Each Day Is a Gift

I'm sick to death for you. I know how hard it is to be injured in the middle of 'hitting your stride'. At least Boston went off without a hitch (well, a little hitch). Cheering on your friends at Ogden, while a good thought, would send me into a depression. I don't have good advice on the icing, other than I think after a few days (after the threat of swelling injury is gone) you need to alternate heat and ice to speed up the circulation in the area for faster healing (heat pad 5 minutes/ice 5 minutes). It wouldn't hurt to get some Physical Therapy in the interim. They teach you a lot and give you painful stretches that make it seem like you're 'doing something' while you're cross training and trying to keep from running out the door (as a stark raving lunatic). Be good to your legs, they have been good to you!

Smooth,

I would ice it at least 3 to 4 times a day. I don't think it necessarily matters when since you are not running. But if you do any workouts I would definitely ice it after them.

The foam roller I would also do 3 or 4 times a day.

I know that it is hard not to run. It plays on your emotions big time. It's okay to feel sad about it. Just don't let it rule your day. There's always a part of me that realizes that the only reason I feel sad is because I know what it is like to feel so happy!! I feel very fortunate about that!! :)

I love you!!! Hang in there!!! :)

Luz,

Thanks for the encouragement. You say just the right things. Good idea to alternate the heat and ice.

Teena,

I LOVE YOU so much! Thanks for letting me cry on your shoulder. You are so GOOD to me. You truly understand.

OK, that's good to know about the frequency of icing and foam rolling. That tight spot on the tensor fascia lata is really sore, like it's bruised. I'll be thinking about you getting ouched by Matt tomorrow. I LOVE YOU!!! :)

What we did yesterday likely made it very tender. Tomorrow it should not feel nearly as tender!!!

I love you so so so much too!!! :)

Heading out the door for a couple of hours!! Talk to you soon!!! :)

Sorry your knee still hurts I am not a pro by any means and because I have not dealt with the same injury I can't give you any advise except to say that it will get better just listen to those who have been trough it.

I'm not really sure about the answers to your questions.

Try to do some Xtraining, it will help you feel better.

Smooth...Maybe you could hang with coach Slick and cheer people in. I'm pretty sure he'll be there. I'd love to see your smiling face at the finish.

This makes me sad!!! Get better soon my friend!!

Have you been stretching and massaging your hip? The IT band gets wound up there. Focus on both hips for balance but deep on the IT side. Get your hips adjusted soon. When you run, run on even ground. Ibuprofen low dose too. Ice to hip and knee yes. Heat to the hip. Massage and rest.

Personally I find it most beneficial to roll out first, then exercise and end with a good stretch.

Don't run Ogden! Take time Off and get better, and listen to your body! Sorry I'm a little late on the advice Smooth.

But, ya anyway do what I said!;-)

Smooth - I don't know about you - but if I decide not to run Ogden I am not going to go up and cheer people in. I think it would 'add insult to injury' and be too emotionally painful.

Okay, I am chiming in late as usual, but according to Dr T and the PT, icing of the IT band does nothing. They both said the ice can not even get to where you need it. They also both said it is far more important to keep it warm and stretched all of the time. So, if you ever sit for a while (like when you blog, watch TV, go to the temple, whatever) you need to stretch as soon after as possible. I guess everyone has their own philosophy, but TIME OFF, STRETCHING 24/7, and then SLOW RUNNING got me back into pretty okay shape within a decent amount of time. Just my 2 pennies!!!

Now, Larry cracks me up. He is too funny, and he knows you well!

Kathie,

That's what I love about this blog...friends who've been there and understand.

Bec,

You are so positive. Sad to say that running is about the only thing I know how to do. Unlike you, a triathlete star.

Julie,

I used to not believe in taking drugs. I took one ibuprophen yesterday and today. It helps. When I start running again, I'll run in the middle of the road when safe to do so. You're right about the hip. I also need to strengthen the hip abductor as part of my rehab.

MrsFIT,

It makes sense to do it in that order. I will remember that.

Clay,

My instinct tells me to sit out Ogden. My heart tells me otherwise. So far, everyone has told me to better be safe than sorry.

Dale, Leslie, and Maurine,

I'm so new to this injury thing that my psych is rather fragile right now. Just the sight of runners going by the house sends me into a spazz. I don't think I can stand there, even among friends, to watch the marathon and not have a major break-down. Perhaps when I'm not injured, I might be able to. I don't know how Coach Slick and AlisaK did it. They are much more stable and mature than me.

