A year ago, I would hit this trail for my 20 mile training runs in preparation for my 2nd marathon. I enjoyed the serene setting and knew the rolling hills would make me a stronger runner.
However, this weekend there were no 20 mile training runs. Just an easy paced stroll with my best buddy, Cooper. And, that’s okay. I can’t go hard all-the-time [TWSS].
But, I have some serious race envy brewing after reading race reports from some of my favorite runners. I haven’t put in the training to even think about a half marathon, let alone a marathon.
Running isn’t easy for me right now.
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| When did this become difficult? |
While I’m not a heel striker [I think], something is biomechanically crappy. I attribute it to too many miles, too soon. I caught the running bug, thrived off the high.
My feet are tender after runs of 6 miles or less. What’s up with that?! I used pump out long mileage with minimal muscle soreness. I’m frustrated. I’m mad at my body. I shouldn’t be “broken”.
In preparation for my run with Harmony, I taped my feet with a sample of KT Tape I had leftover from the RNR Las Vegas expo. I felt relief and support using just the 2 strips. KT Tape feel free to send me another sample (or 20).
I was so thankful for time with my running buddy. She is the one that introduced me to long distance running and forced encouraged me to run my first race.
Harmony participated in the start of Run Across America to raise awareness for young adults facing cancer. Her husband is battling cancer now and will need your prayers as he undergoes his second scan in 3 months. Please pray for a clear scan.
Harmony’s husband will never run, jog, jump, or trot again. He can walk short distances, but the titanium rod in leg limits his mobility. A little plantar fasciitis really isn’t so terrible, is it?
When and where is YOUR next race?
How do you pick races (location, cost, distance to travel, etc.)?
Have you ever experienced a nagging injury?
I have a lot of weirdness going on in my legs right now, so after my marathon (Nashville RNR) this weekend, I’m taking a break from the longer distances until fall. Right now I’m excited to take a break, but after a couple of weeks, I’ll probably get antsy again. My friend’s husband is undergoing cancer treatment right now too, and it really helps put things in perspective. I pray that your friend’s husband gets good news.
I look forward to when a 20 miler isn’t hard for me… as of now, that definitely is NOT today
I have a half marathon 2 weeks from today, but I’m still gearing for my first full in September. Scary stuff!
My injury is a nagging bitch. I’m doing a lot to shut her up right now. Lots of cross-training. Glute-strengthening. It’s exhausting
We will go for a short run when you come. I promise to not hurt you
I also had my first running ‘injury’ in years…some knee pain that kept me from training all week. I was able to run a 10K today (and PR) which has helped motivate me to train smarter for my next race (Reno Rock n’ River 1/2 or 10K, not sure yet). I generally look at overall expense (travel, entry fee and ‘swag’)but chose Reno so I can run with a fellow blogger/twitter friend (it’s about 3+ hours drive for me). And I totally agree, a bit of nagging pain is nothing compared to what some people are facing…I try not to let it get me down and instead, focus on how to stay healthy overall.
My next race is a half in 2 weeks … the largest half in the whole country. Eeek! I haven’t had any feet issues yet (knock on wood) but last October was very hard for me. I battled ugly IT band … I’m talking painful IT band issues. I had to keep up with some running, but I finally started seeing my chiro for these sports issues as well as my regular visits. It’s what made all the difference I believe, plus of course good old foam rolling. But, he determined some actual problems and we do work based on it and since I’ve been seeing him about every 3 weeks or so, my trouble area has been kept at bay. I feel it now and then sort of there, wanting to resurface, but somehow we’re keeping it under control, so I would call it nagging, but the beast has been tamed
I’ve been steadily increasing the miles being very careful to stick to a plan, only 10% increases, the usual. I think a lot of ‘injury’ can be recovered from and I’m sure yours will resolve soon! I actually was KT taped back when I was dealing with the IT band. I think it helped so I say keep using it for sure 
You, me…20 miles…2013?
I’ve got my first full marathon coming up in 5 weeks in Ottawa (7 hours away). I picked it because I would have to travel to a race no matter what, but I have relatives I can stay with to cut down on costs. Plus I’ve heard it’s pancake-flat and good for first-timers.
