20 Miles to Injured

Posted on October 2, 2011 by Kelly

Good and bad things happened yesterday in my running world.

I will start with the good.

Yesterday’s 20 mile long run slash half marathon at marathon pace was an awesome confidence-builder.

Since the race didn’t start until 9:00 a.m. (when I usually finish my long runs!) there was plenty of time for an actual breakfast.

After digesting and running 5 miles before the race, I met up with Meggie and Megan at the start and ran the first four or so miles with them. Then we split up and I stuck to my plan of 13.1 consistent marathon pace miles.

The hills in CP were a little tough at first, but I fell into an awesome groove and the ~8:30 pace I was holding felt really comfortable.

The half marathon was miles 6-18-ish and I finished in about 1:53:01.

I wish I could be more excited about this run, but I must move on to the bad. Towards the end of the race, my left hip and IT band started getting a little tight. I didn’t think much of it until it got worse and I started feeling twinges of the sharp, ITB pain I’m all to familiar with.

Back story: I have a long history with IT band problems, and because of it I was unable to run the NYC Marathon in 2008 (left IT band) and 2009 (right IT band). During the last few miles of last year’s NYC Marathon, I had a very similar problem with tightness in my right IT band and wasn’t able to run for a month or so after the race.

So after crossing the finish line I ran the ~2 miles home to my apartment to finish up my 20 miler, and it was kind of a struggle. I knew something was very wrong.

Enter: stress. Any kind of injury at this point in training just sucks. But I foam rolled the crap out of the IT band, stretched, iced and tried to convince myself it would be ok.

Distraction tactic: bring Meggie baked goods for her bake sale to support pediatric cancer research.

I made some pumpkin chocolate chip squares - I think they were a hit even though most people didn’t know they were technically “healthified” (whole wheat flour, no butter/oil, etc.)

As soon as I got to the bake sale I started freaking out on Meggie about my IT band. She kindly listened as she sold treats to the masses in Washington Square Park.

After studying for a few hours in the library, I headed home with what felt like a huge cloud over my head. I don’t know about you, but when stuff like this happens I cannot stop thinking about it.

A Levain Bakery cookie made me feel momentarily better that night.

I tried a test recovery run this morning which lasted approximately 1 mile. No go. The band is cranky and painful. Now I’m really trying not to freak out, but I totally am. It seems as if my chances of running the marathon just went from 100% to 50%.

It’s funny, just last week I was thinking of how injury-free my training has been going and wondered how I’d feel if an injury came along and I couldn’t run on November 6.

I don’t think I’m quite ready to think about that yet.

Instead, I’m going to *try* to stay positive and do everything I can to get back to running. This is hard, since what I really want to do right now is cry and not talk to anyone about anything.

But since I do have so much experience with IT band problems, I know the PT exercises, stretches, and what works for me. I will be doing all of the above, as well as a crapload of foam rolling, resting and cross training until the middle of the week and then I’ll see how it feels.

So that’s it. I’m not in a very fantastic mood today, but I know that no matter what happens, this isn’t the end of the world. But it’s still ok to be disappointed, frustrated and sad. And I am exercising that right to the fullest right now.

Question: Ever get injured very close to a goal race? Do tell.

This entry was posted in NYC Marathon Training, Ponderings and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
  • http://www.keepinthepace.com ellen

    oh no! i’m so sorry to hear that. hopefully a little r&r and cross-training will be just what you need. and yes, it’s totally fine to be bummed for now. but levain cookies? they can make ANYTHING better – at least temporarily :) wishing you all the best!!

  • http://www.thesehappymiles.com Christine

    oh kelly, i wish i knew the right words to say other than i am thinking the best and praying for everything to feel better when you wake up tomorrow. your dedication to training and to all of your other commitments has been incredible! never know how you do it all, so i have no doubt that you will be able to overcome this small bump in the road as well.

    sending you a virtual hug!

    on a brighter note, congrats on that amazing 20 miles and for hitting your goal pace! again, no doubt that you’ll be able to do it on nov 6th.

