What do you do when you have an injury that just won’t quit? Last fall I took a DNS at not one but two fall marathons. Fast forward to this year: My strained tensor fascia seemed to be healing up nicely:
- 9/16: I celebrated a pain-free 16 mile long run
- 9/22: I ran a slow but pain-free half marathon in Denver
- Last week of September: I seemed to be back on track with a 6 mile run containing the fastest mile repeats I’ve done all year and 10 miles at marathon pace. All pain free.
- But it all came crashing down just 5 miles into my 18 mile long run. Hip pain returned so I shut it down. Hindsight tells me I needed more recovery time after that 10 miler.
Runfession: I have not been able to run pain-free since 9/27.
I haven’t been back to my Sports Chiro either. $$$$ later, I just can’t throw more money into this. I’m doing strengthening exercises, performing a homemade version of Graston technique involving Biofreeze and a teaspoon, stretching, icing, resting. The only thing missing is the electrical stim.
Last week I attempted two 5 milers but took walk breaks after 3 miles due to hip paranoia. It was ominously tender afterward. I’ve been cycling like a fiend, for whatever that’s worth.
Yesterday was to be my final 20-mile run, before a 2-week taper–haha!. Not wanting to press my luck further, I headed to the pool. It was a nasty windy/rainy day. After less than 30 minutes, the pool closed due to lightning. I’m being backed into a corner training-wise, but we already knew that.
The Zooma Great Lakes Half Marathon is this Saturday. I’ve considered power walking it. Maybe the better option at this point is to do the 5k and churn out the remainder in the pool.
I know this is a first-world problem. Life’s way of teaching me something…of kicking me out of my comfort zone. I’m trying to see beyond the frustration and listen.
This is the first training cycle where I’ve actually missed runs. Although I simulated a few long runs with a combo of cycling and pool running, the longest I’ve run on land is 16 miles. But obstinance trumps wisdom this time around because I am not backing down and taking a DNS at Marine Corps. I’ll run as long as I can. If my hip hurts, I’ll walk. Certainly not the scenario I’d hoped for but it is what it is. There’s a cutoff: I need to maintain a 14:00/mile pace to ‘beat the bridge’ at mile 20 or they’ll force me kicking and screaming into the sag wagon. I never had a time goal for this race, all I ever hoped for was to enjoy it.
Thank you if you made it through this therapy-couch post. It may be ridiculous, but I need to finish what I started.
Have you finished a marathon injured/very poorly trained?
Would you do an easy 5k the week before a marathon?
It is NOT ridiculous. You WILL finish this marathon. And if I were you, I would rest as much as possible leading up to it, even if that means dropping to the 5k and running it easy. You can always run MORE than the 5k gignerly if you are feeling good, but if you start the half, you will feel pressure to finish it even if that isn’t in your best interest.
(also, Kim and I will likely be running an extra 7, slowly, so you are welcome to join us if you want to!)
I totally understand where you are coming from! I think that you have the right idea in mind and are willing to walk if necessary. Injuries are so frustrating and so disappointing, especially when you have worked so hard and then all of sudden you come to a stop. Go with how you feel and make the adjustments as necessary. Difficult decisions..I know!
You and me both, Marcia!!!
I got sick, AGAIN, last week. Sure I’m “tapering” but when did I ever really build up anything significant?
No running this week … Detroit Marathon this Sunday.
It’s going to be interesting … a total hot mess … but interesting!!
Marcia, you’ll be great. The fact that you’re willing to adjust your goals is a sign that your ready for whatever the day brings you. I know it’s frustrating, though.
I have developed some TFL pain in the last week that I’m dealing with, so I literally feel your pain! My race is this weekend, so I’m doing the same things you are to get it better.
Good luck! Think positively!
Oh man!!! I am sorry you are struggling with this. At this point i would make next week SUPER easy and fun so you can be as ready as possible for MCM. In the next two weeks you could be feeling tons better if you are smart between now and then. Hugs!
Oh man, I hope you feel better, so frustrating! I have slogged through a marathon before. I trained with TNT for my very first race ever, the marathon. Not the smartest move ever. My IT band was so bad, I couldn’t bend my leg for the last half of the race, but I finished it and was glad I did. I know the van will not have to take you away:)
Oh Marcia I’m really sorry to hear the hip pain has returned. I don’t think it’s at all ridiculous to want to finish what you started. I say go the 5k route at Great Lakes and take the extra rest. I have no doubt you can “beat the bridge” and stay out of that van!
I’m really, really sorry you are in this boat! I can’t blame you for wanting to do this regardless, especially given your history last fall. Fingers crossed for the best possible outcome.
I have never gone into a marathon drastically undertrained, probably b/c I am afraid of that idea!
I’m so sorry you are still having the hip pain and I don’t think you sound ridiculous at all.
I would go as slow as you can just to finish the race. If running causes pain, and walking doesn’t, I would just slog the race. I would rest all week long, or maybe do some stretching or yoga this week.
