeling like this half is SO doable!  :-)  I tried to keep my pace around a 10-1030 min/mile and feel like that is a super comfy pace for my long distances. 

I wouldn't be able to run that far without the support of my friends.  Today, Ashley, a friend from work joined me for the first 5!  She is a long time runner and has taken a little break because of an exercise class she is taking.  And Tina joined me for the last 4!  Running with the girls really helps to keep me focused on my pace and keepin on keepin on!  

I am starting to get less worried and more confident in how the half will go!  4 more weeks of increasing my distance and than in March the taper starts and distance gradually decreases.  I CAN SO DO THIS!  :-) 

Trying to keep my weekly running distance to about 25 miles with 1 long run per week!  Right now I try and take 2 days of rest per week with the other days running distances of 3, 4, or 5 miles.  This next week I will try and do one other day with 6 miles!  Things are going well so far!  :-) --Steph