Help!
I raced in the Fleet Half Marathon on Sunday and after 3 miles my old Achilles injury kicked in
I decided to keep going and although with a niggling pain, I continued but around 11-12 miles, the injury got the better of me and I hobbled for the last couple of miles. I managed a time of 2 hours 28minutes which considering the problem, wasn't too bad. (I'm generally a 10.5 minutes a mile runner).
My Physio on Monday tells me all is not lost and with RICE and plenty of rest/stretching I should be okay and soon back on track. I was concerned about not being able to continue building up the mileage, but he assures me with some short runs, cycling and swimming to compensate, I won't lose my fitness level and may well get in a 16/17 mile run in before tapering down. He tells me there will be people on the start line in a worse state than I will be in!!
But as I lay here resting, I can't help worrying about the FLM looming. If I struggled the last part of 13 miles, how on earth am I going to get around 26 miles. My fundraising is well on target and I have put so much effort into getting this far, that I see pulling out as not an option.
If anyone out there knows this feeling, or can give me some encouragement (non-runners seem to be good at telling me what they think I should be doing)!! I would be very grateful.
Jan Waterfield
Hi Jan,
Sounds like your Physio has given you good advice. I have a friend who is an elite runner and when I had achilles problems he advised lots of ice for 5 minutes 3 times a day (with rest preiods) and it really helped.
Take heart.
Lozza
Thanks Lozza
I am doing exactly as physio tells me. I think I know where I went wrong. I recently joined a gym to get in some cross training. The fitness instructer there, despite his good intentions set me a programme to build up strength by doing lunges, abs fast running on treadmill etc. I tried the plan twice and started having twinges about 2 days before the race. I have read so many times, don't try anything different so close to the race, so I should have known better.
I have read Katie's log who also seems to be struggling, her responses are very encouraging.
Thanks for taking the time to respond.
Regards.
Jan
Hi Jan
These forums can really be encouraging in such desperate times as it's easy to feel you're the only one struggling through training with one injury or another. However, it now seems injury is just part and parcel of the whole marathon experience so seriously, try not to worry about your injury as you're not alone.
I developed tendonitis a couple of weeks ago and have since only been on three 5/6 mile runs. While admittedly they are not half the distance I should ideally be aiming for at this stage on long runs, I don't feel my fitness has suffered from resting. My achilles is still slightly inflamed but I'm not in any pain and I'm so grateful for everyone's advice on the value of rest when suffering from injury. I've found Deep Heat worked wonders for my achilles - don't take my word for it I tried it on a whim, but if it's still playing up it may be an idea in investing in some. Other than that accept that taking a few days even a week's rest is necessary as part of your treatment (and training), after all your muscles probably need a bit of time out to refuel and strengthen! Maybe concentrate on the fundraising so you've got somewhere to put all your excess energy.
I hope this provides some encouragement and that your achilles gets better soon. All the best with the rest of your training!!
Katie
Heehee...I just read your post in response to my one having already posted the above!
...Thanks for your words of encouragement - appreciated so much that I feel my posting to you is rendered somewhat rendundant!!
Good luck with everything anyways
Hi Katie
I read your post after I had placed mine. I also read some of your responses which was encouraging in itself to me. You are so right, these forums really do help with motivation. I wish you well and I will try the Deep Heat.
And I thought I was the only one!!!
I sprained my right ankle whilst out training in the dark four weeks ago. Severely curtailed my running and I only managed one short run in that time. However, sports physio, ultra sound and deep massage have got me back to where I did my first run this evening. It was very sore, but easing now. My one consolation is that I have a couple of 20 mile runs under my belt, and fitness is not two remote (although the comfort chocolate hasn't helped). Hopefully I will be getting back into the running (under strict supervision by the physio) and will make it to the start line on the 23rd.
I hope everyones injuries are improving, and Jan, good luck - I may well try the Deep Heat as well... in fact at this stage I will try anything if it gets me back on the road.
All the best
Kit
Hi Kit
Thanks for your encouragement, I am sure you will make not only the start line but the fnish as well!!
I have just come back from a trip to the Physio and he has really given me some encouragement. I am going to do my first run since the injury tomorrow. He tells me I'm not likely to achieve a 16/18 mile run before the marathon but will get up to about 13/15 miles. If I take it easy and don't push myself too hard I will get round the 26.2 mile course. Any target of doing the marathon in under 5 hours I'm afraid has gone out the window, but as long as I get round and finish I will be a happy bunny.
I wish you well with your training and GOOD LUCK on the day.
Hi everyone,
Heres an update (if anyones interested).
Having had 9 days off from running and 3 sessions with physio, on his recommendation, I tried a short 2 mile jog with plenty of stretching and warming up. Alas, it didn't go very well and after a mile or so I was aching - not badly but enough to cause concern.
Today, I limped into work knowing I was going for more physio after work, feeling very, very tearful and fed up, I was concious of all the well meaning but sympathetic looks from my colleagues, whom I know were saying to themselves " how on earth does she think she can run 26 miles in 3 weeks". Understandable, I know because I was thinking the same.
Well the physio, gave me a whole hour of his attention (yet only charged me for 30 minutes) told me to get on the bike, swim and don't give up just yet. He is going to try acupuncture on me on Monday. I must say his positive attitude has lifted my spirits, as has my husbands. The battle isn't over yet, so you never know, I just might make the start line. Never in a million years did I think I would become so emotional over the pains of wanting to run 26.2 miles.
JanW
I can totally understand how emotiaonal you must be feeling! All those months of effort, it must be awful to have to consider giving up at this stage. I really hope your treatment goes well, and you get to that starting line! I've been paranoid about getting ill and having my training disrupted, but that's nothing compared to your worries. Fingers (and everything else!) crossed, I'm sure you'll do it!!
All the best,
Kerry x
Please try not to worry about your injuries as positive thinking will really help your recovery. I went for a run fairly recently feeling quite anxious about my training/injuries/whether or not I'll be ready for the marathon etc and had to stop after just a few miles in pain, not just with my original injuries but both ankle joints felt very weak. I know it was largely due to my frame of mind and so I managed to change my attitude to think positive, took a couple of days rest, and the next run I clocked up 18 miles - my longest yet, injury free.
I know it's no quick fix for long term injuries, but your mental wellbeing is equally as important as physical, and hopefully keeping positive should help your recovery. With Kerry I'll keep everything crossed that you make it to the marathon, there's still time!
Katie xx
Thanks everyone for your support and encouragement. The forums have proven to be very informative and supportive. I will not risk serious long term injury regardless of my preparation. Although I can defer the race until 2007, I am heavily involved in my village drama group and next year we will be rehearsing during winter months for a pantomime. As we didn't do a panto this year, (and because this year I reach 50), I was hoping this was going to be the year to achieve my Marathon ambition.
I have been watching Run for Glory on BBC - I don't know if anyone has seen it, but this week it was all about positive thinking, and achieving something if you really want to. That said, you are supposed to achieve your goals without the burden of injury. But given everyones experience, I just might recover!!
Thanks for your support and taking time to read my entry.
Good Luck to all of you.