Run Run Run

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