Kelli,

When I iced the knee on Sat. afternoon, I didn't think it was doing much good other than the numbness felt good for awhile. I almost got freezer burn on the skin when I forgot to put a wash cloth between the icepack and skin. I haven't try alternating with ice and heat though. That might help with the healing. I can see the benefit of icing to decrease swelling. But I really didn't have any swelling. It was more like an irritation of the ITB.

I had no idea how tight my muscles were until I used the foam roller. Every major muscle, the quads, the calf, the glutes screamed. Stretching does feel good. The ITB is one bugger to stretch though. I will try everything to get that ITB under control. I'm such a wimp, I could never run with pain.

Smooth, you're doing it all right. You're taking care of yourself and resting - getting good advice and hanging in there mentally!! Go with Bec to Lehi on Saturday and have a good time, don't let Ogden even cross your mind. Take care of yourself and keep up the GREAT recovery. You'll be back in no time, and as a butterfly :)

Dang, Smoothie, I can tell you're having a REALLY hard time with this injury. I wish I had some words of encouragement. But since I've never been injured, I don't really know what to say. I feel terrible that you are having so much anguish. I'm glad you're getting a lot of good advice from a lot of great friends.

Alright, I will play the devil's advocate. Not really because I am hardly devilish. I think. But anyway. Here goes: I think you should run the marathon. I think you should run it slow in the beginning to let the endorphins take over then run at an easy pace after that. I really have tons of advice about running thru pain. Sometimes the pain is surface yet feels deep. It gets to our brain and our brain remembers it, it remembers your recent marathon only a few weeks ago. It is smart. It is telling your body you don't want to run remember the pain? (the muscle fatigue I mean at the end). So what you really need is to release your pain to the light (there is a story to go with why I just wrote that). Let it go. Whatever stress you are feeling, let it go. Imagery works here. Just talk to yourself, don't let it get to you. I am talking from experience. Last year before SGM I got the worst headache and sciatic pain. I was on my way driving there. I went to the chiropracter two days before to try to relieve it, I was so caught up about the pain that I didn't sleep well at all. Instead of the pain marathon morning all I felt was tired. At mile 20 I was like hey where is the pain in my sciatic? All it took was a mention of this to my brain and there it was back. I said "that is odd" so I just ignored it and wow I no longer felt it. I am not saying that it is all in your head, don't get me wrong but the two are related quite a bit. The question is: is missing Ogden going to break you down or build you? You got to weigh this greatly. Will your leg pain let up or not? If not, and you can't get past it, you must not run. Injuries are real and healing takes time mentally and physically. But, search....yourself.. I know I don't know you too well but I too skipped out on running a marathon (SGM 2006)I wasn't even signed up for but trained for but I gave up bugging them to let me in (they finally let my friend in)and I became very depressed that day even when out with family at Lagoon. I got over it of course but it was a goal I had and I was bummed to wait an extra year to get to the 10 year club. I hope noone takes this wrong. It is all from experience and to each his own as philosophers would say. I just thought I would take the pro-Ogden side for you. Massage those glutes!!!!

Julie- if your 'speech' didn't help Smooth, it did me!! I get ITB with long downhills and speed and I'm SOOO afraid of getting it in Ogden and it cripling me! So Thanks for the pep talk, no more worry and stress - I'll work through it or tape it or forget about it. But I will sleep and not 'imagine' it there at mile 5 :)

Smooth, you are the most loved person on this blog! I swear, look at all the people trying to help, inspire and support you!! Even if you don't do Ogden you've won already!!

Dang Smooth!! So Sorry to hear that you are injured! I have no advise in this category but wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you! I love Teena's advise, what a great attitude!!! Also, I know Kelli emailed me some good stretches for a friend of mine who was experiencing ITB problems and she is doing SO MUCH BETTER. Maybe try to get those stretches from Kelli? Good luck with everything. Get better soon :)

Everybody needs to stop getting injured. What is going on? I'm sorry that you will be missing Ogden but it sounds like it is the right decision. Good luck with your recovery.

Oh Smooth, I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this right now! It's such a bummer and I know 'non-runners' think we exaggerate how hard it is to NOT run, it is SO Hard! It seems like injuries are in the water lately, , , everyone is getting them!

