Run Run Run

Got up at 5:15am, got to Midway about 20 minutes before race. Really liked the cooler temps and the overall course isnt bad, as the hills didnt seem very big. Its kind of rough pavement which seems to take more of a pounding. I tried to concentrate on form more than before and when I did I did better; but then my concentration would fade and get lazy and I would do worse. I did better gapping someone when I passed them but if they gapped me, Id let that disappoint me too much. I also think that I did OK as the day before I ran a 5K race and this also wasnt as downhill as Deseret 10K

I thought I did OK, ran consistent with the 1st and last miles being my best. Had painful problem with left hip, even had to stop a couple times and shake that foot out. It feels better now but it sure was painful after the race. Anyone have any ideas for before race or after race exercise/stretch to help it?

My 10 year old continued to do well beating 90% Id say of the adults. He got one of their trophy cups and was proud of that. It was his 3rd 10K and my 4th. Braden Emerson the 16 year and winner is becoming a great runner

Power went off the night before and woke up too late to get to Payson Onion 5K at 7am, so changed plans and went to Hooper Tomato 5K at 8am, luckily didnt pre-register for the Payson race and the Hooper race was only $10. Maybe it didnt make a differance - Onions and Tomatos - both vegetables I guess. Although the Payson race sounded more appealing being cooler, earlier and faster but maybe next year

This was my 3rd race in 4 days and maybe was too much for my running level (see below). The first 2 runners were in the 17 minute time (Nathan Pollard won) but the overall race seemed like it was slower than from what I read about Payson. An average so-so race for me, but I guess an accomplishment of doing 3 races in 4 days, although my times are probably just a stroll for many. Race was mainly flat but had quite abit slight uphill, stretches were long straightaways which didnt make it interesting (I prefer more turns and not seeing the next 1/2 mile ahead) and the Great Salt Lake smell was bad at a couple locations

I started out OK, but increasing hip pain kept slowing me down which was very disappointing as I thought I had energy and desire to do better. I did increase speed the last 1/2 mile to pass and hold off some runners - but the pain was horrible and after the race I was hobbling badly and felt alot of pain much of the day.

My son Alexander did OK and won his age group again although he was more tired in this race

Maybe pushing myself for 3 races was too much, but I like to do them and take advantage when I have time. Have decided to get docter appointment and hopefully PT referal to look at problem. It has been there all summer since I started running more seriously but until the last few weeks was always tolerable and went away. Its not really the hip, but the area right below the hip where the leg connects. Its only on the left side. It doesnt feel like muscle pain Ive felt before, it doesnt feel like tiredness or out-of-shape pain, feels more like the joint connection (but Im not the greatest in anatomy). I know it is something that is limiting me running faster (as I do have still some energy and desire), when I lift that foot in its bent stance it hurts in that area and when it comes down and hits the pavement it hurts in that area and either increasing my stride length or frequency brings greater pain so I tend to just keep running at my slower consistent pace to avoid the pain. When I do try to use my running desire to push up my speed, I have to almost bite my lip as I want to scream out the pain. Massaging it seems to help, ice seems to help, but this is the worse it has been as I felt it much of the night and it is still here this morning although more tolerable. I know its telling me to take it easier on it this week. Im trying to read up in an running injury book to see if I can find some help. Would really appreciate if anyone has any ideas/suggestions? Thanks!

Left hip area (actually area below it) not doing as well as I would like. It may be bursitus. Have docter appt tomorrow but that probably wont do much as its mainly to get the required insurace referal for PT. Trying ibuprofren, ice, some stretching. I may have overdid it and might not be able to do the Alta Peruvian 8K which In registered for as it is steep downhill. Mainly did some very very slow light jogging and threw the football to my son

Went to Doctor. Got a definate do not run the Alta Peruvian this Saturday. Looks like Ill  go and watch my son run, get my Tshirt and have the BBQ. PT and more detailed exam next Tuesday and we shall see.

Went along with doctors recommendation and didnt run this one. Its too bad Im sure I could have given a good battle with Paul and Sasha (except Id have to be driving my car to do that). Will wait to Tuesdays appointment to see where Im at. It was tough, as I wanted to do this one; but I know I made the right decision as the steep downhill on pavement of this race would have made me pay later. Not a big race but I like the cooler temps and the mountains. Im thinking I could have placed in the middle. This race certainly gives you your moneys worth - nice t-shirt, everyone gets a good prize, a great BBQ dinner, music, hot-tub etc. So I watched my son, got my tshirt and prize and ate at the BBQ. Alexander did well again winning his age, getting 30th overall beating over 50 adults and winning a night for the lodge as a prize. Hope to do it next year. I took an easy very slow jog up and back to start line and around a little by the lodge.

