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Sunday, May 19, 2013

Running again!

A week ago Saturday morning I tied my Kinvaras - they felt so strange on my feet! - and headed out the door for a test run. I was supposed to walk ten minutes to warm up, then begin 5 minute running and walking intervals. But I was so nervous that I'd be in pain when I started running that I walked for about 20 minutes before finally breaking into a jog.
Five minutes ticked by with no pain, and I started to breathe more easily. I finished my run pain-free and a week later, I'm still feeling just fine. Thank goodness! I'd really forgotten what it felt like to run without sharp pain behind my knee at every step.
...And the humidity is back! After a sweaty run.

I did about 20 miles the first week, but only about half of that was actually running: at least time-wise. I didn't want to over do it, so I stuck to walking intervals.

My assessment after a week:
- Pain at bone is no longer there. Oh my gosh this is so strange to me. Even after 6 weeks off I expected to wince every time my left foot pushed off.
- However, left leg still feels "off" - like my VMO is working harder on that side. The hamstring feels strong to me, but it is visibly smaller. I think it atrophied from sparing that leg for so long.
- Osteitis pubis: still there, darn it. It's always worse after a running break, though, then improves in a few weeks, so I will see how that feels later.
- My calves were so sore at first! There is nothing like running to really work your calves.
- I didn't lose much cardiovascular fitness (although I AM going slowly and walking too)

I'm asking for your advice again, since I am waiting on a return call from my doctor. My lovely lab charged me $1100 (seriously) and never sent my labwork to my doctor's office, so he needs to see that before he calls me back. In the meantime, anyone have any idea what to do about the weak left leg/sore VMO? I think the VMO is doing some of the work my pathetic shriveled little hamstring should be doing.

12 comments:

  1. Awww I'm so glad to see you are getting in some miles again! Congrats!

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  2. Hooray! I am glad you are back to running. I hope that is me in a month or so. I kind of have low expectations though considering that fact that I can't even walk without pain yet. :( I hope you continue to run with no issues!

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  3. fantastic, I'm so glad that the site of the stress fracture is feeling better, what a relief.

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  4. That's great news!!! So glad you're pain-free so far. Leg muscles are weird like that - when I've taken some time off, I've noticed certain muscles being visibly smaller as well.

    Okay, so I admit it, I had to look up VMO - kind of embarrassed by that one. I should know that muscle by now. It's the one that gets really sore when we run down hill too fast. Because it seems to be one of the main braking mechanisms for our stride. I don't know if it's overcompensating for your wimpy hammie, I would say more likely your quads are a little tight or weak from the time off as well. Plus, you probably lost a little strength in your hips, so all of the smaller supplementary muscles are trying to pick up the slack. That's probably why your calves were sore. I know when my hips are weak or overused, my calves and Achilles get sore from trying to propel me forward.

    Anyway - glad it's going well. Keep it up girl!

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  5. YAY!!! Gracie is running again!!!! So glad that the pain is gone and things are improving. Good luck with left leg and hope you get it all straightened out soon. So glad you are running though and feeling better. :) I like this website for different injury info and here is what they say about VMO rehab - http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/rehabilitation-exercises/knee-hamstring-thigh-exercises/vmo-rehab

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  6. Love seeing that big smile!! Hooray for no pain!
    Sore calves seem to come with the territory for return to running. Looks like you got some help with the VMO question. Enjoy the re-build!

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  7. Hooray for a pain free run!!!

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  8. Don't you just love insurance companies? I'm sure you deal a lot with that madness in your job. But super stoked that you have no more pain, woohoo!

    My left side does a lot more work than my right, a direct result from when my right foot was injured. I can tell by the wear pattern on my shoes.

    Single leg leg extensions and single leg squats are great VMO muscle enhancers! :)

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  9. Oh I am so happy for you
    I cannot wait to get to that point...soon I hope
    I will do like you I am sure and walk more and wait for the pain and hope it won't be there... I feel like I have lost a lot of fitness already so depressing, but that's me.... You are doing great!!!

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  10. I am so glad you are feeling better! I don't really have any advice for you on the VMO issue! Welcome back!

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  11. Congrats! I am very happy to know that you have recovered properly and feel better. Hoooray for a pain free run!! back and neck pain bergen county , low back pain bergen county

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