Runners---when you are injured...how do you deal?

I really thought I was an invisible runner until recently.

I trained (but not well) for the LI half marathon 2 weeks ago. For the next two weeks, I had severe muscle strain/pain in my right hamstring and right calf. I went to PT and it helped but I was not 100% (or really even 50% for that matter).

Then I did the Brooklyn Half yesterday. My PT had said it was okay to do, I couldn't hurt myself more, just that I'd be in pain after most likely.

Well it was the most PAINFUL and slowest half. I almost cried as I finished. I had to walk and stretch a lot of the race, and I've never walked during a half. Its really killing my spirit. My boyfriend waited for me at the 11 mile marker to run in with me, it was so sweet but my spirit is killed and I was tearing in pain at the end.

Today I'm limping and in so much pain. I don't know how I'm going to train for my first full marathon (NYC) this year. I'm losing hope and really would love to hear how others have recovered from an injury and what you do in the meantime. I know I'm going to be going stircrazy if I'm told to not run for awhile!

Message edited 5/19/2013 9:19:51 AM.

Re: Runners---when you are injured...how do you deal?

what has your pt said that you can do? how long did they tell you to go without running?

granted, i'm no where near the kind of runner that you are... what i've been doing during these two weeks is learning all i can about nutrition and technique. i've been doing all the exercises that i can... i've also been using a stationary bike.

it's not the best, but it's been keeping me from feeling sorry for myself.

hope this helps a bit

Re: Runners---when you are injured...how do you deal?

I know how that feels. It's very frustrating. The best thing you can do is take care of it NOW. You have plenty of time to train for NYC and you don't really have to kick that training off until after 4th of July. And you're an experienced runner, so you have even more time. I'm a big fan of A.R.T., but you probably already know about that since you do PT. It really helps with those type of injuries. Did your PT suggest to have any tests with an orthopedist done to rule out anything serious? It could just be you did a lot in a short amount of time. I also ran LI and Brooklyn and I'm ready for a break! I never ran a half 2 weeks apart and I honestly don't think I'll do it again.

I think if something like this has to happen, let it happen now - get it taken care of, take the time off if you have to and then you can start your NYC training 100%. I'm sorry you are going through this, I know it s*cks.

Message edited 5/19/2013 3:43:20 PM.

Re: Runners---when you are injured...how do you deal?

I understand your frustration with being injured. I was injured for 6 weeks over the winter and it was a very difficult time. When I returned to running, I regained my endurance relatively quickly. I ran my first 5K 2-3 weeks later and was more or less at the same pace I was before my injury.

I would take a week off from EVERYTHING - I know easier said than done, but you do not want to do anymore damage. Ice several times a day for 20 minutes. Take ibuprofen to keep the swelling down. Get some KT tape and ask your PT to show you how to properly tape your injury. You will not lose fitness from taking this time off.

After a week, I would try cross training (bike, arc trainer, ellipitical) and see how my leg felt with that. If it did not bother me, I would slowly reintroduce running. For example, crosstrain for 30-45 minutes (not sure how much cardio you typically do) and then run 1 mile.

Re: Runners---when you are injured...how do you deal?

I know you guys are right, I guess I just want to hear from other runners that it sucks being injured and resting because most of my non-running friends and family think its ridiculous that I'm sad that I can't work out or run. My boyfriend understands but he did the half marathon with me yesterday and then rode 60 miles on his bike today So obviously I'm jealous.

I am definitely going to ask my PT to show me how to use the tape. She taped me up for the race but I have no idea how to do it myself. I also need to remember to ice as much as possible--thank you for the reminder because I'll do that right now!

And I liked hearing you came back better after recovering from an injury---hoping I can get my speed back after this because I've gotten slower due to this and other aches and pains.

Thanks ladies.

Re: Runners---when you are injured...how do you deal?

Re: Runners---when you are injured...how do you deal?

I was sidelined for NINE MONTHS.

It sucks, seriously, but you will make it through!

Re: Runners---when you are injured...how do you deal?

Oh nooooooooo I feel responsible!

That being said, I agree with OP, I would take a week or 2 off completely. If you reintroduce running and it still hurts, I would back of for another 2 weeks. I know how much that sucks, but if you're going to run the full this year, you want to make sure that this injury/issue is resolved now, so it does not keep popping up during your training, especially as you increase your mileage.

My DH had to do this earlier in the spring. He pulled his hamstring at work. He took 2 weeks off completely and then slowly reintroduced running, and has been OK since. But he was climbing the walls those 2 weeks, lol.

Runners---when you are injured...how do you deal?

My first half I injured my foot, so I know the feeling. I was in pain during the race and after it was excrutiating. Talk about feeling defeated- it happened my first half marathon ever. It took weeks to recover. Almost 6 and i lost endurance and speed. Take time off to heal. Thats a must. I went back too quickly and thats why it took nearly 6 weeks to recover from it.

Dont get discouraged. It happens. After a few weeks I was back to normal. My second half (6 months later) I ran much quicker and had no pain afterwards!!! It was a great half and I felt awesome the whole time. No soreness at all. I felt nothing day after!!!! Keep your head up, remind yourself there will be more races. You will be fine!! Also running a full is a huge accomplishment and keep your focus on that. Forget about past races that did not quite go so well and focus on future races. I know its easier said than done, but I promise you, you will move past this and become stronger as a result. Just make sure you take care of it now and rest. Ice and Ibuprofen, like the other girls said.

Good luck with your training. I'm running my first full this fall as well!!!

Message edited 5/20/2013 12:41:23 AM.

Re: Runners---when you are injured...how do you deal?

Posted by jerseychick

Oh nooooooooo I feel responsible!