Everything But A Run

It’s been 10 miserable days since Clark—the race that ended with me limping my way back to the hotel. I initially thought the pain would go away by itself, like all the other times I pushed my body beyond its limits and found myself on the road again just a couple of days after, but I was sorely mistaken.

The right side of my right knee has been a major pain—literally and figuratively. On good days, the injury is just bothersome. But, on most days, I am “Erap”—the name my hubby affably gave me when I was a preggy woman who wobbled instead of walked—as I limp my way from point to point, especially through flights of stairs. It’s especially painful for me when I step out of the car or get out of bed in the morning. I even had two consecutive sleepless nights wherein I was in agonizing pain as I could barely straighten my leg.

These 10 days have been the longest I’ve ever gone without a run. My doctor gave me the go-signal to run, but after a mere 40-min walk on the treadmill left me in utter pain, I decided otherwise.

It’s been tough—a bad mix of frustration, boredom, and intense, gut-wrenching pain—but I’m coping. The past days, it seems that I’ve been doing anything and everything I can to get back into running again…except to actually do the deed itself:

THERAPY

Strengthening Exercises. I’ve been in therapy for over two weeks now. I’ve been a very good girl. As therapists ordered, I obediently do my exercises to strengthen my VMO, the weak part of my quadriceps which is causing my ITB to pull my knee caps outward. No matter how slow those 20 seconds go by as I do those oh so boring squats (yawn), I push myself (yawn) to finish them if it would mean it will let me run sooner.

Stretching. I’ve been stretching those tight ITB’s too. On two occassions, I even allowed those masochistic therapists (I’m just kidding…I love these people) to release my ITB, something I thought would be akin to a gentle massage but turned out to be quite the opposite: the pain brought back memories of the time I spent in the delivery room helplessly feeling the intense contractions while screaming for an epidural.

GYM

Weights. I started going to Gold’s Gym already. I’ve had an aversion to the gym the past few years due to my traumatic experience at another gym, but I figured I had to bite the bullet since strengthening exercises is the prescribed antidote to this nightmarish injury.

Cross Training. Aside from weight training, I now have the opportunity to join spinning classes, use the elliptical and stationary bikes, and try out Yogilates. It’s quite exciting actually. A whole new world of exercises is before me and it’s all for the taking. At the same time though, seeing all those treadmills with people using them makes me cry out in envy. Running is still my first love and I’m only at the gym to supplement my running.

I’m trying my darndest best to remain positive. Hoping against all hope that it won’t be long until I can just get out of bed, put on my running shoes, run to my heart’s content and end that run thinking about breakfast rather than my knees. Oh God, please don’t let me wait too long…

Posted on 01.23.08 to 1 Bullish Insights. Tags: Injury, Knee injury, Run. Subscribe to follow comments on this post. 27 comments. Add your thoughts or trackback from your own site.

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27 Responses to “Everything But A Run”

TBR – This is just a phase. I had to go through that several times. You really need to strengthen your knees. Take the time to work on your core muscles as well. Do it right and you will come out a stronger runner.

Keep on cross training to maintain your cardiovascular fitness.

Also please get a wristband to complete your Erap look.

Gotta go… baka batukan mo na ako.

Mark P said on Jan 23 08 at 12:01 PM Reply
I agree with mark. Its just a sucky phase that most of us will definitely go through. You are on the right track miss jaymie, just continue on cross training for a while and ease up your way back into training. It’s really a test of self-control and will power.

benov20 said on Jan 23 08 at 12:28 PM Reply
Mark and Ben, thanks! It’s great to know I’m not the only who’s ever gone through this and that you guys eventually got back into running again.

