Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Frustration

It's been a while, I know.  But to tell the truth, it's just not very much fun to write about nothing.  I ran 2 weeks ago and was still in pain.  So I decided that I'd try to be smart and not run for the rest of the week and just see if my rear pain would ease up.  Every day it seemed to get better.  So the next Monday I did my stepper thing for an hour and started up my weight routine again.  I also jumped rope and hit the punching bag.  Then Thanksgiving hit.  Not that I overdid it on the food or anything but the 6 hour car ride did nothing good for my knees or butt.  I could feel them both again just doing normal stuff.  So I jumped rope yesterday and worked out a little frustration on the punching bag and stretched.  Today I ran 2 miles and was in pain for the last few blocks.  I don't really know what to do.  I want to be able to run again for longer than 20 minutes.  So maybe it's time to give it a rest for more than a couple of weeks.  It just kills me to think that I was running 25 miles a week or more 6 months ago and now I can't even run 2 miles.  I don't even have a game plan.  I know I need to stretch more and use my roller more.  What else can I do?

6 comments:

Tall Girl Running said...

I know the frustration you must feel, Jen. I'm really puzzled that you haven't been able to get your injury under control. It sounds like it's your piriformis muscle that's bothering you and that should be something you can self-treat with a lot of TLC (also known as rest, ice, ibuprofen, stretching and especially the roller).

Maybe it's something more serious? If you haven't already, you might consider going to see a doctor. I'm almost at that point now with a wicked shin injury that's just not getting better like it should.

Tall Girl Running said...

Oh... I forgot... did I see that you're joining us for the Wasatch Back relay next summer? If so, awesome! It'll be great to meet you.

anna jo said...

jen, nagging injuries totally suck. I feel your pain. does your piraformis muscle only hurt while running? or when you're doing your other workouts as well (like the punching bag, jump roping, etc)? would another excercise, like swimming, help?

I know it's hard when you can't do what you want to do--run. but I find it helps if I can find something else to do instead even if it's not as fun (like pool running for the last month before your marathon! now that was torture, but at least it was something) as long as you keep active, without bothering the injury more you'll be good to go. I really hope it all heals up soon!

Jen said...

Anna, thanks for your comments. It really does suck not being able to do what I want. My piraformis hurts all the time. Just sitting, standing, doing everyday stuff. I don't notice being any worse jump roping or using the punching bag. The stepper thing probably isn't the best thing for it. During the week off, it calmed down and when I couldn't feel it anymore during the day, I thought I'd try running again. Maybe it just needs more time off? As for swimming... well you know I'm not the best swimmer and our pool is only available from 4:30 to 6:00 a.m. because the swim team uses it after that. It's also available after 5:00 p.m. so I guess I would have to try and fit that into my schedule. Yuck.

Unknown said...

Jen, Sorry to hear you're still in pain. I figured as much with the pause in your blog updates. I completely understand your frustration in the slowness of recovery... been there. I agree with the above comments and can only further suggest a sports physiotherapist; someone who specializes in sports related injuries, not work related injuries (the two are way different and requires different treatment). Physio treatment three weeks prior to running Minni was my saving grace. In the meantime, don't run for 4 - 6 weeks... hate to say that out loud, but you might be making the injury worse by running. Sometimes life sucks, but it only makes the good times sweeter. Good luck... stay positive. Mike

Unknown said...

Merry Christmas Jen, May you be gifted a full recovery! Cheers, Mike