T’was a chaotic week. The kids went back to school so summer is unoffically over. I’ve been dealing with this post.-tib. tendon injury for 2.5 weeks now and seeing Dr. Miracle (not his real name, but it should be) on the regular. This week I was permitted to very gradually ease into terrestrial running.
I went to my favorite place: The middle school track at the crack of dawn. It went well in that I ran….slowly….and my tendon didn’t blow up leaving me in screaming pain like it did a week earlier. But it was nowhere near ready for prime time.
More therapy ensued. More strengthening. More Graston. More heat. More ice. More more. Most of my running miles were churned out in the pool but I did get out for a second terrestrial run that went barely better than the first. It was BETTER though, even though the improvement was slight. I ran further and walked less, but the truth is I’d hoped for more.
I was beginning to wonder how the heck I’d ever go 26.2. If all this therapy was futile. How the heck much money I can pour into Dr. Miracle’s pocket. Yet more therapy ensued. The exercises got harder. The Graston progressed. Hips got stronger. Kinesiotape was applied. I’m feeling bionic.
I ran a 3rd time. Still on softer surfaces. This time it was different. The tendon felt GOOD. Not great but SO MUCH BETTER than it had. I ran longer. Stronger. NO PAIN! I could tell immediately that I’d turned a corner on this injury. I could’ve kept running but I chose not to press my luck and shut it down. Live to run another day. No soreness afterward. No calf strain because other muscles were compensating for the weak tendon. The glimmer of hope became a flashing neon sign. I’m going to get there!
Hot List
This week I’m loving the Chill Insulated water bottle from Refresh2Go. This BPA-free bottle features a coconut shell-activated carbon filter that can be used in the bottle or taken out. I’ve been taking it to the pool with me for my marathon pool running sessions and I have to say it keeps my water icy cold, even after sitting in the sun, for a looooong time.
This week:
I’m swamped with back-to-school jazz, curriculum nights and single parenting. Not a great combo. Fingers crossed I’m hoping to be released from treatment with Dr. Miracle. I’ll be working on gradually trading pool running for “real” running. There will be no taper for me. It’s going to be a (careful) build right on in to Berlin.
Remember the Runfession Friday linkup opens this Friday! Be sure to join us! I promise you’ll feel better!
How was your week? Have you ever had an “unorthodox” training cycle?
Glad to hear that all of the treatment and hard work with therapy exercises is finally paying off! Hopefully you’ll be back to all land running soon!
From my dumb runner vault…..the first year that I picked up running I went quickly from 5k to full marathon. I ended up with really bad IT Band syndrome but I was so stubborn and committed to doing that marathon that I spent 3 hours on the elliptical every weekend to help prepare me. Hindsight…..terrible way to train but I crossed the finish line! I also successfully rehabbed my IT band syndrome and have never had an issue since that first year.
I’m so happy to hear that the running is getting progressively better – a HUGE win! I love that you still did a ton of poll running to keep up your endurance too. You have handled this injury like a champ!
Progress is progress! You got this! My Coach M will cross that finish line!
Oh, so glad you turned a corner – and you were so wise to stop while you were ahead. Hope the progress continues this week!
Yay for progress! You’re going to get there Marcia!
I’m glad things are feeling a little better. Yea, I think in our next lives we need to become physical therapists! I know I dumped a boat load of money into mine!
So glad to hear that you are feeling much better. That can be a tough injury to get through. See you for runfessions
Yay!!!!!! I’m glad to see one of my injured/recovering cohorts turning the corner!! My latest “break through” is that I’ve been massaging my suture line in my free time…I can already tell (in the past few days) that I’m able to get a little bit more range of motion in the knee because the “tightness” is loosening up…gradually…
Playing it safe is smart, but it’s so hard to do. My competitive streak kicks in and I have to convince myself to not to the next quarter mile, to end on a high note. I’ve gotten better at it, but it took me a while to get there.
Great to hear that your tendon is feeling better and that your last run went well! That water bottle looks neat! Cool that it has a filter!
So glad to hear you are making progress! KT tape can be so helpful when coming back from and injury, Hopefully you continue to make lots of progress and there are now more issues before Berlin!
Oooooh three big enormous huge loud cheers for that no pain!!!!!!!!!!
I’m so glad to see you running again. Your non-taper sounds suspiciously like what I did for Big Sur! LOL. The unconventional marathon training plan. Hey, whatever gets you across that finish line, right?
Cheers to progress! It feels good when you know you have made it over the hump!
Great to hear that you are recovering from injury!! Never easy to do. Definitely, would like to try Refresh2Go water bottle.
I have no doubt that you got this. You are one tough lady! This injury is just a blip in your path to success.
Hooray! I love progress! Keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll be back to 100% in no time!
You are going to get back to where you were and I’m glad to read this week was a step in the right direction for sure!
Unorthodox? I think my first two years of running was just that! I’m glad I have gotten smarter about training and conditioning my body!
Did you know it’s only 12 weeks until Vegas?
Yay for turning a corner! Stay patient amd keep your eye on the end goal ☺
I’m so happy to hear you’ve turned that corner! I did not taper during my alternate marathon training either. I felt I needed each mile I could get on my feet before race day. You’ve got this! That finish line will feel extra sweet too.
So great to hear that running is getting better! Sounds like a nifty water bottle. Interesting with the filter and coconut shell.
Glad to see you’re doing better and will toe the start line next month. I am excited for you!!