IT band question

[Brice]

I have a quick question regarding training with sore IT band issues.  About 2 weeks ago I notice a small amount of pain on the outside of my knee and deduced it was an IT band issue.  I looked up stretches, iced it after runs and rested it as needed.  This has caused a very unneeded drop in my training, it was sporadic at best before this which I am assuming is part of the cause.  It still hurts slightly when I run.  It onsets around 4 / 5 miles and I have been stopping at that point even though the pain is such I could run through it.  I am a week away from my marathon and want to know if I should give it the week off or try to keep running on it.  My last 2 weeks mileage totals have only been 21 and 15.  I also have an appointment with a massage therapist on Monday to work on the area.  Any help would be greatly appreciated, this is my first Marathon next week and really want to do my best.

[Josse]

You have to ask yourself if running on it will make it worse?   If so then I would not run on it.   I got injured one year about the same time as you and couldn't do much running the few weeks before the marathon.  I still ran the marathon and didn't run the race that I had hoped for, and spent the next 6 weeks recovering from the injury.  So I would adjust your expectations and give yourself the option of dropping out if you are in pain.  There is always another marathon.

[Brice]

Thanks Josse, I was assuming that would be the answer and I think I have adjusted my expectations.  I just wanted to check with you all to get your two sense.  I did have the massage yesterday and from what I can tell it feels better.  The woman doing the massage said it did not feel extremely tight so that seemed positive.  I think I am going to hit the track tonight and see how a few easy miles on the flat feel.  Thanks again.

[Paul (RivertonPaul)]

Now that your marathon is done, its a good time to stretch and take care of the IT band. 

[Brice]

That is my goal   I surprisingly had no problems with it during the marathon.  I was extremely nervous that it would act up but luckily it did not.  Running that race however has re-ignited my desire to run so I will need to show some self control in easing back into it.  I think I may take up swimming this winter since I work at a place with a pool.  I also think I am going to go back and get another massage, that really seemed to work for me.