Thanks to a diagnosis of patellar tendinitis, weak hips and tight IT bands I’m still on a hiatus from running. Despite the fact that I had to cancel my plans to go run the Phoenix Marathon on February 28th (and therefore lost some money on that) I’m feeling okay with not running right now. How is this possible?
I’m choosing to approach this running break as a bit of an off season. I went straight from Ironman Boulder into training for the Goofy Challenge without too much of a break. I dropped the swimming and the biking but really picked up my run volume. When I tried to incorporate strength training with my Goofy Challenge training I found that I was too fatigued, too sore and not in the best shape to execute my run workouts. With this break from running I’m taking this opportunity to do more strength training. I focused mostly on upper body last week, but as I work to improve the alignment in my legs I’ll be bringing in lower body strength.
bring on the Nike Training Club app!
I also need to take this time to work on my core strength. Core is one of the first things I let go when my training volume really ramps up and I need to continuously make it a priority. Since your hips are a part of your core (and mine are weak) I can’t afford to let this slide in the future. I’m also going to need to be more diligent about foam rolling from here on out.
my new best buddy, my foam roller
I haven’t been to the pool since July and I haven’t swam since August. After the triathlon season is over this is the first sport I let go. Luckily there is a pool very close to our house and swimming is a great workout. Ideally I’d like to get back to swimming twice a week as I discovered that my endurance in the pool (not suprisingly) is pretty well gone. To up the motivation factor on swimming I figured it was time for a new swimsuit or two.
TYR Disco Inferno and TYR Echo Dash
I can also spin as long as my knee cap stays in alignment. I wanted to hold off on that until my knee wasn’t sore anymore so I’ll be hopping on my bike this week.
back to the bike…soon…
I can still get outside even if it isn’t for a run. Peat is working to build up strength in his back leg and with better weather and dryer pathways he’s up for longer walks now. On Saturday it was so beautiful out and Peat and I enjoyed a really nice walk along the Bow River. He’s still not a fan of selfies though.
Peat…aka Mr. I Hate Selfies
Ideally I’d like to do something every day just to keep my activity level up. I also need to continue to foam roll and do my physio exercises daily. The good news is that I should be back to running soon, I just need to take an appropriate time away to build up the strength in my stabilizers to make sure the patellar tendonitis doesn’t come back.
How do you keep yourself sane when you need to take time off due to an injury?
Ugh… I’m the WORST when I’m injured. I get so grumpy and impatient. I really how much running keeps me “sane!” LOL!
I like all your ideas though! I really do love the pool and should do more strength work too!
Kaella (KaellaOnTheRun) recently posted…Training Tuesday- Phoenix Half Marathon Week #7
I’m trying so hard to not be grumpy! The weather has been nice here and there the last few days and I’ve definitely felt the pangs on not being able to get out and enjoy it. Oh well, I’m just trying to enjoy some unstructured training for a few weeks!
Runner Leana recently posted…Five Things I Love About Calgary
Happy recovery! I haven’t ever been seriously injured so I can’t say how I would keep myself sane. I am sure it would involve a lot of red wine. lol Love the red bathing suit. I am working on my core in February too! So important!
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Good luck with your February core challenge!
I’m so glad to hear you’ve never been seriously injured. I’ve had a few instances where I’ve had to take some time off but have generally bounced back. Fingers crossed that continues!
Runner Leana recently posted…Five Things I Love About Calgary
Sounds like a good plan to keep active! Hope your knee gets better soon!
That’s the beauty of having multiple sports to keep you going. Flutter and dolphin kicks in the pool will work on the hip strength and core respectively, while swimming overall can offer great cardio and endurance training. You know what to do on the bike. Respect how long it can take tendons to heal – give them a little extra leeway to make sure.
Karen, thanks so much for your comment! Although things are feeling much better now I know I shouldn’t be hurrying out for a run right now. I figure things probably need a bit more time off.
And yes, that is the good thing about being a multisport athlete. I needed a push to get back to the pool so I guess this was it!
Runner Leana recently posted…Five Things I Love About Calgary
I always let core slide which I know is the one thing you really should maintain for all exercises.
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I’m thinking I may need to set some kind of personal challenge or goal for core work for March…
Runner Leana recently posted…Five Things I Love About Calgary