If it's not one thing...

So over the past two years, I have slowly been trying to 'become' a runner. After swimming from the time I was 10, through college, I took a good year off from any type of physical activity, and slowly began running. I ran my first 10 mile race in Oct 2005 while in my second year of graduate school, on a long run of 6 miles and perhaps 10-15 mpw. It was painful and slow, but I was hooked.

Since moving to New York, running has become a way of life. I have learned to enjoy the daily release, the long run, and friendships that form on the streets of Central Park. However, over this time, I have constantly been dealing with making sure my body is on board with my new-found love of running.

Through-out college, I had horrible ITB problems, due to swimming 10 times a week, being a breaststroker, having minor scoliosis, and a 'tilted pelvic' (ie one hip is about 2-3 mm higher). I was religious about PT, stretching, icing, and managed to get through it. I also saw a Chiropractor on a regular basis for about 3 months in my sophomore year, and I think this is one thing that made a HUGE difference.

So since starting running, I have been very good about stretching/icing. My knees have flared up a few times, but with proper attention, it seems to be fine. However, it always seems "If it's not one thing...it's another." I always wonder what it would be like to be one of those people who can run and run and never get injured. Oh the joy. I battled with a shin splint flare up this past summer (June 06), but was able to rest and ice my around it through the end of triathlon season. I was also able to attribute the timing of the shin splits to a new pair/brand of running shoes. After switching back to my old shoes, I was able to slowly return to my weekly mileage.

This summer also marked the first time I started doing weekly workouts with a running group. I was doing things that I had never ever heard of: hill repeats, fartlek runs, tempo training. I loved the challenges, as they were akin to my swimming background, and I improved dramatically in a year. (HM time from 2.02 to 1.48, 10k from 52 to 48). I decided this winter I was going to focus on the run. If was going to achieve my goals and finish a HIM, I needed to be running consistently and smartly.

Best laid plans, right?? Around Thanksgiving I got fitted for new shoes. Not new shoes, actually, as I wanted to stay with my trusted NB 992 (not everyone loves, but they are the only shoe that I have found that don't aggravate my ITB). I did however, want to get fitted for size, as I had started to get constant blisters on the ends of my toes. The running store (a trusted and reputable one here in NYC) agreed that I should go up a size. After this, my heels started bothering me. Nothing too bad, just a soreness on the sides (not bottoms). I attributed it to the new shoe size, as well as the switch back to treadmill running with the weather turning. No biggie.

Then last week, during my long run of 8 miles (yes, that is long for me right now), around mile 6, my hip started to hurt. Nothing sharp, just a dull ache. By the time I got home, showered and stretched, I almost couldn't lift my right leg. Trying not to be a hypochondriac and use google against my good judgement, I iced and stretched and backed off a bit. Ran 3 more miles on the 'mill a few days later, felt fine, but it was definitely affecting my stride length (shortening).

So, I believe I have self diagnosed a hip flexor strain. All the symptoms I have read about are exactly what I am experiencing, and a common cause is 'over compensating for Achilles tendinitis'...hmmm remember that heel pain I was talking about? Damn. I will not over-react and freak out that i have a femoral neck fracture, b/c there is no way I would still be running.

One thing I am not good at is rest. Since my hip started hurting (8 days ago) I have: taken three days off, (only 2 in a row) run three times (3.5, 3.1, 4.1) and been spinning. My hip has hurt more after each run, but feels better before so I think I can do. Just at a slower pace.

After the novel that is this post, I NEED to take time to rest and stretch and just, perhaps go to the doctor. I am just SO bummed b/c I have some great running races planned over the next few months, ending with the Two Oceans half marathon in Cape Town that will be a once in a lifetime chance to run one of the most beautiful courses in the world. I NEED to find a way to stay/get healthy so i can be consistent in my training up through March 22. I don't' need to "race" ANY of my half marathons until tri season. I just scheduled them to help me maintain the distance of my long runs (9+) through the winter months.

I was hoping writing all this down and re-reading will help convince me I need to make a doctor's appointment, stop running for a few days, and realize it's not worth it. It has in a way, but it also makes me realize that my legs have protested my love of running from Day 1, and icing, stretching and Advil has averted every other problem I have encountered. It also makes me realize that all the injuries are no doubt related and go back to my back and pelvis. So the first appointment I will be making on Monday morning is with the chiropractor to get readjusted and evaluated. One visit the last time made a world of difference, and I am hoping for a miracle.

So it's yoga, swimming and spinning in the saddle until then. Think I am going to give up on the Manhattan Half Marathon (Jan 27) for now to take some of the pressure off of myself.

Oh- I ran 4.1 miles last night on the Westside Highway from Bank Street down to Battery Park and back- slowwww and steady and in not much pain. But this morning? Yeah, I'm like a lame duck. This stinks.

Also watched a GREAT movie- 'The Waitress' with Keri Russell. HIGHLY recommended- funny, sweet, poignant Very good.