Two weeks ago, I ran a pretty decent 20 mile run. It was the first time in YEARS that I’d run that far in training. I beat my pace goal, I felt good the whole time, and I managed to actually eat something on the run. Thank goodness for rice krispy treats! I wasn’t even sore afterwards.
I even ran a speedy (for me) 6 mile run as part of a relay race two days later.
And then things started to fall apart. I’ve had some tenderness where my glute and hamstring meet off and on all summer. It never really hurt – felt more like DOMS actually. But it hit at random times, including when I wasn’t even working out. As a typical runner, I ignored this whisper and went about my training plan.
Last week, I cut every run short, not because of my body, but because I just did not have time. (Whose bright idea was it anyways to train for a 50K while in my busy season with ZOOMA and while my son is applying to colleges???) Then I worked ZOOMA Great Lakes and was on my feet for an average of 12 hours a day for 3 days straight.
And then my body decided running was for other people. It didn’t hurt much, but suddenly my gait felt super awkward and running just didn’t feel good. I probably would have just kept running and foam rolling, but I got an email from my chiropractor that he had a cancellation and I jumped on it. Turns out my piriformis is pissed off and causing issues all up and down my left leg.
So, for after my treatment, he had me take 2 days off. Hmm, there went a 20 mile run. I get to run on Saturday and will be running two 4.7 mile laps at Ragnar Sunset, so I have my fingers crossed that it behaves. I already have appointments booked each week from now until the 50K, as well as a list of exercises to rehab that area.
Best case, I’ll feel great and training will resume as normal. Worst case, I’ll DNF my marathon on October 5 and get picked up by the SAG bus at MCM 50K. Reality is that it will likely be somewhere in the middle. Either way, I plan to toe the line on October 27th and do my best to end the race with a medal, not a bus ride.
Ugh, I have dealt with a cranky piriformis more times than I care to count! I hope the rehab helps – keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Seems to be the year of the pitiformis being a PITA. Gentle healing. Hope the rehab helps
Ugh so sorry this is happening now. I know that high hamstring issue well. But you’re in the right place under a chiropractor’s care. Fingers crossed it holds up for you and better yet, heals!
Sorry to hear that you are having issues! I hope if you rest it a bit you will get right back on track