...my injury.
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| Not a photo of my injury, just a photo from Saturday where I look like a mess after doing some pigeon stretches on the ground and getting covered in leaves :) |
I have been avoiding discussing this injury subject extensively for MONTHS (since August to be exact) because I didn't want to come to terms with it.
I didn't want to admit to myself that I had an injury.
I didn't want to dwell on it.
I didn't want people to feel bad about it or get annoyed at me for talking about it.
So I just didn't really bring it up much at all on the blog.
HOWEVER, it's now finally 95% healed and it doesn't really bother me anymore so I am finally OK talking about it.
Admitting something is wrong is important in order to fix a problem and fully come to terms with it, right? :)
What on Earth was my nagging injury??
I've been dealing with proximal hamstring tendonitis, starting around August 18th, 2012.
How did it start?
I'd had a hard week of workouts, a long run, and then I sat in a car for a few hours to drive up to my sister's bridal shower and when I got out of the car to stand up, something in my upper thigh/hip didn't feel right. I thought I'd just tweaked something, so I just rested and then continued to try to run casually off and on, hoping it would get better.
But it didn't.
Symptoms:
I had discomfort at the spot where my hamstring inserts to my hip on the ischial tuberosity.
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| discomfort in the red area image from Runner's Connection |
It felt completely different from my inferior pubic ramus stress fracture from 2010 (which hurt when I beared weight on it and I could absolutely not run through it.) The hamstring tendonitis was more of a dull discomfort that I could possibly run through, but I generally avoided because I didn't want to make it worse and for a long time I had no idea what it was. When I initially saw my MD in late August, he just said it was a hamstring site insertion strain and recommended that I just take a complete break from running until it healed so I stopped (but could have potentially run through it with 3/10 discomfort otherwise.) It wasn't until I was fully evaluated and treated by a physical therapist that I learned what the problem actually was.
Oddly enough, it hurt the most when I got out of a car after driving and when I got up from a seated position. Sharp pain that would dissolve after walking around for a few seconds. Very strange.
Running through it?
I attempted a couple short and easy runs in September but it was too uncomfortable to maintain any sort of normal gait/pace. Pretty much took off October (minus the Runner's World Hat Trick 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon, which of course was NOT smart, considering I hadn't trained.)
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| loved running with some of my favorite blogger buddies (including Michele and Kristin) at the Runner's World event even if I wasn't in great running shape :) |
I finally got to the point where I just flat out didn't run for a long time, hoping it would disappear completely with complete rest (minus the last 6 miles of the Richmond Marathon course with my NYC buddies :)
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| me, Jess, Gia, Meggie at the Richmond Marathon in November |
Late in December, I decided I was done waiting. The discomfort seemed to be improving so I started running a bit again and then (relatively) ramped up the mileage a bit more in January. It doesn't really hurt anymore when running, only when I'm really pushing the pace or when I'm getting out of my car.
Physical Therapy to Save the Day
In January the hammie/hip was almost all healed but after a discussion with my MD, I decided to meet with a physical therapist (PT) and see if I could get a full eval and finally put an end to this mysterious nagging injury. It's been over 5 months since this started and I'd like it to be fully gone before my Boston training really gets into gear.
The miracle worker PT did a full eval, including a thorough gait analysis, and gave me a few recommendations. I can already tell a huge difference. So far my PT "homework" includes planks, lower ab strengthening, icing, and special stretches. Adding in some more strengthening exercises soon. I am supposed to avoid hill workouts and speed workouts (which is fine with me for now because I usually don't do much of that anyway and I'll probably be able to incorporate those types of runs soon.)
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| special hammie stretch post-long run |
Hopefully this will be 100% done and over with in the near future! It's SOOO close to being fully healed, can't wait for it to be completely gone.
Am I Still Racing The Boston Marathon?
Heck yes! I won't be shattering any world records, but I'll certainly be heading up there to run and putting in a strong effort. Perhaps I'll PR, but perhaps I won't and honestly that's fine with me. Either way, I'm just freaking excited to be running Boston and I'll be happy with whatever outcome my body feels like having :)
Tell me, have you ever had an running injury?? If so, how long did you have to take off?
This is my 2nd injury. I had a stress fracture in my hip back in 2010 when I started racing.