Ran 2 slow miles at Sugarhouse, good to run a little

Well all the top runners are probably excited that Im back blogging, sorry to say I wont be running at TOU (not that I even registered), I probably would have won it, but Ill have to wait until next year. (I can always dream)

Good news is Ive started PT and had my MRI

The best news is that the MRI detected no stress fracture. Also no bursitus. Also no major tears. What was identified was a bone spur that may be rubbing, some arthritus, some cartridge thinning, maybe trauma from prior injury that got aggravated. Im pretty sure Ive fallen on that side being a clutz with my trail scrambling/climbing in the past. Not completely sure of results, have followup meeting Monday with doctor

Had 2 PT sessions, exercises and ice seem to be helping. One foot may be longer than other so we are trying a insert. 2 more sessions next week. Pain is much less but still there and annoying. At least things look better than what they could be. So I still have chances for my Olympic dreams

Some lessons learned - need to do better job of warmups - stretches- cooldowns; probably should do extra stretches and ice at other times especially for my age and still being a novice (compared to others), probably shouldnt do 3 races in 4 days, need to increase my mileage slowly (these last 2 things probably aggravated my body as I was feeling better and maybe doing too much for me), I probably need to still get alot more weight off - that has got to be putting extra pressure on my joints thus I need to be eating better as I eat too much junk at times of stress and doing more cross-training exercise.

So stay tuned race fans, there is still a chance for me for Saint George (Ok I havent registered for that either and a marathon is mainly a dream for now)

Ran a little before and after Alexanders race, but maybe I was being too optimistic in previous blog, very painful below my hip, was hoping it would be better, I guess it will be a slow process

The kids running here in Utah is starting to fall apart a little. Last years 3K race had twice as many kids. There have been alot of setbacks. First Utah Flames ended as a kids track team, youth running director for USATF quit, many of the track meets only had a few kids, now it looks like Wasatch Athletics and Mercury arent going to have cross country races this season. If it wasnt for Phil Olsens efforts at Provo, there wouldnt be many races. Alexander is on a new team with good coaches . Alex says few kids at his school like to run. Many view it as too much work. Or they want to play another sport or they just want to do nothing. From what I can see is the High School programs though seem to have more interest and participation

Biked 3.5 miles so Ill count that 1/2 for running

Hiked at work 5 miles so Ill count that as 1.5 miles

Biked at PT 3.5 miles so Ill count that as 1.5 miles

Gentle run at Alexanders practice 2.5 miles. I quit (as doctor said) when started to feel pain. If I just go easy - nice slow short steps it is OK, but if I run with larger stride, speed or quick turn, there is too much pain.

Maybe this was more than I should do today, but thats just the way it worked out - I had to be on the trail for work, needed to do bicycle at PT, I didnt have to run at Alexanders practice but wanted to do a little and the running on the grass seemed more gentile. I wont do much tomorrow.

Went to my doctor @2pm - he basically went over the MRI report. Emphasized the thinning of cartlidge in left hip, bone has a "cyst" which meant even less cartlidge there, arthritus, said I shouldnt be running and emphasized that I should do other exercise instead of running (if I didnt want hip replacement later). Basically he alarmed the heck out of me and I was worried Id have to quit running. Not sure what his knowledge is in this expertise (you can tell he wasnt a runner with his knowledge and being very overweight). He did get me referal to sports medicine specialist. Also gave me info on taking "glucosamine" for Osteoarthritus - particular brand is from a German company called "Rotta". Anyone know anything about this and effects? Also recommended taking calcium. Anyone know anything about that too and its effects?

Went to PT @3pm. Did my bicycling, weight exercises and ice treatment - all of which felt OK and seemed to help. Have insert for one foot. In his opinion one of my feet may be longer and that can effect running. Need to get it measured, I was told by sports medicine specialist the only way to really do that is with xrays and that it needs to be more than 1/4" differance to be effecting you. Anyone have any advise here?

Went to 3rd appt with sport medicine specialist @4pm. He was young guy and told me better news (at least what I wanted to hear). His opinion was that it was more of a IT band problem and that the arthritus, bone spur, cartlidge thinning was fairly common and just part of my normal aging. Some of his recommendations: 1) Reduce amount of running for now. If there is pain - dont run 2) Running injuries greatly increase if doing more than 20-25 miles per week (at least for more casual runners like me) 3) No more than 10% increase per week in miles (Ive read that before, maybe my big increase of miles in Washington was a factor leading to problem) 4) Avoid speedwork and hills for now 5) Take every other day off (at least for more casual runners like me - Im sure the 3 races in 4 days at Labor Day was a contributing factor) 6) Look at getting different shoes - at least finding one that is better for my foot  with stability control, more cushioning for me(have slight pronation) Any suggestions on shoe brand/model?7) Better management of my shoes - i.e replacing sooner, keeping track of mileage. Any advise here - how often do people rotate shoes and replace? 8) Keep the PT going, keep the stretching, icing 9) Alternative cross-training, he suggested spmething called a aquajogger belt that you use in water that sort of floats you and you can keep the running movement. Anyone have knowledge on this?        

Was frustrated a little with what doctor said and the differances of the 3 appointments - I hope and I need to get them to talk to eachother so I can get get the best overall opinion. My plans right now are for only gentle running on a periodic basis and probably no races until Im not sure when. For alternative conditioning Im not much into swimming (ie staying alive in the water) because of time to get to pool, clorination etc. but will look into the aquajogger. Nor am I much of a bike person because of traffic but maybe I can do some on trail like Jordan River or the machine. I dont mind walking and can do that. Any other ideas? 

