I have decided that I am getting all of the sickness and injury out of the way now, so I can be in tip-top shape for my March half marathon. If you have been following along with my injury saga, the problem has been identified- it’s (drum roll please!) the pectineus muscle. In case you are wondering, the primary function for the pectineus is hip flexion. Hmmm, I wonder if there is any hip flexion in running?
In addition to the pectineus being a pain in the groin butt, I was diagnosed with early bronchitis this morning. I lost my voice last night, and it’s still missing. On a more positive note, I can now elliptical without pain! I hit the elliptical twice over the weekend. I did attempt to run again yesterday after ART. I allowed a minute or two to see if the discomfort would go away after warming up, but it’s still not happening.
I think that this time off from running is doing a couple of things: 1) It’s making me realize the enormity of my love for running 2) it’s a great exercise in patience 3) I am realizing that I now respect my body enough to give it the time it needs to heal. I am very much looking forward to a day in the near future that I can run without the groin pain, but I am going to be kind to my body and let it do what it needs to do to get better.
Is anyone else injured now? How are you dealing with the time off?
I soooo get this. I took 12 wks off cardo a little while ago and as much as I’m more weights than cardio—it was hard.
xo
Thanks Carla–I am in the acceptance phase now! 😉
I just came back from having to take 9 weeks off for a stress fracture in my foot. i was miserable, angry, pathetic, you name it. But I started strength training and now I love that too so I have added to my running!
I am really going to try and be consistent with my strength training now. Sometimes I feel like it’s another half hour to add on, but I realize how important it can be in staying injury-free!
Such great reflections! The last time I was injured (a year or so ago), it gave me an entirely new appreciation for simply being ABLE to run. It reminded me that not everyone in this world has that luxury – ability. I’m glad you are honoring your body while it heals and embracing that thing called ability, it’s pretty awesome, yeah?
Thanks Jess! I keep thinking the same thing–I am so grateful for the body I have and the ability to run. I will be back at it soon enough! 🙂
It’s hard taking time off – I’m not injured right now but I am recovering from a horrible bout of pneumonia. Now that the fever is finally gone, I want nothing more than to head outside and go for a run. But I won’t. I don’t need anymore setbacks. Patience is key!
Hope you are feeling better soon Jen! I hear you on the burning desire to get out and run! Some time soon…
I have had a couple friends in my running group suffer from this. Sorry to hear you are too! But – like you said – focus on the positive of appreciating running and treating our bodies well. 🙂
Thanks Tina! I think focusing on the positive is the key–hopefully it helps me heal faster! 🙂
I spent the greater part of 2011 injured, but not respecting the injury. Good for you for actually giving your body some time to heal. Hope you are back out there soon!
Thanks!! Boo on most of 2011 being injured, hope 2012 is much kinder to your body! 🙂
Yes, haha it is a great exercise in patience!! As much as I get frustrated when an injury temporarily prevents me from enjoying my workouts or meeting my goals, it is so important to be able to take that break. Hope you get better soon!
Thanks Meredith! I am definitely exercising my patience! 😉
I hear you! I took off 10 week this summer for an almost-stress fracture, and that was the first time I’d taken off for more than a week in 11 years. 🙂 It’s nice to be at a stage where we’re ready to respect our body and do what it takes to heal. And I am so appreciative right now of every run! Hope that hip recovers quickly!
I am happy to be able to be patient now with my body. I am sure that in my early twenties, I would have tried to run through it! 🙂
It sounds like you’re in a good place with this mentally and emotionally, which is half the battle. And glad to hear that you’re able to at least do the elliptical without pain. You’re so smart to be patient and not push yourself, as hard as it is. Your patience will be rewarded : )
Thanks Michelle! I do believe it will pay off. I want to run for the rest of my life, so I am willing to take the time. 🙂
Hi there! I just found your blog and read your injury posts right away. I have a hamstring strain which puts a ton of pressure in my hip and a literal pain in the butt! Are you able to do the elliptical or any exercise at all?
Hi Corinne! Sorry about the hammy strain! 🙁 I can elliptical without pain- thank God or I think I would go crazy without being able to workout! can you do anything pain-free?
I was out all fall with an injury. You’re right, it really does show you how much you love running when you can’t do it! Sounds like you can still get some cardio in and that you are taking care of your injury–so great to know what it is so you can treat it! Nothing to do for it beyond what you’re doing, and stay patient :S