Glad you are on the mend! Very impressive that you are able to mentally jump right back in! Injuries are such a personal thing!
ReplyDeleteYeah everyone deals with injuries differently...I just went into denial for a long time haha.
DeleteAh, it is so good to hear a happy ending to an injury story. I can completely related to the part of not even wanting to talk about on your blog. I'm sure you will have a fantastic Boston experience. I can't wait to join the ranks of "runner" again after my surgery.
ReplyDeleteYes, I like to think that this is a happy ending, hopefully it will be back to 100% in no time. We STILL have got to run together. Can't wait for us to both be in running shape at the same time :)
DeleteI'm glad to hear that you're feeling better!! You did the smart thing by backing off for a while, I have a friend with a similar injury, but he decided to continue running 90-100 miles a week on it.... and now he cannot run at all until it heals. It sucks having to take time off, but at least then you let it heal and don't have a bigger problem down the line!
ReplyDeleteYeah I was very sensitive about not running on it when it didn't feel good (well....except for the Runner's World, event, it was dumb that I ran that, but it was just so much fun I couldn't resist ) because I didn't want to make it any worse than it already was! Wow 90-100 miles per week is so intense, I can't imagine running that much and not getting injured.
DeleteI am glad that you are getting better so that you can start training for Boston. I am totally kicking myself in the rear for not just bucking up and signing for Boston this year. I just didn't think I would be ready in time and now I know that I would be ready. So annoyed with myself!
ReplyDeleteI think that seeing my PT was really good for me, but that the stretches and "homework" that my coach gave me worked even better for me. Combining the forces of my coach, sports med physician, PT & chiro worked best for me in the end. I was fortunate that the 4 of them were willing to work together to piece me back together.
You already know how much time I had to take off from running. It was not a fun year for me, but luckily this year is looking a lot better. Hooray!
Oh you would have TOTALLY been ready, I wish I were going to be able to run it with you!!
DeleteThat's wonderful that you had such a useful combo of your coach, MD, PT, and chiro--- I actually went to a chiro a few weeks ago just because I thought I was going to get a massage (covered under insurance) and I ended up getting all freaked out with the manipulations so I don't think I'll end up going back. I need to find one who works with runners.
Yeah you definitely paid your "resting" dues, you deserve some amazing running this year!
I hope you can continue to recover from your injury and be able to run Boston well. I'm still recovering from an injury to my hip flexor that I got last September, although I think most days it's getting better. I think I had to take off a few months from running and then only did light running (a few minutes at a time) for another few months. Lingering injuries are the worst.
ReplyDeleteThanks girl!! Yeah lingering injuries are the worst because you are never sure if they are 100% gone.... In some ways my hip stress fracture in 2010 was a better injury (even though i took off almost 5 months) because at least it was done when it was done!
DeleteWoo! It sounds like you are on the road to recovery! It feels good (mentally and physically) to heal for injury. It reminds of how powerful I am.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I am HOOKED onFreakonomics Radio! Loooooove!
YAYYYY so glad you enjoyed Freakonomics!!
DeleteYes, getting over an injury is definite a mental and physical challenge, that's for sure!
I am new to your blog and first off wanted to say hello. I've been enjoying your posts. To answer your question, I've been a runner for 6 years and have had 2 major injuries (not too bad I guess). One was a knee issue and the other was Achilles tendinitis. Both times, prolotherapy was very effective. www.getprolo.com
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I am committed to running a half marathon in 25 states and a 10K in 10 states and will likely run a Virginia race at both distances. Pretty much sold on Monument Ave. 10K. Still not sure on the half. Thinking either Blue Ridge, Shamrock or RNR VA Beach. Blue Ridge is the only one that is driveable from Birmingham, AL.
Good luck to you.
Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI ran the Monument Ave 10K last spring, it's a great race! For a half, I'd do the Shamrock half because it's flat and nice because it's at the beach. RNR Va Beach is during a very hot weekend and I don't like running in the heat so I'd skip that one. However if Blue Ridge is driveable, I'd choose that one. All of them are great races, you'd be fine doing any of them. Good luck!
When I saw the title of this post my heart sank for you thinking immediately you have a current injury. Thank goodness this injury is mostly behind you now! What a frustrating thing to deal with.