Will continue with PT. Have changed my attitude - was concerned before of doing stretches in non-home/non-run places but Ive started doing them at work and even got on floor while waiting at doctors office - Its my body and life so who cares what the strangers think. Also brought ice bag to use at work. Really need to work on my diet - when I get stressed I really go for the sweets (ie being disappointed I cant run) . I think my joints would have alot less pain if I can loose a bunch of weight. This will take a big attitude adjustment and mental adjustment - but Im thinking of and starting ideas. Any ideas of eliminating the sweet tooth?

Also need to work on right achilles which may be causing mme to run wrong with left foot. It is often stiff and tender after running. Sports medicine specialist also recommended need for working on better balance which effects running (I have lousy balance at times). Any ideas for achilles or balance improvement? he also recommended a foam roller (I already had ordered one a few days ago)

Looks like if  I want to run it will take more time and dedication. I know I got the motivation, but finding the time will take more of an effort (it takes time for all this PT, stretching, iceing, alternative conditioning). Ill find a way to keep my running dreams alive

Estimated mileage on shoes: 102                

Hiking for work - 3miles so Ill count that as 1 mile

Biked 4.2 miles in PT so Ill count that as 1.5 miles

Ran slowly .75 mile at sons running meet

Had PT, he agrees with Sports specialists that it is IT band. Used foam roller at PT and it hurt like heck. Foam roller also arrived that I ordered. Stopped at Wasatch Running and got new shoes - that are bigger and provide better support

Shoe miles: 105

Tried to get son to Provo race for kids, left almost 2 hours early but couldnt get there due to major accident traffic jam on I-15 so turned around when it was already race time. Too bad for him because now it will be hard winning the Provo circuit because he has missed a rece. But what can you do, so we ran a little in local park

Took a chance, ran in a 5K but my goal was to take it easy and I ended up doing fine. The ice, Ibuprofren, stretching, new shoes, etc. seem to be helping. I didnt push myself, just ran with a good flow not wanting to take chance of aggravating my IT band. It only hurt some on the steep downhill the last 1/2 mile. Iced up again afterwards. It was nice having a more comfortable running shoe.

This is nice race for us as it is only about 3 minutes from our house. Its not a large race, maybe 100 runners and probably usually doesnt attract alot of top runners. It starts out fairly flat first mile, then next 1.5 miles is steady uphill, and last half mile is somewhat steep downhill mainly running through the neighborhood on asphault roads. Warmed up and cooled down on grass fields to be gentle on my IT band.

I ran alot faster than I thought I would being that I havent run that much last 2 weeks and with the pain I had. I thought Id just run around 35 minutes taking it easy, but I ran 28:21 which is good I thought. My goal of taking it easy seemed to make me more relaxed. Also started in middle instead of the front to avoid crowds, which made it a little funner of passing more people. So Im back, my chance for the Olympics continues (ha)

The great news for the race was that Alexander my 10 year old son won the race in 1st overall. Yes there wasnt alot of strong competition but I think it is not very common for such a young runner to win any 5k. And he won it easily by 2 minutes, probably would have even did better if he was pushed more. He ran it in 20:53 and the next several runners were close to 23 minutes. It was a big thrill for him, he was escorted by the sheriff car the entire way and he finished with flashing lights and siren the last 1/10 mile. He won a big trophy. Anyway Im a very proud Dad. This makes up for missing the Provo 4K we coulnt get to because of being stuck in traffic for 2 hours. So we had a great day for both us. We stopped at Wasatch Running and bought some running water bottles and night running vests

Shoe Miles: Saucony - 5 Asics - 104

My hip/IT band area was sore after race, but better than before. Did my stretches and ran 3 easy miles on grass in local park with goal to keep it easy and adjust slowly. Was nice running in clouds and some light rain, reminded me of Washington. I guess runners must have web feet up there maybe thats why so many great runners came from Oregon Ducks

Ran on grass at Cottonwood while son had xc practice, felt OK and still better

Bike 4 miles at PT will count as 1.5

Easy mile on grass while at sons soccer practice

Bike at PT 4.0 miles - will count as 1.5

Ran a couple miles on grass at sons race in Provo

PT slowly helping although I always feel hip/IT band area and right achilles area

Played basketball with Alex for an hour then we went to Snowbird and ran from Snowbird to WhitePine and back and then to the end of the Snowbird nature trail. Had some pain but took it slow and careful

Ran a little before Alex soccer game and the snow storm on grass at Taylorsville

Ran at Jeremy Ranch. Ran faster for first 2 of 3 miles on the dirt road with Alex. I ran the 3 miles in around 28 minutes. Then we ran 3 miles more slowly, me in about 38 minutes. Still recovering but getting better

Shoes: Saucony - 11, Asics - 111, Trail 1 - 50, Trail 2 - 5