Forget Google, See a Doctor

My butt hurt pretty bad this morning, so I started Google-ing running-related injuries and butt pain.  Before I knew it, I was convinced that I would not be able to run my marathon and probably had a chronic injury (I tend to have a flare for the dramatics.)  After my freak-out moment earlier this afternoon, I decided to make a doctor's appointment.  While I sat in the waiting area, I thought of writing my next blog.  I would try to be positive while writing about breaking my weekly running streak the first week of the new year, and writing to remind myself that the point of my goal was to keep me running consistently, and the smart thing to do is to rest when injured. 

In the middle of mentally writing my blog, the nurse called me back to check my vitals.  Her name was Barbara Walters.  No lie.  Fortunately, my blood pressure was great and so was my temperature (my poor Chris has been home sick with a fever for two days).  Then I met with the doctor who I believe was a sports medicine specialist.  I gathered this from him telling me about tips he tells his elite athletes.  The doctor poked, twisted, prodded, pulled, and pushed my legs/butt/hip and determined that I have a pulled gluteus minimus.  The injury most probably occurred during my hot yoga class last week.  The doctor told me that he advises his elite athletes to not do anything new four weeks before a race.  For example, not trying GUs for the first time, but apparently it also means do not go to hot yoga six weeks before a race when it is not something you do regularly.  The very good news is that he said my butt pain is curable.  He said that I can still run my marathon, although it may hurt.  In fact, he told me to run today.  He said for a week or so to focus on speed work and intervals.  Then when I feel up to it to try an endurance run.  This means I will not be running 15 miles tomorrow; instead, I will be doing a shorter speed work-out.  I can live with that. 

Tonight I ran 3 miles doing intervals.  Chris needed a gallon of water and wanted to get some air, so he walked to the grocery store while I sprinted ahead then back to Chris.  I would walk and sprint (but not too fast... I didn't want to push it the first day).  I hit 3 miles at 30:36.  Then there was a very short walk after that.

The doctor also mentioned that my hip flexors were well stretched, but my IT band is tight.  In addition to the stretches I mentioned the other day, he said to also do the stretch where I was sitting up but at the edge of the bed and then to lay back on the bed.  He told me a good stretch, which I have tried to show in pictures.  Unfortunately, as I mentioned, Chris is sick, so I tried to take the pictures myself. 

Welcome to my bedroom.  Lay on the edge of the bed, bend the top leg behind you and hold your ankle with your hand.

While holding your ankle, bring your other leg so that its ankle sits on top of the knee of the other leg.  You will feel the stretch on your top hip.

View from the top.

Another stretch.

And another.

 

The doctor also told me that heat and ice probably wouldn't penetrate deep enough.  I asked about a massage, and he told me that he wasn't sure if they would be able to massage deep enough, but studies have shown that massages reduce pain.  I booked my first sports massage for tomorrow afternoon, and I am honestly nervous about how much it is going to hurt but hoping that it helps.  I will let you know how it goes.

This experience has taught me a few lessons:  

1. Ignore Google and just go see the doctor
2. Do not try something new right before a big race
3. Do not push the limits too far in hot yoga

Have a wonderful evening!

P.S.  And the ladies are probably the only people who want to read this paragraph....  also asked the doctor another question.  This is totally one of those TMI moments, but it really freaked me out, so I figured someone else may benefit from this knowledge as well.  After our 18 mile run, when I was undressing to take a shower, I noticed a small amount of spotting (very small amount).  I asked the doctor about it, and he said that it is perfectly normal.  In fact, even more spotting is common.  Like I said, TMI, but if any other women out there have had a minor freak-out session, know that it is normal.  Of course, I would still consult with your doctor. 

Butt pain

Okay so my butt (left side only) was feeling better yesterday.  I decided to foam roller again and noticed that the muscles were still tight.  This morning it has been hurting.  I'm afraid to run.  My marathon is only 5 weeks away.  Basically, I'm freaking out!

It hurts so good! & Surprises

I ran with my co-workers on Tuesday.  We did a very easy 3 miles in 33:59; unfortunately, my butt/leg/hip (somewhere in that area) started hurting again.  Since then, I have been foam roller-ing like crazy!  All I can say about that is that it hurts so good.  It's like massaging out a very painful knot.  On a good note, it seems to be working.  As much as I wanted to run today, I told myself I'd give my butt/leg/hip another day off.  I plan on a very easy run tomorrow.  Then Saturday will be my 15 mile solo run... my first time running so far on my own.  But I will have something to look forward to.... a blogger meet up!  I cannot wait!