ReplyDeleteI'm injured pretty much every year now- hip flexor, more recently peroneal tendon which has taken almost 5 months to feel 100%... Lingering injuries just stink!
Aww yeah thank goodness it's almost gone.
DeleteYeah you're right, lingering injuries are seriously the worst because you always have a little element of fear creeping through your mind, hoping that it's not going to get any worse!
Cheers to a healthy 2013!
I had a hamstring injury about a year ago and it took about 3-4 months for it to completely heal. I slowly got back into running and ran my first half five months later. I totally understand you not wanting to talk about it because it is tough to swallow! I didn't like talking about it either because it is hard to be positive when you are going through something like this but it was my first injury so I threw it out there for advice and support. I am glad that you are feeling better and I hope that you are 100% for Boston and if not, you have the ability to pull off a BQ any old time. Good luck Katherine!
ReplyDeleteI remember your hamstring injury, that was the worst, it seems like it lingered forever :(
DeleteYeah it was hard for me to talk about because I was in denial about it...I kept thinking it was going to disappear and I seriously didn't know what it was for the longest time, so I just avoided talking about it.
Thanks for the encouraging words about Boston!! Hope to see you there next year!
I was having the worst sciatic pain when I was training for my first marathon. It was awful, until I (hopefully!) figured out the culprit - high heels! I ditched those and haven't felt pain for about 6 months. It sounds like you're healing well, and I'm hoping it continues for you!
ReplyDeleteOh I've heard that high heels can cause problems for runners. I actually never wear them to begin with (I just am horrible about walking around in them) but I think that as I've gotten more into running I'd probably skip out on them for that reason. So glad your pain is gone, good luck with your training!!
DeleteI'm so glad you are feeling better now! That was a long one, but thankfully you weren't laid off entirely for too long. Injuries suck!
ReplyDeleteI know, seriously WAY too long! Remember when I was complaining about it at the Runner's World event back in October?! Injuries are the worst.
DeleteThanks so much for this post. I started reading your blog a while ago because I'd been Googling "Achilles tendonitis" like a mad woman. :-) It helps to hear stories from other runners going through injuries, as it's probably been the hardest thing I've had to deal with in a long time - emotionally and physically. I developed AT last October, during the final few weeks before my first half marathon (Santa Barbara, November 10.) Before I had any issues, I easily would have run a 1:50 or 2:00 race, but with this injury - I ran/walked, popped Advil, wore tape and compression socks, and hobbled in at 2:38. DEPRESSING. All of the work - for naught.
ReplyDeleteThat was my last run for almost three months - I ran/walked very gently yesterday for 2 miles at a 13 min. pace. Sad, but strong. Weight training, core training, PT, and rest has almost healed me completely. Next, I'm analyzing my gait, foot strike, shoe choice, possibly aqua jogging, learning Chi Running...it's a process.
I am super happy for you and will look forward to your posts on training for Boston - thanks for sharing!!
Erin, thanks for stopping by and commenting! So sorry to hear about your achilles tendonitis....that's a tough one too because you never really know when it's going to fully heal. I'm sad to report that Tappan's still dealing with it over 2 years after it started to bother him...but he also never went through the proper channels to heal it, so I bet you'll have more luck with it.
DeleteThe PT who I saw told me that there's an eccentric protocol for achilles tendonitis which is usually very successful, so there is hope.
Happy running to you!
I'm so happy to hear your on the mend! I've had a few injuries myself and luckily I built a great relationship with my PT. Like you, I saw doctors & specialist but my PT was the only one who truly fixed my injuries. All basically with deep tissue massage & lot's of strength training.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to follow your training for Boston. I'm really excited for you!
Aw yay, thanks :)
DeleteYeah this PT seems to really know runner's injuries so I am very optimistic. Oh my gosh deep tissue massage sounds SO good, I want to somehow work that into my regular routine :)
Glad to hear you are feeling better! Injuries are the worst....
ReplyDeleteThanks Tracy!! Yeah injuries are so awful because they happen because you're doing too much of a GOOD thing!
