Lurker looking for some running advice...

[sdaisies1020]

Hi,
I am very new to the sport of running! My husband and son signed me up for a couch to 5k program through a local running store this past July and since then have worked through my first 5k, 10k, 8.1 and now on track to run my first half in the start of May. The past few long runs have left me in pain on the side of my knee, my coach and more experienced runners are identifying it as my it band. I took a week off, focused on stretching, rolling, and exercises to strengthen my lower body as well as having a gait analysis done and re-checking my shoes. I went out today aiming to try 6 and really struggled. I am planning to make a physical therapy appointment this week, but am feeling really discouraged. I am unsure when the pain begins if its best to push through or stop. I fear injuring myself further and not being able to do something I have come to love. I am also afraid taking this time off will mean I wont accomplish my goal come May. Its emotionally devestating to see my fellow trainees accomplishing these long runs and I am benched, just feel so behind! Was looking for any insight or advice, thanks!
Steph

[foundmylazybum]

Hi there...
congrats on making so much progress. I've had IT problems in the past--and I would recommend NOT pushing through when it hurts. It will only hurt more..and MORE.

What worked for me was doing intense PT to strengthen the area and like you stretching, rolling, and strengthening, strengthening strengthening. One week isn't going to get rid of the problem.


I cross trained on the stationary bike and that kept me in shape just fine. "Fine" as in I came off of 6 weeks on the bike and PR'd in my event in track and field. You sound like you have a good base in place..and you can find a cross training workout schedule online for the bike..follow that and work hard and honestly and that will keep you prepared.


If you want to try running--run WAY less than 6...try out an easy 2-3 miler and see how that feels first.

[Mushe]

Yikes! I agree, do not push through on IT band issues! I dealt with that last year, and had to take about a month off for PT. The therapist indicated that it helped me that I just stopped when it hurt.

Hurry in, and hopefully you can still do your half in May! It's an instant PR for your first, so maybe you'll be able to do it, but easier than you'd planned.

[taratru]

Yeah, don't ignore that IT band. I had to take 6 weeks off because I tried to push through. You can do a ton of cross training things that will allow you to "rest" it while doing strengthening/PT. You might need to reassess your goals, but that's okay...there's always another race!

[sadlebred]

Trust us...don't push through knee pain issues.

Signed,

Two knee surgeries in one week last fall

[MrsE]

Apr 6, 2014 21:02:15 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

Trust us...don't push through knee pain issues.

Signed,

Two knee surgeries in one week last fall

This. But signed two in two years. Heh.

[Deleted]

See an ortho and do some pt. it helped me tremendously. Will it save your race? Maybe not. But it will save your season for sure.

[sadlebred]

Apr 6, 2014 21:54:58 GMT -5 MrsE said:

Apr 6, 2014 21:02:15 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

Trust us...don't push through knee pain issues.

Signed,

Two knee surgeries in one week last fall

This. But signed two in two years. Heh.

My knee surgery almost-twin!!!

[hannahb]

Ditto everyone else. Like my yoga teacher says "you can mess with the gods but not your knees"