    • Kelly

      thank you so much, Christine! :)

  • http://www.naturallycassie.wordpress.com Cassie @ Naturally Cassie

    STAY POSITIVE!!
    I can’t even imagine how frustrated you feel right now. you are so incredible dedicated to running, it is inspiring. after my stress fracture, i looked to your blog in order to keep myself motivated and positive. keep on telling yourself that you WILL run on 11/6, imagine yourself crossing that finish line. YOU DESERVE IT!

    • Kelly

      Oh, thank you Cassie for the kind words :)

  • http://runningseal.com Celia

    Oh no!! I am so sorry :( What was supposed to be my fourth marathon never happened. After fooling around and running three marathons in a row when I began running I worked really hard the spring of 2010 and got serious about things. I was supposed to run the New Jersey Marathon. Training was awesome. I was hoping to BQ. I twisted my ankle doing my last 20 miler but ignored it and finished the run because I could tolerate the pain and it didn’t seem that bad. I actually didn’t think much of it after as it never really hurt but I think that was the start of my problems as my muscles went all out of whack trying to compensate… (a theory… I still to this day don’t really know what went wrong and that kinda freaks me out). I also wasn’t good with taking easy days between hard efforts back then and did some really stupid things. TWO weeks before the marathon doing Yasso 800s something went very wrong and I started limp running a few sets in. My coach made me stop which I was very unhappy about thinking about the failed practice two weeks from my race. Little did I know it would be another four months or so before I could really run again. It was so devastating and for some time parts of my leg were numb and I couldn’t really walk. When I could finally run I tried to rush train for MCM in about 6 weeks of real training. Mentally I just wasn’t there even if physically I should have done a lot better. The point of this long rambling is I definitely understand your pain and how you must be feeling. Hang in there. Hopefully it will get better and if you want to try my amazing PT that saved my life just let me know. Your training has been going so well and awesome job on the 20 :) You deserve to dominate NYC!!

    • Kelly

      thanks Celia. it’s good to know I’m not alone and since you’ve come back to kick some BQ ass there is hope for me! Want to shoot me an email with your PT? mealsformiles@gmail.com

  • Sarah

    Oh no! That sounds terrible. I completely know how you feel. I got achilles tendonitis the week before the second race I ever tried to run (a 5K). I had run 10 miles the weekend before and was ramping up my running from 0 to 25 miles a week in less than two months. DOINK! Wrong move. It was terrible, and the worst part was I had fallen so desperately in love with running in that short span of time–thus why I increased my time spent running so quickly–and the next thing I knew I had to stop running for two months, three weeks of which were spent hobbling around campus (this was my freshman year of college also, just to make matters worse) in a boot.
    A doctor told me that I developed tendonitis because of my overpronation, and I would probably never be able to run more than 5 miles at a time. But four months after I healed I ran a half marathon and next spring I’m planning on running a full. So he was definitely wrong. I understand so much how you feel. It felt like the worst thing in the world to be injured not to be able to run, especially because running is how I had grown accustomed to dealing with stress and pain at college. But I just concentrated that much harder on allowing myself to heal and taking care of myself afterwards. Even though I hated being injured, it showed me that I needed to go more slowly than I had been, and that my particular body needed to learn how to run in a particular kind of way. It’s still early enough that I don’t think you should give up on your goal! Hopefully taking a little time to rest and figure out what your body needs will make the difference. Good luck!
    - Sarah

    • Kelly

      thank you so much, Sarah! I agree- there is always something to learn from injuries, even though they suck. A lot. I’m glad you’re running injury free :)

  • http://runthelongroad.com Kristy@RunTheLongRoad

    Kelly, I am so sorry. I tweaked my hamstring 2 weeks ago racing the Philly RnR (the week after my marathon – dumb move on my part). I’ve taken the past 2 weeks very easy, as in only running 4 times in 2 weeks. But IT IS all I think about. I can’t stand it. My foam roller and ice have been my best friends!