My next race is May 13th in Kirkland! My first half. . . super excited & nervous.
I usually pick my races by date (we have a crazy calendar between the two adults + kids events & activities), & location matters but I’ll drive a couple of hours if it’s on the right day.
I have a nagging hip thing that tends to cause other form problems. I have no idea why/when it occurs. Some runs are awesome with no pain. Other runs, I’m limping after a mile. Hope you are feeling better – permanently!!
No race on the calendar. I’m trying to build my base again. I only race a few times per year. They are all driving distance(3 hrs or less). I’ve had PF. Had to get cortisone shot before first marathon. The key is calf stretches, ice, and roll your foot on a tennis ball. I will pray for your friends husband.
hope that foot heals up fast. Or heels up. Haha. I try to pick races that are close by, but that limits me. Because of the heat we don’t have many races here that are over 5k!
I ran Robie Creek half marathon yesterday and have Lake Lowell half marathon on May 5th. I have had a nagging shin splint issue that just won’t go away and it is very frustrating. I want to do a full on May 19th but don’t know if it’s a smart idea :/ don’t want to risk this becoming an even worse injury.
I hope your PF gets better soon. If not this year than maybe next year you should come run Boise See Jane Run half with me
Your TWSS made me laugh so hard. Girl, I am so sorry about this. Both Billy and I had PF and the thing we think really helped us was sleeping with the boots on….uncomfortable at first but you get used to it. Thinking about you, LOVE YOU!
Well, um, yeah….a little PF brought me to a screeching halt last year….but we don’t really need to go down that road, do we!!
Running used to be so much easier for me, too. I can’t get in a long run without having a major mental battle anymore because I can’t physically do it and therefore it starts to eat at my psyche. But we will get there in time, Right? Oh please say right!!
Glad you got in a nice run with Harmony. Her story is so inspirational, what an amazing woman…no wonder the two of you are such good friends, you’re both amazing!!
Running is such a great exercise for us, fun, and healthy hobby. Thanks for sharing with such a nice story and great information. Looking forward for more updates, Congratulations for a great job well done.
Sorry about your feet! Glad that the KT tape is helping relieve your pain. I hope that they send you more samples!
My next race is this weekend- eeek! I am running the Eugene Marathon. Just saying that got my heart rate up a beat. I am currently going through a massive case of taper tantrums so I will be glad when I arrive in Eugene on Friday. I seriously will need to take a chill pill this week.
Training for Eugene has been rough on my body. I have had to go to the chiro twice a week and then had to start going to physical therapy. I was having problems with my hip which lead to hamstring/glute issues which has lead to my current issue- massive foot pain! I am hoping that it won’t bother me on Sunday, but it has hurt for 4 weeks now so we shall see…
Since I am from OR and all of my family still live there I do a lot of races there. It doesn’t cost much more to race there then it does in Spokane. Plus, I get to see my family and friends for OR so that is a bonus.
I’m having race envy lately, too. I’m signed up for a fall marathon, but i really need to find things in between to motivate me to push myself harder and more distance.
Maybe it’s your shoes? Harmony’s so inspiring!!! My next race is a Half Marathon on Memorial Day weekend. I usually pick races based on location, distance, and swag….oh yeah and if I’ve run it before!
Oh girl, I’m with ya – and I feel for what you’re going through. It stinks feeling “broken,” but I bet you’ll get a kick out of the challenge that comes with starting over again. (At least that’s what I’m telling myself while I rest my hip.)
As far as races go, distance and cost are huge for me. I’d love to run a big race one day, but they’re usually pretty far from me.
So sorry you’re struggling. Been there, trust me! And don’t shoot me, but…are you positive you don’t heel strike? It’s kind of hard not to with traditional shoes. Believe me when I tell you that after 15 years of running, making a form change and changing shoes has been life changing for this aging runner. Just a little food for thought.
So glad you got to run with Harmony. Thinking of her and Ryan today.
