My First Running Injury

Oh joy. I have encountered my first running injury. I’ve had aches and pains before but nothing that kept me from working out or running.

I suppose I should be excited like this somehow makes me a legitimate runner who encountered an obstacle. Mostly I feel like a dork for doing too much speedwork on a treadmill while also upping my strength training for legs. The strength training was fine, but I just don’t do well on treadmills and I could feel my hamstring complain when I did it. I just thought I’d push through a little since my body will do anything to get out of doing treadmill workouts.

But every workout, my left hip and hamstring hurt a little more and a little more until last Thursday when it became so bad I couldn’t even finish my workout on the elliptical. So sad. So many sighs since then.

I have learned when you do hurt your hip / hamstring area it makes it very interesting trying to find a comfortable seated position. Shift left. Shift right. Lean this way. Lean that way. Cross my left leg over my right. Put my left leg up. And then down. Ice. Then heat. Then Ice. Compressed bandage. Stretch. Walk around a little. Stretch some more. Research online, feel depressed at negative outlook from too many people. Shut off computer and play video games. Shift in seat some more. And… some more.

I’m doing what I can and even thumbing my nose at the injury. I’ve still got my gym bag packed today. I’ll do what strength training I can and perhaps hop on a bike and see how that feels.

My first running injury, you go away. I’ve got some half marathon training to do. Any hamstring / IT band advice out there? I’ve already got the foam roller and I’m doing that. Any luck with massage?

Okay, time to shift in my seat. Happy running and here’s to hoping you stay injury free.

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Tagged: challenges, running, running injuries, training advice

Posted in: Health, Fitness, and Nutrition