How frustrating! 🙁 I think the easy 5K is the way to go before the marathon. And smart or not, I’d still be doing the marathon, too. Definitely hear you about throwing $$ after an injury. I’m still dealing with my tweaked knee from last June’s bike fall, but until we get some significant medical bills paid off, I’m avoiding the dr as long as possible.
Oh friend, ohhhh how I know how you feel. Every time you go out for a run you hold your breath and wonder when it’s all coming crashing down. You just want to run and be free but nagging pain gets in the way. I really want you to make it to MCM. I did it last year and it was just incredible. I have complete faith that you’ll make it over the bridge. My husband took photos of people last year that didn’t make it. You’re not gonna be one. 🙂 Last year I spent over $1K in therapy and I have the exact same problems again this fall. The only solution is to wrap my knee up and slow down. Slow sucks but it’s time to make lemonade from lemons 🙂 Smile and do your best with what you have. We’re rooting for you!
I feel your frustration! I have thought I was through an injury before and had it crop back up… I’m hoping that’s not going to happen this cycle. But I’m impressed you’re still going to do it! You can manage that 14 minute pace, even with walking. And then focus on getting it 100%!
i’m so sorry the pain is still there. i would say do the 5k at an easy pace. i also think you will be fine for the marathon. I think you can easily beat the 14 min/mile pace and your determination will have you running much more than walking. to answer your question-no, never toed the line unprepared for the marathon but definitely the 1/2 marathon (currently doing that this month with 3 races injured).
Wasn’t there recently an article somewhere saying that 16 miles is the new 20? I think your plan to take it easy is a good one–in your shoes maybe I would do the half, but s-l-o-w-l-y, to test how the hip feels after “easy”. And of course I’d still do MCM too. You’ve earned it, maybe not in the way you wanted to, but you still earned it.
You’ve got a lot of great support behind you! Imagine those cheers and give it all you’ve got, but also stay smart and back off if you need to. Good luck. Can’t wait to hear how it goes!
I have no advice. I only came to offer moral support and cheering! I hope it goes well for you, Marcia.
I hope your legs feel stronger soon! Sometimes rest is the best medicine. 🙂
Thelma and Louise can’t catch a effing break part 345,955! You have endurance on your side. You have experience on your side. If Thelma can run a 4:41 on a 8 mile long run, Louise can definitely make a 14mm cut-off. I have NO doubt.
Love ya, girl!!
P.S. Thelma and Louise can always learn how to knit!!
I’m so glad you’re playing it safe with your injury, but I totally understand your frustration and need to not DNS at Marine Corps. I think your plan sounds pretty solid, though. Good luck!!
How awful, I feel so bad for you! I would skip the 5k to eek out as much recovery as possible. Good luck, and remember to load up on advil!!!!!
MCM is a great race and a great course. The cheering people on the sidelines along the course will help you reach the finish line! Stay strong and good luck!
I am so sorry that you are dealing with this pesky hip issue! I can soooo relate. Fingers crossed that everything works out with your race!
I’m so sorry your hip isn’t getting better, but it does sound like you’re playing things as smart as possible. Good luck. You’ll beat the sag wagon! 🙂
I actually just did. I had my very first half marathon but life got in the way of my training…or maybe I was lazy….but I headed out to run13.1 miles with my longest run being 6.5 miles and 3 10ks. EVER…..needless to say my first 8 miles were great and then the run shit the bed and I hurt my right foot to the point I could hardly finish and then could hardly walk for over a week. Now I have to skip 2 races this upcoming weekend and hopefully be able to do the 2 I have on my schedule for the following weekend. They are both 5ks so if I have to walk I will even thought that will KILL me! But I will be following a training plan before my next half in March!!
Ugh. Every time you post about an injury, I am like “WHY? Why does this happen to Marcia!” You do so much to prevent it. It pisses me off that the universe has it against you. So what if it’s a FWP. I want you to be able to run and feel good, damnit! 🙁
Anyway, I ran Chicago 2010 with crappy training coming off of three stress fractures. My pace was under 14:00. I bet you can do much better than that 😉
And yeah, if Bobbi and I go crazy on Saturday, feel free to join 🙂 We will be running slow, I bet 🙂
HI Marcia,
So sorry your dealing with this darn injury. I am training for my third marathon and have had my worst training cycle yet. I was injured for my first and ran, injured for 8 weeks during my second and have been injured on and off for this 3rd marathon, I have been tempted to drop out of Philly but think I will still run it but with different goals. Sometimes I wonder if running is for me since I get injured every training cycle. I will be making some serious changes when I train for my 4th.
Jill
Oh no! I hate that you’re dealing with this and that the pain came back. That is my biggest fear to have pain come back once I get deeper into marathon training again. I hope it all turns out okay for you. It sounds like you’ve been doing all you can.