About the wristband, Mizuno actually gave me three of ‘em. Maybe I should start the erap running look at races. You think others will catch on? hahaha

bullrunner said on Jan 23 08 at 12:37 PM Reply
Jaymie, i agree with what Mark P. said “your just going to a phase”. I know its really hurts you deep down inside but it will all pass. I suggest you strictly follow your Doctor advice & try to get some rest. I pray for You and this i really mean in my heart. just to share with you Jon Benoit – the Olympic Marathon Gold Medal Women’s 1984 had a similar injury like you months before the olympics. 17 days before the Marathon she had surgery on her knee but inpite of that she still won the Gold Medal. Never give up. You are a runner and that is what you are. take care. oh yes and smile . it will be ok

patrick concepcion said on Jan 23 08 at 12:39 PM Reply
Jaymie, your food intake, fluids/juice, MILK, water, and supplementary minerals & vitamins should be considered also. Don’t forget your regular body massage. Be patient. Good luck…

jovie75 said on Jan 23 08 at 1:02 PM Reply
The way you wrote isn’t only passion but Running is your life. “When life looks hopeless, look to the God of Hope…Keep the Faith!

(N) of Jhamfrens said on Jan 23 08 at 1:15 PM Reply
Magalit si Erap nyan Ms. Jaymie. hehehe Just follow what the doctor ordered and you’ll be running pretty soon. What’s the timetable given by Canlas?

Way back in 93, I had to undergo lower back surgery to remove a disc that was pressing on my nerves. Surgery was necessary as the pressure made my right leg numb and lose sensation. 2 weeks after the operation, I couldn’t walk nor at least roll on the bed. I diligently did all of the exercises needed for my rehabilitation. No shortcuts here, the program was followed. I had to learn to walk and eventually run again.

Im glad I did full rehab as I was able to do more than just run after 93. Its still challenging now as I still tend to drag my right leg. But hey, that wont stop me. Good luck and I hope you recover well.

Mark said on Jan 23 08 at 4:28 PM Reply
I hope you get a quick recovery. You could also try what Deena Kastor did when she got a major injury by doing pool running. She won the marathon afterwards and broke the women’s record.

taki said on Jan 23 08 at 4:44 PM Reply
On the wristband thing,..if you start with it, I think I will follow. I was just watching the Australian open on TV and saw most of the male players sporting wider wristband now. I thought this would be a good running accessory to wipe off sweat. Didn’t runners used to wear them in the 1970’s?

Agree with mark on the core exercises-yoga, ab exercises, obliques. I am told that core training helps keep you upgright for a long period of time especially for distance running.

Tina said on Jan 23 08 at 5:09 PM Reply
Patrick, I read about Joan Benoit too in your magazine…err, i mean, in RW and wow, i can’t even imagine running 10km after surgery. She’s really an inspiration.

Baldrunner, thanks for the advice. Yes, I’ve added calcium supplements and B12 to my regular vitamins C & E. And I do get my weekly dose of massage. Now if I can only cut back on the sweets heehee

(N) of Jhamfrens, thanks! I’m hopeful and oh yes I’m praying!

Mark, Canlas and the therapists said I can keep on running but my body is screaming out STOP! So, I’m kinda going through this whole recovery process on my own and taking it slow nalang to be sure. Congrats with your full recovery! My injury is nothing compared to what you’ve been through.

Taki, yeah I’ll try pool running too but it just sounds so boring. Let’s see if I enjoy it. Thanks.

Tina, seriously let’s do it and start a wristband movement! The mizuno wrist bands are thin and discreet but they’ll get the job done. I’ll blog about it one of these days.
Oh, and yes I know I should be doing my core exercises…not just for support while running but also to diminish the baby bulge

bullrunner said on Jan 23 08 at 7:10 PM Reply
If they say keep on running, guess you should. You have doctors to supervise your rehab so dont worry. Just ask them why there’s pain when you run and why they gave you the go signal to do so. They can probably come up with a run jog walk program for you to do as well.

Mark said on Jan 23 08 at 7:36 PM Reply
Cross-training will actually improve your run more than running every single day. Take it easy Jaymie!

marga said on Jan 23 08 at 8:13 PM Reply
Yes! im in on the wristband movement. just dont push it as far as a head band. hmmm,… i can hear olivia newton-john singing…let me hear your body talk… your body talk…

Tina said on Jan 23 08 at 8:55 PM Reply
ay jaymie, namiss kita sa subic run. pagaling ka agad. take it easy though, para h@ppyfeet uli tayo

banggigay said on Jan 23 08 at 10:40 PM Reply
My heart grieves for you. I can’t even imagine the bullrunner not running in 10 days! I can only pray for your immediate recovery. Hope you get well before the Pasig run.