If you can do some barefoot strides it can help with PF! You don’t have to do what I do but it will help strengthen the part of your foot that needs it to ward this off.
Running HAS NEVER ever been easy for me. I wonder why I did it.
Wow! Way to put it perspective…that certainly makes us all stop and think about how lucky we are to have little minor aches and pains that keep us from running. Thoughts and prayers to Harmony and her family…
the color run. yes. because I need to be more colorful.
I will be praying for harmony and her husband!!
My next race is May 5th. 13.8 bike and 5K together.
How do I pick races, I usually try to pick races that are close to home,it is much easier and cheaper that way. except for a few like The Goofy challenge that I am signed up for, I will have to travel but it is woth it. THat race is onmy bucket list of races.
I know that feeling – I strained my hamstring a few years ago and it seemed to take forever to heal! Not being able to run is so hard and the build back up is always a pain, seems so slow. Take it easy and take it slow – you’ll be back.
Boy do I know that taping method right about now. Seriously KT Tape is the best stuff ever. And I feel the same way about running – I am not a heel striker at all but I over supinate (as in no rolling in at all) and am just a mess right now. I would love to meet Harmony some day. So cool you guys ran together. She’s an amazing person.
I’ve struggled the last two years and well it sucks. I can’t give advice to help solve the issue because well I haven’t solved my issues.
I got a package of KT Tap PRO and seriously it’s a big difference from the other stuff. BUT it’s more $$$.
Schwaggle had a good deal on it a few weeks back but I couldn’t get it in time. HOpefully they come up again because I’m sure I’ll need it this summer. But that was my thing to, do I just adjust and tape the hell out of myself? kwim?
And yes a little PF compared to cancer is no big deal. I think every time I wince about something I think of Matt Long the fireman who nearly died a few years back.
my next/FIRST race is an 8k next saturday. i cannot wait! i’m hoping to just finish it!
Isn’t KT Tape amazing?! I’ve been using some as I come back from a recent injury and it makes such a difference. I hate that my body is mad at me too. Dang feet!
Gosh, your post puts things in perspective. Here I am feeling down that I’m not “racing” and won’t be for another 5-6 months b/c of baby #2 but I’m lucky enough to be able to still run. My thoughts and prayers are with your friend and her husband –
My next “race” (I use that term lightly since I will just be running not actually racing) is May 19 – it’s the Brooklyn half marathon =)
I usually pick 1 or 2 goal races a year that I want to train for – those are the ones that I will pay whatever the cost of registration is. Now that we have a little addition, traveling is much more difficult, so I try to pick races that within a car ride away. The other races I run during the year are much cheaper and are within 20-30 miles – races that I can drive to the morning of and return home immediately after!! =)
It’s tough to step back for a while but you are doing what your body needs now. When it is ready for more miles, it will let you know =) And you will be back – and even stronger than you were!!
so hope that the PF calms down. i dont have stock pile in KTTape but I do have my left over sample from Vegas as well…so if you ever need it in a pinch just send me a yell
my IT is the thing I have to pay attention too. for the most part leg strengthening has helped and LOTS of foam rolling every day. i just have to be aware of it and not let it get too tight without attention.
glad you had some fun runs with friends and of course Cooper this weekend
Oh boy. First race of the year is this Saturday (eeps!), 4/28-Drake Relays Half Marathon. *bows head in prayer*
Oh man, this last year I went from adductor pain to heel pain. Not PF, but it was definitely achilles related. Not fun, but I tried to find other things to do, and beat the boredom with weight training.
As far as race locations go, I just pick ones that I like, and then repeat them ad nauseum.
I too have a case of race envy but am out for a good 4-5 months more before I can start running again. I had knee surgery about a month ago and am determined to slowly make my way back. It’s incredibly frustrating because I was doing everything “right” before my injury. But, maybe it was just a sign that I needed to step back a little bit.
Glad that you had a good run and hopefully the nagging injury will go away soon. It’s hard to step back but you will be back before you know it!