    Hang in there, you know what you need to do. Try and be patient. Don’t count yourself out just yet. You are having an amazing training cycle. Keep your chin up :)

  • http://www.runforyourlifeblog.com Emilia @ Run for Your Life

    :( :( :( So sorry you’re dealing with this.

    I’m really lucky in that I’ve never been injured, but I’m certainly no expert on the topic. I hope resting and taking it easy ends up being just what you need. Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery!

  • Laura

    I would go see a PT as soon as you can, since you still have a decent amount of time to get better. If you see someone who is really good and knows what to look for, there’s a good chance you can run pain-free. With IT band issues, there is always an underlying problem causing the tightness and if this has been a chronic problem for you, whatever the underlying problem is has probably not been addressed. Unfortunately I don’t live in the NYC area so I don’t know any good PTs to refer you to, but you should try to find someone who has lots of experience working w runners…. In the meantime I would keep up with the exercises that you know are helpful, but definitely get it checked out!

  • http://thethinksicanthink@wordpress.com Meggie

    First – those healthified things were EFFING AMAZING. I had a few requests for “what is the most healthy thing here?” Obviously, I pointed to your stuff. Also, thanks for the miles in the beginning and I’m sorry I wasn’t able to chat more in the park – I was pretty scatterbrained yesterday. I wanted to let you vent more!

    Anyways, don’t put the “injured” label on yourself, yet. Its just a little speedbump. You’ve been working so hard and been so consistent – you deserve to dominate NYC. You seem to have a good handle on what to do to. I think you’re playing it smart by cross-training until the middle of the week and then giving it a go again.

    Fingers and toes crossed for you. Also, THANKS A TON FOR helping me make my bake sale a success….and a bit more healthified.

    • Kelly

      thanks or your help and recs! Also, I will teach you how to bake them!

  • http://www.seejessrun.com Jess

    I had to DNS a half because I tweaked my Achilles the week before. Just focus on getting better, don’t run, and try not to think about the marathon for another week or two when you can reevaluate. Tough to do, I know. :(

  • http://www.runnerskitchen.com Megan (The Runner’s Kitchen)

    Dude, I have been here and I *know* how easy it is to get in panic mode and start thinking that all is lost, but I think it’s normal to deal with training set backs when you’re gearing up for a big race. I was just looking at photos from last year’s Grete’s and I remembered that I had seriously tweaked my calf the week before and that’s why I had to run in compression socks. I was convinced I wouldn’t be able to run the marathon, but everything eventually worked out :)

    Take the next couple of days easy – you know the types of therapies and exercises that work for your IT band. There is still 5 weeks till the marathon and you’ve already put in 2 x 20 mile runs – a few days or a week off now won’t hurt you in the long run. Sending healing vibes your way! xo

    • Kelly

      thanks, friend! I remember that last year. accepting lots of healing vibes :)

  • http://www.libertymoves.org Emily @ Liberty Moves

    Kelly, I found your blog today and am so glad I did. I’m dealing with a frustrating case of ITBS right now, too. It came on ONE WEEK before my half marathon in early September. For the past six weeks I’ve been going to physical therapy, foam rolling, icing, and doing strength exercises. So far, I’ve progressed from being able to run 3/4 of a mile to 2 miles before the pain forces me to stop. It’s demoralizing, and you definitely have a right to be upset about it. Just know you aren’t the only one! Don’t give up on your marathon training yet … it sounds like you know what to do to deal with it quickly. I’m rooting for you!!

    • Kelly

      Hi Emily! Thanks for the encouragement and I’m so sorry to hear about your ITBS. I’m rooting for you too!

  • http://www.gotracygo.com Tracy

    Oh, man, Kelly, how terrible. I’m very torn between naive optimism (it will go away! it must!) and guarded caution/realism. But the reality is: the race is still 5 weeks out. It could still go either way.

    Keep us updated, and I’m so sorry!

