Sometimes adhering to your own advice can be the most difficult…
Anyone that has trained with me has heard me say, “Listen to your body.” That’s easy advice to give, but not always easy to follow.
Let’s back it up to Thursday when I had a great, steady run with my MRTT girls. We ran 5.14 miles at an 8:48 pace, and I felt strong. About 100 yards from the finish I heard/felt a pop in my left forefoot. I grimaced and don’t even know if Erin or Beth noticed. I finished the run without any more pain.
The rest of Thursday and yesterday, I was slightly aware of my foot, but didn’t really think anything of it since I didn’t have a run scheduled. I passed on an opportunity to do a big multi-chapter group run several miles away at a vineyard this morning since my allergies (I think) have been bothering me and I’ve been feeling a little off. Instead, I opted to meet a few of my Cruiser/MRTT friends nearby, and hoped to run 10-12 miles with them.
Last night I prepared my stuff as usual for my Saturday morning group run, got up, got ready, and just before we left our house Bill and I questioned whether or not it was a good idea for me to run. I took a few strides through our kitchen, and decided not to run. I went with Bill to our meet-up spot to say hi to our friends, and drove home.
Here’s where the best, and probably most important, part of my training came in. When I got back home, I went back to bed and slept for two hours! I’m the type that pops up out of bed when I wake up, and I’m up for the day. I don’t like lying in bed unless I’m sleeping, so for me to go back to bed means my body craved it.
I woke up and iced my foot, and plan to ice it several times a day until my next run, and see how it feels. I’ll skip running tomorrow, and wait until my next scheduled run on Tuesday to resume training.
- Questions:
- What was your last injury?
- How quickly did it heal?
- Once you wake up, do you like to hop out of bed or lounge in bed for a while?
Sorry about the foot!! I haven’t had one yet…knock on wood. But I’m usually very good at listening to any little annoyances in my body. And stop running. I hate it but it’s kept me healthy and strong! But on the other hand I’m always wondering if I could push myself a little harder sometimes. I’m a lounger in the am 😉
Jess@FlyingFeetInFaith recently posted…The Wonderful, Horrible 20 Miler, Long Run Crankies, and a Reveal!!
Thanks! I have been very lucky over the years without too many injuries, and for that I’m very grateful.
You’re a great role model for listening to your body. That’s NOT an easy thing to do! I’m glad you’re icing and elevating. I’ll be hoping, too, that it’s a quick recovery (so quick you might not even use the word recovery!)!
[email protected] recently posted…August Race Recaps – Round 1!
Thanks, Stephanie!
NOOOOO. Heal soon and quick.
Thanks, Jerome!
Sorry that you are having some foot pain. My last big injury was a stress fracture in my right hip – it took a long time to heal.
I’m like you – when I’m awake, I’m up and I’m not a napper!
Kim recently posted…Running, running, running (8/17-8/23)
I’m hoping it’s minor, since I was only slightly aware of it until I tried to run. We’ll see. That’s awful about your stress fracture in your hip. I’m glad it’s healed and hope it doesn’t give you any residual problems.
About a 6 weeks before the Houston half I got a self diagnosed stress fracture in my foot. I was travelling for the race, so I rested for 3 weeks. I did one 6 mile run the week before the race. I wasn’t able to run the whole half because I just wasn’t conditioned after not running for so long . . . but I finished the race with some walk/run combos.
I am the type who wakes up before her alarm most days. If I have a lot to do I can pop right up – but have been known to lounge when I talk myself into it.
Hey Jackie, thanks for visiting my blog! It’s great that you were still able to run your race. Did you have any longer turn negative effects, or was your foot completely healed by the race?
OOh… I hope it’s just a niggle and clears up soon! I’ve had a foot niggle for a couple of weeks but it seems to be getting better now I’ve gone back to my old running shoes.
Sherry recently posted…Race Report: Blackmores Xterra Dome Valley
Thanks, I hope so too! Glad that you figured out it was your shoes and you were able to correct the problem. We runners can’t have painful feet when we run!
I have a hard time sitting it out as well. Taking a few days off is better than taking a few months off. I hope you are feeling better today.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Road Runner Adventure Run sponsored by Ragnar Relay
Exactly, and that’s what I told myself Saturday morning!
hope your foot heels quickly!
Kristin @ W [H] A T C H recently posted…LONG RUN: SHOWING UP
Thank you!
I hope the foot feels better soon! You already know this, but you’re being really smart with being cautious. Another benefit of being an older runner? You’ve run through enough injuries and suffered the consequences to know it’s not worth it. I’m like you – once I’m up, I’m usually up for the day. The only time I go back to bed is if I’m really, really tired or if I’m sick.
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It has to, right; because we’ve got a relay to run!
I almost always took a nap after my 20 and 22-mile training runs. My body really demanded it! 🙂
Yep, that is one of the most important things I have learned to embrace over the last year. My calf injury took almost 3 months to heal up! And as soon as I wake up, I’m out of bed, no lounging for me! Hope your foot feels better!!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…MCM Training Week 8: PiYo, hills and 20 miles!
Thanks, Sue!
I’m so glad you listened to your body! I ran Saturday morning and spent the afternoon dozing and watching Cars with my son. My body felt like a giant brick! Listening to your body can be so difficult but it’s so important. My most recent injury was shin splits. Not horrible, but just painful enough to keep me from being 100%. Hope your week is off to an awesome start!
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We runners are a stubborn bunch, and we sure don’t like to rest! Glad to hear your shin splints were behind you.
It is so hard to resist the urge to push through, but you know it is the right decision. I hope it feels better soon.
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Thanks, Coco! I’m still resting it and hope to give it a “trail run” on Thursday.
Ahhh, I hope your foot is feeling better Deb! I am def a snoozer/lounger. I can get up early… but takes a few cycles 🙂
Jennifer recently posted…NYC Marathon Training 8/18-8/24 – Week 9
Thanks, Jennifer!
Oh no – hope it feels better soon! I have been feeling some weirdness in my ankle and am hoping it won’t turn into anything!
Cynthia @ You Signed Up For WHAT?! recently posted…Cars, Please Don’t Kill Me! An Ode to Cycling on the Road.
Fingers crossed for you!