Doing What I Can

Sorry about the IT band issue. I haven't checked in with you in a while. My life is upside down because I was let go from Principal and have the additional stress of finding employment is a terrible economy. Here's some tips that helped me with the IT issue: 1) rolling therapy (basically buy yourself a 8-10 inch diameter piece of PVC pipe about 2-3 feet long and roll on the pipe on the floor on the side of the injured leg, up and down along the leg, you can also roll on your hamstrings and quads, but you want to hit the side of the leg, be careful because it will hurt at first), 2) gently stretch the quads, hams, and IT band after warmup, and 3) do a combo run & walk (when things don't feel right or before you get to that point just walk for 3-5 min and then pick it up again until a certain point then walk again, repeat as long as you aren't in a lot of pain, you get the picture). I've found that endurance training is not a run or rest only trade off. Indorporating walking will do wonders, but for some reason everyone wants to frown on the idea of slowing down to a walk. You'll be surprised how much more you can do beyond the typical quit point when simply taking walking breaks. Do some research on older endurance athletes and you will notice walking several times a week.

Thanks a bunch for the advice!! I will be sure to incorporate some of those techniques into my recovery process, I'm especially intrigued by the ideas on walking. Best of luck on the employment search!

Sure. I don't promote walking everytime you train, but only during those times when injured, recovery days, and long runs over 20 miles. Walking breaks also help for other pains and GI issues. I usually just walk for about 3-5 min and start running again. For some reason that one walk break takes away stomach discomfort and other pains so I can keep on trudging ahead. I wish you well.