I have reluctantly come to the decision that I need to take some time off from running. During the Portland Marathon I irritated my left knee. Walking down stairs was difficult for a few days so I stuck to walking this past week. I also iced and used my foam roller. By Friday I felt no pain while walking and thought it was past me. So Saturday I tried running from the house and was only able to make it 2 miles before I needed to stop and I walked back home. This morning I decided to try again on the trails. We headed out to Wildwood, where I was able to run about 3 miles when I decided to stop before I did more harm. I think I've irritated my ITB, because the pain is on the outside of the knee.
I'm leaving this week on an out of town trip to visit family. So it makes sense to me to take a total break from running until I return. I'll take off from running until I return the following week, which will be about a two week break. Hopefully I'll be able to ease back into running at that time. If not I'll wait until I'm ready.
Its frustrating because I otherwise feel great and ready to go. My usual complaints after a long run or race are non-existent. On the other hand, if I need to take a break this is the best time possible. I don't have any other races on the horizon. And I'll be on vacation when it's hard to keep a schedule anyway.
Hopefully I'll be fully healed by the time November rolls around. I just keep telling myself that I can't make my knee pain-free through wishful thinking and continuing to run on it. I need to take the time to let it heal. Fortunately I don't think its too serious because I can still walk on it without pain at all. The best case scenario is that the two weeks rest will be overkill and I'll be back and ready to go.
9 comments:
Now is a good time for a rest indeed. I have only run once since Portland, but it is only because of a busy schedule and not any pains. Enjoy the mini-break and I hope it serves you well.
Vacations are always best for breaks:) I intend to keep mine until I return from Russia after Thanksgiving!
You are a wise woman, taking a break! My knee started to hurt last November... Took 6 months of physio, a chiropractor, 2 failed attempts at run/walk program and finally, 10 months later, it seems to be on its way to settling down.
So... better a little time off now than a lot of time off later.
Take the time and heal properly, you'll be better off in the long run as Sarah said.
Sorry to read about your injury, Sarah. What a bummer! I think you're wise to take the time now to let it heal. Hopefully the healing process will be quick!
Time off isn't as bad as you might thing - owies are your body's way of telling you something. Out of curiousity, in addition to your foam roller, have you ever tried 'Walt Reynolds's ITB Special'? The phrase sounds funny, but if you do a search on it, and find a good description, it's a strengthening exercise that does great things for your IT band.
Ditto the other comments, Sarah, a wise choice. You want to run for many years, not just next week.
The good thing is that even while you are off, you can stretch, foam roll, ice and do other stuff to help the ITB pop loose and reduce the inflamation.
It's tough to take time off -- particularly when it's forced time off, but you'll be better off in the end.
Take care & hang in there, Sarah! You'll be out on the trails again soon.
As hard as it is, now seems like the perfect time to take a little break. Stretching really seems to help the ITB.
Have a good trip.
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