  • http://runnernspice.com Jayme @ Runner-n-Spice

    Oh no!! :(

    I’ve been injured close to D-Day before. I spent the week icing and resting 200%. I really hope you see some recovery progress!

  • http://yummyrunning.blogspot.com J

    oh no!! Hopefully just a bit of rest will help to heal up your IT band. Seeing a PT may help or even getting a massage and/or using the foam roller. I have had some trouble in the past with knee/IT band due to my hips being out of whack. One hip tends to be higher than the other from all the running + camber of the road.

  • http://www.healthontherun.net Lauren

    Kelly – I’m so sorry!! I have dealt with many running injuries over my lifetime, so I know how frustrating and panic-inducing they can be. But don’t start freaking out yet! You still have time. You have an excellent base that you’ve built up already, on top of two 20-milers. You are in great shape – nothing that a little bit of rest is going to take away. I know it’s tough to give your body time to heal by not running, but a little time off now might be all you need to feel as good as new again. I hope that a few days of cross training, foam rolling, and PT exercises are enough to make things better. Hang in there!!

  • Meghan

    Kelly this stinks! But with some extra rest and stretching I am sure you will recover. Just remember that you can be flexible with your training schedule. Even if you can’t manage to get in another 20, you are well prepared for marathon day. Thinking a lot about you and telling the running gods to heal you quickly. xoxo

  • http://www.insightfulappetite.com sofia

    oh no :( sending positive happy healing vibes your way! we’ve all been there, but stay calm until you really know what’s up. in the mean time, REST and try your best to focus on other things – work, school, and maybe wine? :P

  • http://aliontherunblog.com Ali

    No no no no no. You are NOT going to be injured. My fingers are crossed, hard, for you. Try not to freak out, take time to rest and let me know if you need/want a temporary drinking buddy until you’re healed.

    Seriously though, I don’t know much about injuries or running or any of that jazz, but I do know that you’ve been training well and taking good care of yourself, so rest up, see a doc and let me know when you’re back on the Bridle and want some company.

  • http://www.pushthroughphilly.blogspot.com Samantha

    Well, the good thing is, you finished your 20 miler. So technically you can just go into a really long taper to hopefully heal up and be ready for Nov 6th. I’m crossing my fingers for you! I would definitely give it a few days/a week before trying to “test run” on it again!

  • http://www.naturastrideblog.com Kate @ NaturaStride

    Ugh. Been there. First, find yourself a punching bag and let loose. It’s totally okay to be frustrated about this. When you’re done, try and calm down and not to jump to conclusions. Like everyone has said in the previous comments, there’s still plenty of time till the marathon so just take it one day at a time. You’re doing all you can as far tending to it, so that’s all you can do. Keep us posted!!! Fingers crossed for you.

  • http://bostonlovers.wordpress.com Kristen

    I am SO sorry! I know how you feel. I started training coming off an IT band injury. I keep waiting for it to creep back. My PT strongly urged me to not run back to back days and if I did then one of them needs to be very easy. I have stuck to this and lots of icing and foam rolling…it seems to be working for me thus far(fingers crossed). Maybe take a few days off to ice and foam roll then try the next few weeks only running 3-4x/week. I know that probably sounds awful running so little, but it really has been working for me(could be worth a shot?). I sincerely hope you get better!!

  • http://www.susanruns.com Susan – Nurse on the Run

    Noooo not the IT band! I had IT band problems in the past and they’re no fun, but it sounds like you know what you need to do in order to kick it in the butt and get it healthy for race day. You’ve had a strong round of training so far, so some time off to let it heal will definitely won’t hurt you at all. When I was training for the Philly Marathon in 2009, I ended up taking a month off from running and came back with about three weeks to go…my fitness level was still up there and I only ran about 1:30 (that’s minutes!) slower than my PR at the time. Your fitness will still be there, and you can definitely still rock NYC if that IT band heals up. I don’t know what your routine entails, but remember to do glute and hip strengthening exercises…that’s sometimes where the problem stems from!

