Friday, November 23, 2007

Another Turkey with an IT Band Problem?

Running in a Winter Wonderland

It's just Thanksgiving, but this week Mother Nature gave us a quick jolt of winter with a bit of snow and ice.

The change in weather made me focus a bit more on bundling up, so my running attire now includes tights, a long-sleeved shirt, headband/earwarmer, gloves and a jacket. It's a long way from the days when I first started the program in a tank top and shorts -- and was still too hot.

And, I've learned it's actually possible to be warm and cold at the same time. Although my body is warmed up from running, the outside is still chilly. I feel the cold on my face, ears, hands, legs and feet, despite the fact that I'm working up a sweat.

I've always loved the way my neighborhood looks after a snowfall. The snow sticks to all of the branches that create a sort of canopy on the road.

Despite the chilly temps, I enjoyed the change of scenery. I've now seen the running route through the lush green of summer, the autumn colors and now the start of winter.

It made me glad once again that my slight injury didn't sideline me for long.

I did 7 miles on Sunday, 4 miles on Wednesday and 5 miles on Thursday. I'm on track to get back up to 8 miles this upcoming Sunday -- and looking forward to it.

This Thanksgiving, perhaps I should be thankful that I let myself get so ahead in the training schedule at the beginning of the program. I didn't fall behind with my injury and now am right where I should be.

REMEMBER, I'M DOING THIS FOR A GOOD CAUSE.

Have you donated to my fundraising campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society? If not, please consider doing so. You can donate online at http://www.active.com/donate/tntma/Teresa. Please pass this link to everyone you know. Every dollar helps me get a little closer to the Disney 13.1!

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Thursday, November 15, 2007

On The Mend

I've followed the doctor's orders precisely (yes, really) and took a full week off from running. I didn't realize how much I would miss it.

Every time I passed a runner on the street or saw my running shoes sitting next to my bed, I'd get the urge to go out for a jaunt. But I resisted, even though my leg was feeling much better. I continued the regimen of anti-inflammatories, rest, plenty of stretching and ice.

Last night, a week and two days after visiting the doctor, I decided to give it a try.

I changed into my winter running clothes, laced up my shoes ... and stretched. And stretched and stretched and stretched.

Rebel couldn't contain his excitement to get back to running. He ran from one end of the house to the other, spinning circles and jumping up and down. He finally sat still long enough for me to look his collar and leash to him, along with two flashing lights.

As I put on my reflective vest, I couldn't help but think that getting ready for this run was going to take a long longer than the actual run itself... kind of like when you're a little kid and spend an hour bundling up to play in the snow, then get bored and decide to come inside after only a few minutes.

The run started slow. It was dark, which made it difficult to navigate any obstacles (mailboxes, sticks, rocks, etc.). I admit that perhaps I'm a bit paranoid after my fall.

My leg ached a bit, but it was nothing like the shooting pains that I felt during my last run. I took advantage of Rebel's somewhat frequent bathroom stops and got in a few more stretches along the way.

About a mile out, I still felt fine. I was tempted to keep going, but decided not to push it. I did a little more than 2 miles, then came home to stretch some more and ice.

Sure is nice to be back.

REMEMBER, I'M DOING THIS FOR A GOOD CAUSE.

Have you donated to my fundraising campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society? If not, please consider doing so. You can donate online at http://www.active.com/donate/tntma/Teresa. Please pass this link to everyone you know. Every dollar helps me get a little closer to the Disney 13.1!

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Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Dealing with IT


I've been sidelined. And it's killing me.

The nagging pain on the outside of my right leg turns out to be
Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome, a common running injury.

The IT band is a toug
h group of fibers that run along the outside of the thigh and across the knee. As the fibers rub on the outer knee bone (that's about as medically technical as I can get), it causes friction. And friction causes pain.

Plenty of pain.

I showed up for Sunday's team run fully intending to do the 7 miles I had on my training schedule. But not far into the run, I knew that wouldn't happen. The pain in my knee was getting worse and shooting up my hip with every step.

I gave up trying to stick with the pack early into the run. At points I even walked. When I looped around at Mile 4, bringing me back to the school, I decided I wouldn't push it any more that day. I couldn't.

I described the pain to Coach Jack and he immediate diagnosed it as a problem with my IT band. Cut down my running, he said, and stretch, stretch, stretch.

Yesterday I visited the doctor (now anyone who knows me knows that I was really hurting if I ended up in the doctor's office) to get confirmation of Coach Jack's diagnosis. (Not that I didn't believe him, of course...)

My doctor, as it turns out, is a marathon runner. She, like Jack, immediately diagnosed the IT Band problem. She had one herself when she started running, she told me.

She twisted and turned by leg in every direction, pushed on my knee and checked for any other potential injuries. No major problems.

So she prescribed an anti-inflammatory, icing several times a day and lots of rest. She sent me home with a packet of info about the IT Band, injuries, stretching and recovering.

The good news is that the prognosis looks good. A few days off my feet, maybe more.

Probably the most disappointing part is that it's unlikely that I'll be running alongside my teammates participating in the Seacoast Half Marathon on Sunday.

But at least it won't sideline my plans for the Disney Half Marathon.

REMEMBER, I'M DOING THIS FOR A GOOD CAUSE.

Have you donated to my fundraising campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society? If not, please consider doing so. You can donate online at http://www.active.com/donate/tntma/Teresa. Please pass this link to everyone you know. Every dollar helps me get a little closer to the Disney 13.1!

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Thursday, November 1, 2007

Don't Hit Me!


Okay, I admit it. I've always been a little afraid of the dark. Maybe a lot afraid.

I usually sleep with a light on somewhere in my house. I jump at every little noise and imaginary movement. I don't check the mail at the end of my driveway after dark. And I've even been known to run from my car at to my front door at night.

Perhaps that's why I've spent so much time lately making sure I'm properly equipped to deal with the months of shorter daylight.

My recent purchases include two clip-on flashing lights (one for me and one for Rebel) and a reflective vest. Things I've thought about buying, but could not justify spending the money quite yet, include a near-glowing jacket, reflective arm bands, flashlights, and an arm band with a super-bright light.

And, I must not keep the fact that I'm scared of the dark a secret because a co-worker dropped off light-up dog collar this morning, saying he doesn't use it for his pitbull anymore. I'm a little concerned that it might be a bit tight on Rebel's neck, but I'm willing to try it.

I figure if I combine all of these things, I might be brave enough to run after dark.

I'm not sure if I'm really that worried about getting hit by a car ... or whether I'm just scared of all of the noises in the woods I'll hear along the way. On the bright side, I bet I'll run faster.

REMEMBER, I'M DOING THIS FOR A GOOD CAUSE.

Have you donated to my fundraising campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society? If not, please consider doing so. You can donate online at http://www.active.com/donate/tntma/Teresa. Please pass this link to everyone you know. Every dollar helps me get a little closer to the Disney 13.1!

TO POST A COMMENT, CLICK ON THE "# comments" LINK BELOW.