I hope you get better soon, take care of yourself though, and I agree with the others to just listen to your own body, you'll do what is best. I'm also debating whether to run Ogden, , ,but if I were you I wouldn't go to the finish line and watch! Only because you've been planning to run this particular race, so it would be especially hard! I would go do something else fun.

Just know we all do love you on this blog! You've helped A TON of people just by your attitude and great spiritual example, , , , remember you are loved when it gets hard!

Smooth, I'm with the group that says don't run, and I just ran injured. Sure you could probably use mind over body to block out the pain and finish the race, but you may set yourself back longer and Ogden isn't a goal race for you is it. If this was Boston or some other big race, I may have a different opinion.

I'm sure you'll end up doing what is best for you. Good luck.

Smooth, are you out there? I could do the cons now... but know you got a lot to think about already. Just anxious to hear how you are feeling today.

I hear its good luck to send money to . . . me! Just kidding. Hang in there.

Rachel,

I know there's a butterfly in my little cocoon. Right now I feel like an inch worm. :)

Dale,

You are so sweet! Thanks for your kind words.

Julie,

You must have read my thoughts. This ITBS is so new to me. I would be fine one minute; then the next I couldn't even bend the knee. My thoughts were yoyoing this whole week. I tell myself I could do it. DNF is heartbreaking; but at least I would find out what I'm made of. I even prayed about the decision and had an impression that I'm supposed to help someone at Ogden. But now, my knee is hurting again. It is telling me that if I don't get it under control, it's gonna set my rehab and training season further back. Yes, I search and search. Ogden is where I have had a score to settle. I had a demon in the form of the "charlie horse". I ran my best times there in 2007 and 2008 but the "death-vice-grip" sent my legs into convulsion at the finisher area. Consequently my training for the rest of the season suffered. The positive side is that I have learned much about pacing and hydrating and really wanted to give Ogden a third try. Sometimes though the mind is willing, but the body is weak.

Andy,

I keep telling myself that now I have an injury, a common one even, I MUST be a REAL runner.

Amber,

I've been thinking about you. I know you had to stop running for 2 weeks after that "26.2 down SGM course" and battling with shin splints. But you handle it so positively and beautifully. I sure hope you're recovered. I know you will do fine in Ogden. Take the pressure of a time goal off and enjoy the whole experience. THANK YOU for your kind words and support. It is great friends like you who pull me through. LOVE YOU! and GOOD LUCK!!!

Rhett,

I always look up to you and appreciate your wisdom. You are an elite runner in my book and a mighty fine human being. THANKS for another vote of the wise choice.

RivertonPaul,

You crack me up. Is your bib# 88? I really appreciate those articles. I printed them out, studied them and am following the guidelines. You're like a virtual library around here.

THANKS everyone for your loving support! It's wonderful to know that I'm not alone in this journey! YOU ARE WONDERFUL and I am so blessed to count you as my friends!!!!

Stay positive!! You are the best.

Smooth, if you feel like you want to run and you feel you need to be there to help someone I've got a good solution! You can come and run the last 5-6 or so in with me!! I'd love the company, you'd get a good run in and see how the IT is working AND you'd be helping someone out :)

See...I've always got the solution!!

(I hope you know this was sent with me laughing while I was typing!!)

What a positive solution!!! You could help lots of people at the end this way.

Everyone keeps telling me I'm sweet. There goes my reputation as a tough guy. :^)

Rachel,

What a brilliant solution!!! I have to tell you this. Hubby just called to see what I've decided. It's different every day or even every few minutes. He said: "Are you FOR SURE FOR SURE FOR SURE for sure for sure for sure? or are you just FOR SURE!" I'm the biggest non-decisive blob of jello! K, will have to see how I feel Sat. morning.

Most likely, I won't be of help. You are one very very talented runner you don't need a crippled ole lady. You're gonna be a ROCK STAR!!!

Julie,

Isn't this FRB great?

Dale,

Your reputation is safe! We all know you're the SWEETEST TOUGHEST dude here. :)

Smooth - are you kidding? You'll have fresh tapered legs and I'll be dying!! Plus you'd get to celebrate my 'mystery miles' with me :) If you really want to, I would LOVE to have you!! It would be good motivation for both of us :) You to run and me to get TO you!!

I agree with advice to focus on rolling near the hip. I am skeptikal about icing...how much that helps.

I am on frontrunner heading up to pick up my packet. Hope I can run it.

How are you feeling today, Smoothie?