  • http://amandarunsny.blogspot.com Amanda @ AmandaRunsNY

    You poor thing! I have been plagued with IT bands and hip problems thorough out my running as well and it’s such a bummer. The good thing about IT bands is that at the earliest sign of a flare-up, if you take a break and rest a little you’ll recover. Since you are already working on this at the first twinge, I just know that this isn’t going to stop you!

    I’m not sure if you are an Equinox Member or not, but if you are (or if you aren’t try the 1 week pass – I could send you one if you email me), and at the 63rd and lex location they have an “ice” pool, which is like a hot tub but with cold water. It’s a major lifesaver for me when I need icing because it’s so much easier! Typically on the weekends, that pool is marathoner central.

    Also, for some reason high heels really irritate my IT bands and crossing my legs or ankles when sitting bother it too. Not sure how much you do that, but just thought I’d share because any little bit helps!

  • http://www.marathonwiner.wordpress.com Katie

    kellllllllllly! i hope all is feeling fixed and better soon!!! i totally understand your frustration and disappointment, but try to stay positive! happy thoughts your way :)

  • http://www.yourdailygrace.com Grace

    OH no! I hope it gets better so you’re back to 100%!

  • http://haveagoodrun.blogspot.com Margaret @ Have A Good Run

    Kelly, I’m so sorry to hear about your injury! ITBS is SO painful and any injury is incredibly frustrating — I feel for you! It sounds like you’ve got a great plan for recovery though and I will definitely be sending many healing vibes your way. You’ve been training well though, so a few days of rest won’t be the end of the world (I missed two whole weeks of training leading up to my first marathon and still got it done!). Take care of yourself, and I hope that IT band feels better soon!

  • Mary Ann

    I’m sorry this has happened to you. I’ll send many positive thoughts your way. I, too had an injury just before my half marathon (the race was yesterday). I took time off (6 days is alot of time off to a runner). After talking with several running friends (older and so much wiser) they urged me to take extra time off and to readjust my goals for the race. Two of them had pushed themselves to the point of two pelvic fractures and severe knee problems. I did the race yesterday. I didn’t PR like I wanted but I was able to run. Now I have to rest again because the stress of running has aggravated the injury. I do know how you are feeling and it stinks. But a few days off now and possibly readjusting your goals will assure you of a great running future. Keep icing, foam rolling and baking….those brownies look yummy!

  • http://Aspoonfulofsmash.wordpress.com Ashley

    Ahh I am so sorry! The good news is you still have a little
    Over a month until the race and have an awesome mileage base built up so if you have to take a week or to without running YOULLBE FINE! I know the feelin though when I first started running again a year ago I got terrible shin splints before my 5k and the my hip/piriformis went nuts the week before my first half.

  • http://smilesfromcallie.blogspot.com/ sMiles from Callie

    Ah that’s terrible!! You’ve been so strong this whole time. I’m no marathon runner, but do you think it would be best to cross train this whole week? Times when I feel shin splints coming or my achilles hurts, I back off a couple days or so. Hopefully your mid-week run will be lots better after some rest! Keep us updated! I hear brownies heal IT bands :)

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  • http://findingblissforme.wordpress.com/ Emily

    STAY POSITIVE!!! I completely understand how freaky it is to feel tweeks this far into training. I just finished a marathon sunday!!!! Woooo!!! But man did I have the tappering freakouts (foot and knee) but I’m feeling good(ish) two days later!! But after my first marathon I couldn’t run for 6 weeks after because of a tight IT band and booty that resulted in a very very sore knee. I’m thinking about you!!!

  • http://www.momatthebarre.com Sam @ Mom At The Barre

    I’m so sorry, Kelly. I had a running-related IT band issue earlier this year which thankfully has resolved now but I know its one of those things that can spring up on you at any point. Make sure you get a lot of rest, see a physical therapist and I hope you heal very soon!

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