Oh Why Art Though Here!
Injuries are never planned and often come at the most inopportune times. Thus, was what unfolded in my final week before my 1/2 marathon race.
Thursday I went for a run. As I was warming up I felt the muscles twinge along my right leg, pain traveling up to my lower back. I stopped and stretched it out. I began to start running again. I could still feel the muscle pulling and straining. I stopped and yet again stretched. I was contemplating turning around, but I'm a bit of a bull when it comes to my training so I was reluctant. With that, the pain subsided and I completed my run.
When I awoke on Friday, I felt a large knot on the right side of my lower back/hip region. I had just purchased the trigger point therapy equipment so I figured I would give it a go and try to work out the knot. I spent about 30 minutes working out the knot but it was still a nagging pain. I resolved to taking it easy in lieu of my intense training planned that day.
Saturday was where I resolved to deep depression. I was not going to be able to train again. My right leg kept falling out from under me as I took steps and sharp pains shot through my lower back. With the 1/2 marathon coming up I had every right to feel the deep frustration building up inside of me.
Sunday I spent the day resting, alternating ice and heat, and taking high doses of Bayer. I don't remember much more than that.
By Monday, I had made an appointment for a massage and an acupuncture appointment for later in the week. I still managed to get myself to work but the pain made for long days. The massage seemed to help; I was able to walk without leaving my right leg behind me. I still felt stiff and the pain was just dull and constant.
The rest of the week left much to be desired. After a try at acupuncture, chiropractic adjustment, massage, trip to the primary doctor, and lots of rest the inevitable came to light - I was not going to be able to run the race. I felt depressed - As if I failed to hit a major milestone. I'm a project manager by profession so not completing a task on time or making the milestones is an earth shattering event.
What a battle I had with my internal voice. It was hard to come to terms with the fact that I wasn't going to compete. In the end I came to terms with this minor setback. All the training these past months were not a waste and just part of the overall goal. This little race was just a piece of that goal. I knew that if I ran I could cause even more damage or extend the healing process even longer. A turning point, yes, in my reasoning!
When Sunday came I did not run and it has been a week since the race and I am still trying to heal. I have done a couple of short runs and really focused on strengthening my core. So for now I focus on rehabilitation so I can get back in the game!