DeleteWhen I started running I did 3 marathons in 3 months and then immediately started training for the 4th. Two weeks before the race I was doing 800s on the track. I had just done a hard 12 miles got on the bus to Boston, raced a 5k and done another hard longer run. A few weeks before I had twisted my ankle on a 20 miler and kept running. Honestly I am not sure what was wrong with me but something happened during that workout. I couldn't walk without limping for awhile and couldn't really run until the following September. I went to a million doctors and no one really could tell me what was wrong........
ReplyDeleteGlad you feel better!
Celia, you are a running machine. 3 marathons in 3 months sounds like so much fun to me, but I know that'd have huge potential for injury...maybe I should do that this summer before my mini retirement while anesthesia school is going on..... That'd be fun to research some european marathons and do a trip (I think i remember you saying you did that with one of yours.)
DeleteOK let's meet up at Boston???
Good to hear that you're almost healed! The hardest thing to do when you're injured is to completely stop and take care of the issue. Boston will always be there ;)
ReplyDeleteLove the orange laces in the Nimbus. That's a good look for that shoe.
Yes, Boston will always be there, I will not kill myself to make it some crazy fast race this year, whatever will be, will be!
DeleteYes, I must always sport my neon laces, it gives me endurance :)
I suffered a stress fracture last year. I had to take 12 weeks off from running. I am finally able to run pain-free and I love it!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that you are healed. It's so hard to admit to yourself when you are, in fact, injured.
Ugh yeah 12 weeks feels like an eternity when it comes to running injuries!!!
DeleteYeah i was in denial for an eternity, I was convinced that it wasn't going to go on for so long and I had no idea what it was so for long....so I just ignored it. But as they say, the first step to healing is admitting that you have a problem :)
I'm glad to hear that you are on the mend and almost back at full percent! PT sounds like a life-saver in your case. I'm so excited to follow your journey to Boston!!
ReplyDeleteAw thanks I'm super excited about following YOUR journey once your awful foot/heel/bone spur/etc. heals up!!! :)
DeleteUgh injuries suck. You seemed to handle it with so much grace though! Did you cross train while you were out, or just take it easy?
ReplyDeleteI've had all the common stuff - shin splints and plantar problems and stupidly tight everything, but nothing too dramatic. The shin splints kept me off the track for a couple of months - water running to the rescue :-D
Aw thanks for your kind words, Kate :) I did not really cross-train much at all, I took it easy. I did do yoga a couple times but really not a whole lot else.
DeleteI actually did do a water running class at the gym the other day before a spin class, it was pretty fun! I didn't feel like I was very good at it and it was difficult to get my heart rate up (I think because my technique was bad) but I could see how it could be a great workout.
I would love to hear more about the stretches and exercises. And what does your doc say about your eventual return to speed and hills? That's when mine flakes up too...
ReplyDeleteFlares. Not flakes
DeleteSo it turns out that I've been doing my hamstring stretch wrong this entire time...instead of bending over and touching your toe (with your leg propped up horizontally), you're supposed to push your belly button forward and that stretches/isolates the part of your hamstring near your hip a little better.
DeletePlanks X 3 (normal, side, other side) for a minute each after running to help with core strength. Easy enough to squeeze this in after a run as well so I've been religious about this one.
And a couple other core things. I'll do a post about it, I'm going to get more ideas on Monday.
I'm glad you are talking about it, I know what you mean about not wanting to talk about it. But I guess I'd rather talk about it and maybe help someone out there or give someone else peace that everyone is not superman and injuries happen. Glad that you are mostly back to full health it seems. I have no doubt that you will run an outstanding Boston Marathon. Injuries are just really annoying to me - basically since I've started blogging in Dec 2010 seems like I've been on and off injured. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever reach my full potential with running again. I likely need to do consistent strength training to stay uninjured it seems like. I ran 12 miles on Sunday, though my left knee was clicking a lot. So I need to figure out why it's clicking.
ReplyDeleteThe Aussie Open is indeed incredible - if you are tennis fans you should try to make it over for the tourney. I've seen tennis at Wimbledon before (2012 Olympics), and from researching US Open and French Open it already sounds like Aussie Open is the best venue and atmosphere out there. I'll likely go to US Open in Sept this year. I'll try to post more pics soon, been hard to get all the pics together!
12 miles on Sunday, nice work!! Yeah I need to realize that I am not super-human...I'm not invincible from injuries, no one is. I think it is DEFINITELY helpful to talk about it, I should have brought it up earlier but I seriously didn't really understand it very well until I went to the PT more recently...so glad I got it checked out by the right person instead of just waiting for it to magically improve.
