Treadmill - 4 Miles

I ran 4.1 miles today on the Treadmill at the gym. It was a long boring 4.1 miles, but I kept reminding myself to be thankful that I can at least run. I had hoped to run 6, but my hip and lungs just wouldn't allow it. I go back to PT next week. Although, I'm not really sure why I am going. We can't seem to pinpoint what exactly it is that I am doing wrong when walking/running. I think when I get tired, I just lose my form.

It's raining now and more rain predicted for tomorrow. Maybe I can get a run in on Sunday though. I miss the long runs and the feeling of accomplishment. I suppose I'll just have to set new goals for myself, like less mileage but work on form and pace. Overall, I can't complain about today's workout. I left the gym exhausted, sweaty and feeling good about myself.

Chelsey Morris Memorial Run 5K

It was my first race (post/during) injury. I was told to just 'run it'. Don't go all out, just run. But I REALLY wanted to come in under 28. My PR was in 2003 in MS and was 28:32. Slow for most 'real' runners, but it was what I could do. It was a difficult course as that it was hilly. It started off flat, went downhill, then a steep incline with a gradual incline for about a mile, leveled off again with an incline right at the end. I must say that I gave it all I had on this race. Around mile 2.5, I was struggling. But I knew that if I could just hold out that I could beat my PR. As I came up near the finish, I saw the clock and I gave it one final push. I came in at 27:48. Pleased doesn't even begin to describe what I was feeling at the time. Ok, as I crossed the finish line, nausea was what I was feeling. But quickly that feeling was replaced with a feeling of accomplishment. I did it.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

After a 2 hour PT session on Friday, I was more than discouraged. It's not that I am just in pain, but that we can't seem to solve the problem because we can't pinpoint the problem. I've been through 5 weeks of PT. Next week is supposed to be my last. How can it be my last when we aren't even sure what the problem is yet? It's not that we aren't working on it or that I haven't made progress. The burning has stopped. So the nerve issue is currently resolved as long as I don't reinjure it. I have built some ab muscles to hold my pelvis in place; I am happy for that progress. But the issue seems to be the fact that I am somehow overusing my left hip/side region when walking/running/exercising. I was told that there are multiple issues. Apparently my SI joint isn't working properly. I now have a temporary lift in my shoe to see if this helps. I was told to run over the weekend to test it out.

As I left PT, I didn't want to run. In fact, the thought crossed my mind that maybe I should just stop. I mean, is it really worth it? By the end of the day, I told myself that I was going to run - not on a treadmill as I had been instructed to do. But run outside. I needed to just 'run'. Yes, I would work on the correct foot strike, correct leg movement, try to push through my knees and run the proper form. All of this is still VERY difficult for me. I don't have it right yet and it's a struggle to do so. But I started running and I could feel the slight pain in the hip which I had been feeling. I had to concentrate to try to move my leg the proper way. It was exhausting both mentally and physically. But soon into the run, I remembered. I remembered why I run.

After 3.6 miles, I had the answer to my question of whether it was worth it. The answer was a resounding yes. Hot, sweaty and exhausted, I couldn't help but smile. I did it. I'm slow. And although I may bring up the rear in most races, I'm still a runner. I stopped by the post office on my way home to mail my registration form for the 5K on October 10th. I know that I can't go all out and run it too hard. I will have to use caution, but I made the decision to run.

Being a Runner is a label that I am proud to wear.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

It was very disappointing not to run the Half marathon. I had trained hard for it. But I know in the bigger scheme of things, it was just one race. I've been through 4 weeks of PT, and I was told I would need 2 more weeks. I was allowed to run a mile last week, and was given the green light to run this weekend to work on my gait. It has been brought to my attention that I swing my left leg out (think kickball). I'm having a hard time forcing myself to swing my leg through. It seems to take a lot more effort than the way I used to run. I ran two miles today and did 30 minutes on the EFX. I was a little sore from my 1 mile run yesterday and 30 minutes on the EFX. I'm feeling the hip a little more today. I've iced it several times and will probably ice it once more tonight.

I'm setting my next goal for Oct. 10th. I am hoping to be able to run a 5K. There was one today that I wanted to run, but my better judgment took over. I didn't run it. I'm focusing on October 10th.

I'm still not 100% sure what caused the injury. I imagine it was a combination of things. My hope is that I will heal and come back stronger than before.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Not good.. no other way to put it than not good. I went to the Sports Med doctor today to find out that the pain I started feeling last week is a nerve in my hip that is severely inflamed. I already have partial paralysis in the surrounding muscle tissue. I go Thursday to start PT with some type of cortisone treatment. Also, I have severe muscle imbalance in my lower legs. I never noticed this before. But now I can see that my feet turn in and my legs are sort of bowed where they weren't before. Right now I can't run, bike or use the elliptical. Basically, in a nutshell ... no cardio. I suppose I'll find out more on Thursday when I go to PT.

For those of you who aren't runners, maybe you can't identify with the anguish and devastation that I feel at the moment. Being a runner helped define who I am. It is as if a part of myself has been ripped away.