Oh Jess, I feel your pain, girl! I hope the foot pain eases up. I have suffered from multiple stress fractures and tendinitis issues as well as ITB issues. It’s awful! However, I brought my kindle fire to the gym yesterday and watched the movie 50/50 while on the elliptical (since I can’t run — again!) and there is nothing like a little cancer to put you in your place. I watched this movie about a guy suffering from spinal cancer and my nagging foot injury paled in comparison. However, injuries DO suck. Yes, things could be worse. They always could. But being in pain and not able to do something you love is not fun, and it’s ok to be a little cranky because of it.
Your friend sounds amazing by the way! Wishing her husband the best!!
I’ve never raced! I think it would be fun to do one…but probably a 5k would be good for me haha. I don’t think I’m cut out to run long distances, and I don’t really want to. I do envy those that run that far with ease, but I would rather challenge myself in other ways! It’s amazing how our fitness changes based on the types of workouts that we do! I hope your foot feels better asap
Next race – Big Sur 21 miler this coming Sunday. It’s a long training run – with beauty and course support – on the way to my second marathon. I’m excited! I had a nagging knee injury from biking last August and it still acts up sometimes. The worst part, I had to give up my last marathon goal in November because I couldn’t train. No fun. I hope everything gets better for you!
I will most definitely be sending prayers to Harmony’s husband. What he is going through definitely makes you put injuries into perspective; however, I really do hope your foot is back to 100% soon. I know plantar fasciitis is no fun what-so-ever!!
**turns around and looks at her low back**
YES
I
HAVE
Not from running but I can relate.
I have a half coming up in just over a week. Yikes!! I like local races, but try to do one travel race a year.
I hope all goes well with your friend’s husband. Thinking about a cheapo local 5k this or next weekend to gauge my training paces (and I know it will beat my 5K PR from August). I have a half coming up on June 16. The most important thing about a race is that I can drive to it in the morning…too complicated with husband and dog to need to find a hotel. Second consideration is cost. I’ve done RnR events, but only registered at the early bird rate with a promo code. The half I’m signed up for right now cost $50, which I think is reasonable for a half.
My next half is Memorial Day Weekend in Boston – can’t wait!
I usually pick races by locale, cost and what I’ve heard about it.
On the injury front, I use to have terrible ITB issues. Working on my form (midfoot) seems to have helped a ton! Got a little funky foot pain going on now but KT Tape seems to take care of it so I can keep running.
Hope all goes well for Harmony’s husband.
I’m struggling with some injuries right now so I feel your frustration. Listen to your body and be kind to yourself.
I have no right giving you running advice since you are a far more experienced runner than me, but I’ve had my share of foot problems and injuries and finally read Chi Running and then took a Chi Running class to make sure I was “doing it right”. It’s not just the mid-foot strike, it’s the weight placement and cadence too. I’m injury free now I’ve changed my running style. -If you haven’t already, check it out, it just might help.
MY goal is to run a race in each state, no matter which distance, I just need to get a medal when I finish! My next race will be the Atlantic City Half Marathon in NJ. Hope you feel better soon!
I know I’m nearly a year late on this post, but I just had to comment when I read about your struggle with plantar fasciitis. I struggled with it for two whole years before finding a solution (I cheered at Maryland and got hurt from constantly tumbling on hard surfaces). It was one of my worst injuries because it was so persistent. Not sure if you’ve found a cure to your pain yet, but perhaps I could share my experience.
I went through loads of treatment, particularly because it was free through the athletic dept. I tried the generic heel cups from the local pharmacy which didn’t help. Then I went through multiple rounds of cortisone injections that only provided relief for 3 months at a time. Then the doctors signed me up for an experimental procedure where they took blood from my arm, separated the plasma, then injected it into the bottom of my heel under the theory that some “fresh” blood would speed up the healing process. No luck. Finally, after two years of suffering, doctors turned to custom orthotics. Within a month I was 100% better! I no longer have pain tumbling or running, both of which killed me before the orthotics. I know that most insurance plans don’t cover the cost and they are quite pricey, but I swear by them. Hope this helps =)
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment Courtney! My PF has subsided with reduced running but I know I will need to keep an eye on it when I begin running post-baby!