AHHH! Quick! Get some ice! Get some NSAIDs! Elevate the problem area! Hurry! Wait … why are we hurrying? Relax, dear runner. Inflammation doesn’t have to be a gremlin. In fact, if you take care of it well and don’t feed it after midnight, inflammation can be a protective little guy who helps keep you running right. Read more
On Injury
This last Spring, I had the best training cycle of my life. After much hemming and hawing over whether I’d go with a higher mileage plan than I’ve done before, I decided to take the plunge with Hanson’s Marathon Method. I was originally worried to take on more miles, as the last two marathons I’d started training for left me injured before I could get to the starting line and more » Read more
Graston for Runners
After running my spring marathon, I had so many plans for epic summer running. I couldn’t wait to change up my routine, check out some trails and remember the feeling of a hot, sweaty run. But while the rest of my body recovered from my marathon, my right calf was not healing as quickly. I tried to deny the familiar pain and just pretend it was a sore muscle, but deep more » Read more
Anatomy Trains and Running: Fascianating Stuff!
Hey everybody! Here comes the choo-choo! I’m talking anatomy trains; connected muscle systems that run up and down our bodies, also commonly called “kinetic chains” or “fascial lines.” Have you ever gone into the chiropractor, PT, or for a sports massage, told the person your foot hurt, only to have them start working on your hip? Aha! The problem in your foot could be the squeaky caboose of a long line of problems in your body. It’s all more » Read more
Back in the Saddle: How to Survive a Return to Running After a Break
When you fall off a horse in riding, the best thing you can do is get back on and ride again. It helps you overcome your fear of falling again. Is the same true for running? Returning to running after a layoff, especially one related to injury, can be tricky. Two things typically happen. You’re either mentally raring to go, but your body takes longer to respond. Or, you’re physically more » Read more
What’s Worse for Running, Injury or Illness?
When you’re sidelined with a running injury things are pretty cut and dry: you can’t run for a prescribed amount of time until your injury is healed. And while it’s difficult to miss out on running, especially if you’re in full training-mode for an event, it’s almost a badge of honor. You got injured because you were working your body hard. In most cases, you can cross-train through injury. While more » Read more
Readers Roundtable: When Do You Train Through Pain?
Near the end of my treadmill tempo last week, I noticed a little soreness in my knee. I blew it off and did my cool-down according to plan. The next morning, my knee was definitely sore. Thus, I faced a conundrum all to familiar to all of us: do I attempt my easy run through the minor discomfort, cross train, or take a day off? Do I assume injury and more » Read more
Aqua Jogging: An Alternative to “Real Running”
Injured? Is the weather bad, but you’re sick of the treadmill? Looking for cross training alternatives to improve your running? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then maybe you should consider giving pool running (or aqua jogging) a try. Why aqua jogging? Running is high impact. Running in water is almost no impact, as your body weighs about 10% of your land weight in water. Your weight-bearing more » Read more
Running Injury Insurance: The Low Cost Plan You Might Already Have!
We’re all going to get injured. I know that is not something we like to plan for or even think about, but it happens. Did you know that there is injury insurance out there that is incredibly cheap, might reduce your out of pocket costs for treating injuries to zero and … here’s the real kicker … that you might already have it! I pick on USATF for a lot more » Read more
Basil’s Non-Training / Injury Update Log – 5.31.15
The surgeon said I was “lucky.” Not the word I would’ve chosen when I heard the news that I have a femoral neck stress reaction or fracture! But the more I think about it and process the results of the MRI, the more I’m inclined to agree. The week of my MRI, this was the chronology: Monday – first track workout in nearly a year. Hip was a little sore more » Read more
Readers’ Roundtable: Do You Experience Phantom Injuries During Taper?
Lots of us are tapering for our big spring race, myself included. No, unfortunately it’s not Boston. It’s New Jersey! Everyone’s second choice! (Badabing!) But seriously, I’m excited for my third marathon on the beautiful Jersey Shore! My goal is conservative, but that doesn’t mean I’m taking training any less seriously. I’m approaching my taper with a little more experience under my belt, and if this is like last time, more » Read more
Recovering From Injury? Avoid Being A Helicopter Parent To Your Body
The analogies are endless. Just as a purple bruise initially hurts and then turns a healing yellow, so too does a running injury. Just as a cut initially burns but then begins to close up, so too does a running injury. Just as the storm comes before a rainbow, so too is the process of a running injury. Just as we may fall down mentally and emotionally, a painful experience more » Read more
How to Keep Spirits High When VO2 Max Tanks: An Injured Runner’s Guide
“We all have had injuries and disappointments. It is a part of running. It can bring us down and at times be overwhelming when we see how far we have to go. But I encourage you all to take your time, stay inspired and focused. Instead of stressing about how far behind we are, we need to focus on the progress we are making and continue to make.” – Kara more » Read more
The Niggle Conundrum: Can I Run Through It?
A few weeks ago, Salty, Allspice and I had a conversation about whether or not Allspice should continue running through a niggle she had developed. This led us to ponder the classic runner’s dilemma – it hurts, but can I run through it? Because most of us who love to run would give up any material good we own rather than miss a few days of training, many times we more » Read more
5 Ways to Speed Sprained Ankle Recovery
POP! OWWW! As your body hits the ground after you fall off of a rock while cross training, and you know damn well your ankle is badly sprained, you can’t help but being pissed. At least I couldn’t. Hi, my name is Molasses, and I have a problem. No, it’s not alcohol. I can drink just fine, thankyouverymuch. It’s the sprained ankle that sidelined me just after I decided to more » Read more