Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Difficult few weeks

I thought running was simple. You put one foot in front of the other, only a bit quicker than when you walk - easy! Man has run forever, so why have I had so many problems?

Firstly I've had a really painful and sore knee. This has turned out to be because my IT band has been over tight. I never knew I had an IT band until now!

"The iliotibial (IT) band is a tough group of fibers that run along the outside of the thigh. The gluteal muscles and the tensor fascia lata muscle attach to the top, and the lower part attaches to the tibia, just below the knee. It functions primarily as a stabilizer during running and can become irritated from overuse. Runners will usually describe pain on the outside part of the knee or lower thigh, often worsened by going up or down stairs, or getting out of a car. "

So, I've been to see a physio terrorist. No, thats not a typo - you should try it! Treatment involves deep tissue massage, leaving me feeling like I've been kicked by a horse for the next couple of days, and with the bruises I get from it, I look like it too!

Thankfully the terror treatment does seem to have worked. I've also been taught how to foam roll, which stretches and massages this area so I seem to be keeping on top of that.

It also seems I "had the wrong trainers". Do you remember I said I went to buy some proper trainers? Well it seems I was sold something totally inappropriate, and its highly probable that they have added to my IT problems. So I went to see a specialist fitter, who was fantastic, so I know all about my feet, the way I run and the support I need in a trainer. Since I've had my new trainers, running has certainly been a lot more comfortable.

And then there is the running itself. I was just running for as long and fast as I could hoping that each time that might be a little longer or a little faster. Turns out I was getting my heart rate too high, and what I should be doing is running really slowly with a low heart rate, and then I will be able to run for weeks on end!

The big run is less than 7 weeks away now. I haven't managed to run a half the distance yet which is a bit worrying and because of my injury I've not run outside for ages either. I'm really going to have to push it now............!!!

Until next time
K xx

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