Artichoke's Running Blog (Ken Spence)

2 miles very slow and easy this morning on the TM after 6 miles on the stationary bike.  Decided to test the hip since I'm off of the prednisone.  X-rays last week don't seem to indicate anything going on with the hip joint, which is good.  The back x-ray didn't show much either, maybe some degenerative disks, but basically normal for an old man like me.  Doctor thinks it is piriformis or possibly some bursitis in the hip, but he hasn't totally ruled out a hip stress fracture, which won't show up on x-rays for several weeks after it calcifies along the fracture line.  He wanted me to try running and if it isn't tolerable or gets worse, may want to order an MRI to rule out the stress fracture.  I had pain during the 2 miles on the TM, but not severe.  The good thing is I didn't hurt immediately afterwards and for the remainder of the day like I did when I tested it for 1+ mile in Liberty Park about 2 weeks ago after watching the SLC Marathon.  Will probably try 2 to 3 tomorrow and if I can manage it, I'll look at short mileage every other day for a while.  Ogden Marathon is definitely out in 2 weeks.  I guess I'll go be a spectator again.  I'm really glad I opted out of doing Boston again this year, or I would have wasted some major dollars in airfare and race fees.  Not running is a real bummer!

3+ slow miles on the road.  Still feeling pain in the hip and back.  Afterwards it's almost totally in my back.  Need to get back to the doctor this week to see what's next.  I'll probably try 3 miles every other day to see how I handle it for now.  5 whopping miles this week, but better than nada.