Working through Injuries

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!