Thursday, October 27, 2011

Happy birthday, IT-band injury!

I am approaching my year anniversary of being injured.

A whole year.

Last weekend I went to a wedding with many college friends I haven't seen in over two years. This happened about 7 times: "Not that I stalk you on facebook, but you're like... a crazy runner right?" Besides the one stint in March where I ran a 50k training run, I've been doing small mile runs and nothing like what I'm used to. But, I'm actually quite ok.

I walk a lot to get in my "me" time. I volunteer at races so that I still see the VHTRC folk. I spend more evenings with my boyfriend. I read more and have moved my ambition focus to the fuck-what-am-I-going-to-do-the-rest-of-my-life part of my brain. It's probably a good thing.

Surprisingly, I haven't gained any weight, in fact I've lost a few pounds and my jeans fit much better. It's actually sort of nice that I don't need to eat so much. Even though I hadn't worked out for well over a month, I was still able to do some decent hiking in Colorado. Oh, right, I've been hiking a lot--it keeps me sane. It's like trail running, but slower and you have to carry all your shit with you. (Tip: get hiking poles so that you can control the weight on your injured leg)

So, twitter and facebook friends, I'm still out, yes, but I'm ok. Really. Promise.

Oh, and so that I can be helpful, here's what I would have done in hindsight:
  1. Don't go running with people or a group when you're recovering. A year ago, I quickly completed a 14 mile trail run that I would have half-walked if I was alone.
  2. If something doesn't stop hurting in two weeks, go see a physical therapist. I waited 8 months.
  3. Try to solve the root of the problem first. If I had stopped my minimalist footwear kick and put my orthotics back in earlier, I might have jump-started recovery.
  4. Look for a complete list of activities that will aggravate your injury. I was doing deep squats, jumps, deep squats, breast-stroke, deep squats, hiking... all things that kept my IT band tight.
  5. Have patience getting back into the game. Don't run 30 miles after you've only been back a couple months. (Like, DUH!)
P.S.: My feet look so pretty now!

    7 comments:

    1. You're awesome. I love your blog. Happy B-day, IT Band Injury!!

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    2. Those are really good tips.

      I believe one of the best things that can happen to us is getting injured. It forces us to explore other interests, face our fears, and see that we are so much more than just runners.

      If it hadn't been for injuries, Hubz and I would never have discovered our latest shared love: Virginia wineries.

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    3. October 8th was my ITB injury anniversary...flared up again 2 days after my 50 mile race. Doing yoga, swimming and more swimming for me.

      Ultra runner mom

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    4. UGH! I'm sorry it's been a year but these are good tips :)

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    5. Hi Brittany

      You maybe already know all of this, or are doing it, but I thought I'd share with you some of the information I've gathered for IT Band injuries...
      http://lornpearsontrains.wordpress.com/2011/05/25/iliotibial-band-friction-syndrome/

      There's a link at the bottom to an IT band workout too if it helps.

      My friend has been out with her IT band issues for 18 months now and has resorted to not running/spinning/biking at all. She's only doing swimming and the occasional walk.

      She's had an MRI scan and a CT scan (waiting on results). Fingers crossed yours clears up x

      Lorn

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    6. I totally, completely agree with every tip on this list. Sure, it would be nice if we realized these things *before* we get hurt—but who among us can actually be that wise? Wisdom is usually hard-won, and that's certainly the case with running injuries. I'd like to add a No. 6 to the list, and remind you to take extra-good care of yourself while you're injured—take long baths, do yoga (if it doesn't hurt), buy some warm, fuzzy pants that make your legs feel great. That step has been key in retaining my sanity during recoveries!

      ReplyDelete
    7. I believe one of the best things that can happen to us is getting injured.
      Runescape Gold

      ReplyDelete