Decision time

[TEK224]

Previously I posted I wasn't sure about going Goofy, because training has been inconsistent. I took the advice of folks here and retgistered Goofy, with the option that if I felt lousy after the half, I could just bag the full and become a scream teamer.

Unfortunately, that may be what happens. I've continued with my training, but still don't think I'll be ready for the full (unless I get a lot of Disney Magic and Pixie Dust). I'll still make it a race day decision, but right now it's looking like just the half for me. (I hate having to make grown-up decisions!

Coach - if you're reading this I have a question. On several of my recent runs (8, 8 & 10) I been sore afterward. Now I expect to be somewhat sore, but this is the first time I've ever been sore in my butt! Talk about a PITA It's not in my hamstring, but seems more in the middle part of my glutes. I've been using the stick, but it still is sore/stiff after the miles. Any ideas?
Terri

 

[cewait]

Keep you options open...

With regard to the pain.. Well the hips girdle is a complex part of the body and it really takes a hands on evaluation. Though, if not too painful, it should not keep you from running.

Things that is could be, hamstring (even though you may not feel like it, the hammie insertion is relatively him, the piriformis or other small stabilizer, a nerve issue, tondo issue and a lower back issue. The safe play to to not push through anything, but since it seems to be soft tissue, pushing some is not really an issue

If you do not run in compression shorts, I would suggest the possibility of running in something like CW-x shorts/tights. These will help compress the area while running and keep tissue from 'flopping' around.

 

[J3nn78]

Have you tried a cold bath after your runs? I find that anything over half distance-I need a good cold bath soak. It is rather uncomfortable, but really helps with the soreness. The water only needs to come just above the leg. I find it easier to sit in the empty tub and turn on the cold water rather than fill the tub and then sit.

 

[TEK224]

Thanks Coach.

It's not painful enough that I can't run (or walk). Just feels achy. I thought it could be the torn hamstring I had last year just acting up, but I feel it on both sides. Never had it before so it feels weird. Almost like the feeling I get when I've ridden a horse for awhile

I am keeping my options open till race marathon day to see how I feel. If I'm feeling sore after the 1/2, I just don't know if I can walk the entire distance in the allotted time and I would be so bummed to get swept again.

Thanks for the help!

 

[rubato]

I have piriformis problems. It's a fun little muscle in the bootie that wraps around my sciatic nerve. Painful, but not debilitating. I've been living with it for over a year now and it's never bad enough to stop me from running, but just achy afterwards and sometimes, shooting sciatic pain. I like my ice baths after anything over 10 miles, plus lots of stretching. I like the stretch where you lie on your back, foot in front of other knee and pull in to chest.

I like your plan of just seeing how you feel on marathon day. You never know. My hip felt like it was out of the socket during the half, and I got sick with laryngitis that night. I decided to at least attempt the full and it felt great the whole race.

 

[cewait]

I had a minor tear of the piriformis and it is not debilitating but then it is. Don't know how to say it better.

It is also called Trucker's wallet syndrome. My doc told me that during rehab I needed to carry my wallet in my back pack. His PA was a former OR PA for a ortho in the med center... She told me that the OR name for the piriformis is the fillet mignon of the human body

 

[rubato]

I had a minor tear of the piriformis and it is not debilitating but then it is. Don't know how to say it better.

I'm sure I don't have a tear. With all the running I've been doing, it would feel bad at a certain point, and it really doesn't at all. Just an achy pain. My sports doctor and physical therapist both think I'm one of those weirdos whose sciatic nerve runs through the piriformis, instead of next to it. As I'm increasing my running and the size of the piriformis, it's squeezing the sciatic nerve. Who would have thought that having a big runner's butt is actually a liability?

 

[jrigney515]

Here I thought I was the only one who had this injury. More annoying than painful.

Won't stop me from running Goofy next week. Already ran 2 marathons with the injury....what's another one and a half?

I do agree with the advice to use some sort of compression shorts or tights during your race. I always wear compression shorts under my running shorts anyway, so I think that has helped me

John

 

[TEK224]

I have done the ice baths after half marathons in the past. I have a pair of compression shorts but I always feel as if I can't breathe when I wear them. I know they're supposed to be tight (hence the compression), but they feel so uncomfortable. I'll try them out tomorrow and see if I can put up with them again.

Thanks for the advice and suggestions!
Terri