DeleteThanks for the info on the Aussie open, I appreciate it! Tappan and I were talking about heading up to see some of the US Open this September...not sure if I'll be able to make it because of school though.
Don't be afraid to admit your injured! Now you actually sound human (cuz for awhile there, I was really thinking you were some sort of robot running super hero!) We all get injuries, it's part of running. Welcome to the club! Between my hips and achillies, I'm just super thankful for every run I can do pain free. Don't mess with hamstrings, those are really serious!
ReplyDeleteOh Tink you are so right, the hammies are nothing to mess with! I've heard of lots of lingering issues with them.
DeleteI was most afraid of admitting to myself that I was injured, I just kept thinking it was going to disappear......and then after many months of thinking that, I realized that just wasn't the case!!
I'm happy you're back in business! I've been dealing with a list of injuries ever since August but I think I'm finally getting everything sorted too. Excited for you to run Boston!
ReplyDeleteI know, I hope your back and stuff heals up quickly!!
DeleteYayy Boston, wish you could meet up with us, it's going to be so fun :)
I ended up taking about three months off (I tried to run during that third month, but not successful) with my IT band injury. Since then, I've been able to keep any injury or potential injury at bay with regular treatment (acupuncture, chiro, PT exercises, massage). Last year was the left leg....this year it is the right! I haven't had to take any time off, yet, just replace a few runs with cross training. I think staying on top of anything with regular treatment (and treatment even if everything is ok) helps tremendously!
ReplyDeleteOh Meggie, I always think of you when I think about someone who really takes control of their injuries. I admire how you seek help appropriately and get it taken care of!
Deletei was so afraid for you when i read the title of this post!! i'm glad to hear that you're on the mend though, glad the PT stuff is helping! my mother in law is a PT so i definitely try to get her opinion anytime i have any pain, she's a big help!
ReplyDeleteAw you're so sweet Courtney! Yeah I'm on the mend, PTs seriously are the BEST!!!
DeleteRight after my first marathon I came down with hip bursitis and didn't run much for 2 months and then after marathon #3 I ended up with achilles tendonitis. Luckily it always happened after the marathon. I need to strength train and stretch more. Also, bi-weekly massage really helps to keep my hips/glues loose. Hope you are feeling 100% very soon!
ReplyDeleteOOH bi-weekly massage sounds WONDERFUL to me!!! I need to work that into my regular routine :)
DeleteThis seems to be where my glute/ham/whatever pain is too! I am so glad you posted about it. Would you mind sharing the PT exercises you're doing? I have been trying to stretch the area but then I also read maybe you shouldn't stretch the hammy so I'm spinning in circles. I am glad yours is doing better!!
ReplyDeleteYeah I remember you talking about a funny thing in your hammie/glute/hip thing and thinking ours sounded similar!!!
DeleteI'll do a post about it....so far it's mainly just stretching my hamstring properly (as I describe in my comment to RoseRunner above) and core stuff (planks X 3 for one minute each after a run and a lower abdominal strengthening thing.) I go back on Monday so I'm going to get more homework assignments then. I'll definitely share it with you once I have a more complete list!
My first serious injury was in last years Boston Marathon-a hip overuse injury. I was out of running for about 9 months. I'm JUST getting back to it! It was tough for me to do anything but yoga and then I finally started incorporating other strength workouts. I'm returning back to running with a new outlook and a stronger body!
ReplyDeleteI am dealing with plantar fasciitis during this training cycle and it is NO fun! However, I am trying to be really conscientious about rolling my feet out, stretching my calves, icing my feet, etc. I missed Boston last year due to injury and I will NOT let that happen again.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself because I need to meet you in Boston!!
Injuries are the worst! Seriously! I was out for six months last year with my back, and getting back into running has been tough, but overall I think the rest was good for my body and will let me come back strong. Looking forward to Boston!! Just make sure to train smart and listen to your body!
ReplyDeleteI have the same injury along with a host of others right now. I keep saying I will take time off completely, but I haven't yet. I am training for a 50K in April. If I make it to that then I promise I will take some time off!!! I sure am happy for you!!!
ReplyDelete