It's a Glute Thing

 Thank you for all the great advice you shared with me after my last post. 

After much conversation and reading, it was pretty clear to me that I was dealing with an IT band issue. Mr. RWM thought I should seek professional help as soon as it started. I was determined to fix this on my own. I rolled, stretched, rested, etc. After a few weeks, I felt better. Better enough to run. 

BRF#1 met me on Friday morning for what I was hoping would be a nice and easy three miles. We took it slow and I felt really good. There really wasn't any pain, but my hip was letting me know it was still there. It didn't hurt enough to stop. Honestly, it didn't really hurt at all. If you asked me what it felt like on a scale of 1 to 10, I would have said 1 or whatever is close to 1. 

I thought maybe I was ok, but as the morning went on, it felt worse and worse. I finally gave in. I called my PT, and they got me in late that afternoon. 

I explained what was going on and what I thought it was. We talked a bit and he examined me. It is a glute issue that is causing my IT band to act up. 

So a plan is in place. I will see him twice a week, do "homework" and I will still run a few days a week. I am going to continue to train for my half in May. My PT and I truly believe that is possible. I will see him up to six weeks, hopefully less. I really want it to be less...

He did mention dry needling. I have never done this before, but after some reading and watching videos, it seems like it may help. If you have used this technique, please tell me about your experience. 

Good article here. 

I will keep you updated on my progress and how training is going. The actual start date for half marathon training is February 13. Hoping to be a lot better by then. Keep your fingers crossed for me. 

Till next time,

RWM

To the Hip, Hip Hop, and You Don’t Stop

 I hurt my hip.

 Or maybe, my hip just hurts? Is there a difference?

The girls and I ran our annual Christmas Eve run.  It was cut short due to our faces freezing off and no one wanted frost bite for Christmas. We ran 2.5 miles and took a bunch of pictures. My hip did not hurt.

My next run was December 29th.  I met BRF#1 for what was going to be five plus miles. 

When I woke up that morning, my hip was sore. Not painful, just sore, like I banged into something, which I did not. I am fairly certain, I do not sleep walk. 

Once we got started, it was clear that running was not helping it. We walked some, but I was determined to push through. I have a high tolerance for pain. This, to me, was not pain, just uncomfortable. We walked some and when we hit 4.77 miles, I finally gave up on the running and we walked to the car. That night, it stiffened up quickly when I was still, and it hurt to get up and walk. I looked like I needed a walker as I moved around.

Of course I decided to rest it. Took some ibuprofen, stretched. Well, I didn't stretch that much.  Does any runner?

This brings me to January 5th. Happy New Year, by the way! 

BRF#1 met me at my house for a run. It did not go well.... I tried.  We ran a mile before I needed to walk, and then I needed to walk more. I cried when I got home. Not from pain, but from frustration. I am a better person when I run in the morning. I am a happier person when I run in the morning. I have clarity when I run in the morning. I am sane when I run in the morning. You get the picture. Me + running makes my world a better place. 

Mr. RWM told me not to wait and just go see someone. I am thinking rest would just make it go away. I hate running off the doctor so quickly if it is something I can fix on my own. One of us is right... 

So... While I am resting, I have decided to turn to you and ask about your hip issues. Are they running related, or did you have a fall or accident? Did they come out of nowhere and for no reason? How did you deal?

My sane brain cells have told me that you should never get your medical advice from the internet. If you have followed my blog and know me, then you know there are a few more crazy brain cells than sane ones. 

Here is the breakdown. My hip is sore, not really painful, but some discomfort/pain when I ran. After I ran, the soreness stayed. It's not bad at all now that I have rested but I can feel it if I sit or lie on it too long. It can be a little stiff when getting up.  What does this sound like to you? What would you do if you were me? What kind of walkers do you recommend? Is Mr. RWM right? Is my half marathon in danger? Inquiring minds want to know. Are you old enough to laugh at the last sentence? 

I do hope you all had a wonderful holiday and that your new year is off to a better start than mine. 

Till next time, my friends, 

RWM