Nora said on Jan 23 08 at 10:41 PM Reply
hey jaymie,
sorry to read what you’re going through right now. Just take it easy and carry on with your therapy and workouts. hopefully, you’d get back to running form soon.
regards,
venice

venice said on Jan 24 08 at 2:03 AM Reply
hi br, like they say, enjoy the process, no need to rush things. regards!

roadrat said on Jan 24 08 at 8:17 AM Reply
i feel your frustration… continue on with the yoga/pilates classes, it’ll work wonders. take care…

bealtea said on Jan 24 08 at 9:47 AM Reply
I feel for you TBR. I was constantly injured my first 3 years in running. I also have chronic ITB. I got it running my first marathon 7 years ago and it has always remained with me. I have these exercises and stretches that I have to do constantly to keep it from flaring up. Dealing with it though has opened me to other sports and other cross training opportunities, same stuff you’re learning now. In fact it’s how I got into triathlon. After a major flare up that left me non-running for 3 weeks, I joined a beginner’s triathlon group. I did everything but the running. Go easy on the running on your way back and always stop any activity that aggravates it. Good luck.

rick said on Jan 24 08 at 4:40 PM Reply
Hi Jaymie.
Sorry to hear about your injury. but active (but careful) recovery is the key.
Maybe it is time to become a triathlete and work on cycling an running for a while ?
I have forwarded a couple of articles seperately on ‘water running’ which someone above already wisely recommended.
My coach simply raved about it when i tore my soleous (sp?) last Sept.
I hope it will help and good luck with the repair.
By the way… after tearing my soleous i went on to run a marathon only 6 weeks later (nov.4/07)…. my worst time ever (training interuption) but the leg held!
Regards,
Randall from Canada

Randall said on Jan 24 08 at 9:26 PM Reply
Ms. Jaymie,

Thank you for your support in the last Subic marathon….It has been a week swamped with backlogs….
So sad to hear about your injury.

HOpe to see you at least together with the Happy Feet Family in the BULL RUN (aint it supposed to be Your Run?)…..ahhhh

Time heals all wounds…

I know you will be back…

In no time…
More power!!!

oknoy said on Jan 25 08 at 7:24 PM Reply
injuries suck especially when they keep you from running. i feel for you, jaymie. i’m sidelined right now from running as well as most other forms of exercise so i’m slowly turning into putty.

take it easy. follow your strengthening, core and other cross-training regimen, and you’ll come out a stronger runner, and for the long term as well.

cheers!

e-rod said on Jan 27 08 at 10:31 AM Reply
Jaymie!

As i was saying yesterday that we missed the bull runner as this should be your race! Hope you get well from your injury.

I agree now with banggi that you get so irritated when you miss your running/physical routine, which until now i am experiencing as well. hehehe

see you soon when your legs are strong and fast

chaiaket said on Jan 28 08 at 1:20 PM Reply
Hi TBR! Im your fan and am thankful to your nice informative blog specially the list of runs. I am beginning to like running.

Hey, I have been looking for honest athlete to share his injury in running. Because I got injured in doing Mens Health Urbanathlon last Nov 07. I got 3 sleepless nights. Thanks GOD they are only muscle injury and I can run and climb again Mt. Pulag.

I shared my experience in my blog at dumboqtpie.i.ph. Many here shared their experiences and I was not alone.

Thanks again. and GOD Bless you and all the athletes.

Eddie

dumboqtpie said on Jan 28 08 at 3:15 PM Reply
Hi Jaymie:

I dont know if you will still be able to read this but you see i was just diagnosed last weekend with plantar fasciitis!!! (does this name sends shivers to your feet?)

Anyways, good thing this diagnosis came as i was about to buy a new pair of running shoes

Jerome said on Oct 14 08 at 8:07 AM Reply
Sorry i pressed the send button accidentally.

Well Id like to get your opinion as to what shoe i should buy. Should I buy a control shoe — you know the ones with the gray piece of hard rubber on the inner side of the shoe normally for flat footed people. or should i just buy again a normal shoe and just put an arch support inserts in them.

Can you help me pick what type of shoe to get?

Thanks a lot TBR!

God Bless

Jerome

Jerome said on Oct 14 08 at 8:11 AM Reply