Speaking of meet ups, I had two surprise meet ups this week.  My youngest sister was in town for a couple days visiting some of her friends.  We met up for dinner before she left.  We went to Brio, and I had a delicious chicken and sweet potato risotto.  Who knew I loved risotto!  My super awesome sister even gave me a super awesome gift... a personalized mug.  I love it!  I took it to work today.  Today we also had a brief meet up with Chris's mom who was in town to bring something to his sister.  It was really great to see family this week that I do not usually see on a daily basis.

 

 

This week I also tested out my new super awesome tea kettle!  The temperature really does change the flavor of the tea.

 

Finally, my mom sent me home with a package of Dove Dark Chocolate.  Dove chocolate usually has little messages written on the inside of the foil.  I had two pieces as dessert and discovered a message that I thought was great.

Miracles aren't limited to the holidays.

I hope you all have had an awesome week so far.  Did you have any nice surprises this week?

Stretches and date night

First I want to thank you all for the comments.  I have followed the stretches recommended by Christine in my comments on the last post.

Excuse my expression.  Chris caught me between smiles.

I cannot get this image to stand upright.  Oh well.

The stretches really seem to be working!  I am going to foam roller some more tonight and do more stretches.  I have an easy run planned for tomorrow with Caitlin and two of our co-workers.

For lunch I had a delicious salad that I made with my new food processor.  It contained cucumber, tomato, red onion, black olives, avocado, feta, butter beans (my first time trying these, and they were great!), and some italian dressing.  I ate it on pita bread.  Very refreshing.

 

Chris had the day off today, which means he was actually home when I got home.  We decided to make it a date night and went out to dinner and then walked around a local lake.  It was wonderful.  I tried to get a picture, but it did not turn out.  After we got home, I was craving something sweet and decided to make a smoothie.  Unfortunately, my blender seems to have died.  My smoothie was rather chunky and more like ice cream, but it was still delicious.  Guess I need to go out and buy a blender now.

 

I hope that you all have had a wonderful day.  I am going to finish watching Dexter with Chris then read some of my fun book before bed.  I love Jeffery Deaver!  Who is your favorite author?

Pain and tea

During my run on Friday, my left hip hurt a bit.  I actually think I may have pulled something during yoga, because the muscle right where my butt and leg meet was sore before my run.  I have stretched, used some Ironman muscle cream, and used a heating pad.  It is still a bit sore, so I am going to take another day off of running.  I plan to run Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday of this week.  And Saturday is scheduled as a solo 15 mile run, since Caitlin will be doing her Ragnar run this coming weekend and is running 15 miles total.

Yesterday, Chris and I went to Teavana where I purchased a delicious chai mixture like what Chris's sister, Jessica, had.  I also purchased a delicious herbal tea which pairs well with the Moroccan mint Jess gave me.  I tried the chai this morning, and it was delicious!  We spent today cleaning.  I have a bit more I want to do before bed, but I love the feeling of a nice clean home to start the new year. 

 

 

 

 

My plan is to enjoy my last evening before heading back to work.  I hope the new year has been good to you all!

Just registered for Croom 16 mile Fools run!

Ever since I heard about the Croom Fools Run I have wanted to participate.  I just signed up for the 16 mile run on April 9th.  The race is described on the website as:

This race takes place at Croom which is within the Withlacoochee State Forest. The forest was named one of the 10 coolest places in North America. PLEASE REGISTER EARLY AS THIS RACE WILL SELL OUT - it is limited to 250 runners.

This is a wonderful course that is mostly a great single track running trail that winds through outstanding Florida terrain and most of the trail even has tree canopy to keep off the sun. If you have never run this race, you need to experience one of the great places to run trails in Florida.  

I have really been wanting to get into trail running.  After my marathon, I intend to find trails and run on them.  I want to try trail running this year in my Vibrams (as of right now, I don't really have a desire to wear them on the road/sidewalk, but we'll see what the future holds).

Is anyone else interested in running the Crooms 16 mile race? (I know the pictures show 15 miles, but the race site says 16 miles...)  Perhaps we can meet up.  For those who are interested in something a bit longer, there is also a 50 K and a 50 mile race.  I considered the 50 K, but decided to stick with the 16 miles since I will be new to trail running.  I am so excited!

Welcome to 2011!

So far I have started my new year by sleeping in with my love and relaxing.  Later I plan to finish cleaning and unpacking from our traveling as well as going to the tea store for some more loose leaf tea.  I am on the hunt for a nice bedtime tea. 

For those who have missed it, I reviewed my top posts of 2010.  I have a feeling that this year is going to be amazing!  I am looking forward to accomplishing my work-out goals.  Do you have any big plans for this wonderful new year?