Sunday, March 13, 2016

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 6

I'm halfway through my training for the Big Sur Marathon! Unfortunately, this week was not quite as epic as the last two. Marred by injuries, I was forced to take a couple of days off to recover and rest. Since I spent the latter part of the week in Florida, it wasn't hard to convince myself to put my feet up!


Monday: yoga with Megan. She started off the class talking about digestion and had us do some deep abdominal breathing. Throughout the class, she incorporated twists. It was a challenging class but I really enjoyed it. I also finally mastered side crow! I actually found it easier to balance than with regular crow. Go figure.

Side Crow
Side crow
Tuesday: I had 6 miles on the plan. It was 62 degrees, and I couldn't wait to get outside. I felt great. Until mile 6, when my foot started hurting. Badly. I got home and iced it. By the time I got to work, I was in so much pain I could barely walk. I texted our sports medicine doctor (I work in pediatrics) and he got me in to see his "adult" colleague over lunch. She was happy with all the work I had been doing at home, and said she would be willing to try a steroid injection if I was.

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 6
6 miles at sunrise
You all know how I feel about this. There is the risk of tendon rupture and fat pad necrosis with steroid injection into the plantar fascia. However, I was in so much pain that I made the decision to go ahead with the shot and take the rest of the week off of running. She was good with that, and prepped my foot for the injection. It hurt, but no worse than the pain I was in. Afterwards, she gave me a referral for PT to work on my kinetic chain, since I always seem to be injured on my left side. And she told me she would get me to the start line of Big Sur. She wasn't happy about my plans to run a half marathon on Sunday though.

Wednesday: In lieu of my scheduled hill training, I went for a bike ride. It was a little drizzly to start but still warm, in the 60s, and it felt good to be on the bike. About 4 miles into my ride, I passed a runner, went around a curve, slipped on the wet pavement and crashed to the ground. The runner came up to me and asked if I was ok. I was able to move everything, so no broken bones. I felt like crying but I let him help me up and I thanked him. I gathered myself and got back on my bike. I decided to finish my ride. Slowly and a little bit shakily. As it turns out, it wasn't the best day to be out on the path. There were workers cutting trees down, and they had their truck parked in the path. More mud for me to slog through. But once I passed them up, I was rewarded with singing birds and chirping frogs in the ponds. I do love spring! 17 miles/75 mins

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 6
After the crash. In shock, I think.
When I got home, I assessed my wounds, which were mostly road rash on the arm and leg where I fell. I was covered with mud, which must have been what made the path so slippery. I had some pain in my adductors and hips too, and as the day went on, the soreness took hold. I guess this was some kind of sign that I needed to take it easy the rest of the week. The good news? My foot didn't hurt much at all.

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: I headed to Florida with a wish and a hope that I'd be able to line up at the start line of the Sarasota Half Marathon on Sunday. I rehabbed my sore body by doing yoga in the sun, splashing in the pool, and walking on the beach. Therapy. It was rough.

Tree pose 
King dancer
Crow pose
Camel pose
Sunday morning I woke up feeling good and ready to run. I'll post a full race recap on Wednesday, but since this was a training run (ha!) I wanted to include it in my summary. We started in the dark humid morning and I have to say how great it felt to be running. But I struggled with the heat and humidity and ended up really slowing down. My foot felt pretty good but I every time I started running again after a walk break, I felt a twinge in my right hip. When I finished, I was really uncomfortable. My foot started to throb and the hip pain became a little more intense. I'm pretty sure the hip pain is from the bike crash. I was pretty upset about it, but as the day went on, the pain subsided, and I felt a little more optimistic.

Sarasota Half Marathon
At the finish
I know when I get home on Tuesday I'll need to make another appointment with the sports medicine doctor as well as look into alternative training for Big Sur. One of my friends and fellow bloggers, Holly, trained for WDW doing pool running, and I think I'll need to explore that. I'm not happy about this at all. 

Stay tuned.

How was your week? Any mishaps? Have you ever trained for a marathon using alternatives to running?

I'm linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap!








108 comments :

  1. Ugh I am sorry to hear about your back crash and foot pain. Hang in there, Wendy. Anecdotal story: My friend Donna twister her ankle running when she slipped on some leaves. She did most of her marathon training for Disney by SWIMMING and ended up BQing!!! :) My first marathon I think I ellipticaled just as much as I ran.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for telling me that! I need to know that alternative training is going to be ok.

      Delete
    2. It is, especially with your base. Sorry for all the typos in my original comment. :)

      Delete
  2. So sorry about your foot and the bike crash! Hopefully going to PT will help with any imbalances can could be contributing to the foot issue. I did alot of pool running last year when I was injured and I definitely felt like it helped me to stay in shape and get back to running faster. If you have access to an Alter-G treadmill I think thats a great alternative too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I thought about the Alter-G--maybe once I get into PT, I'll have access to that.

      Delete
  3. I am sad to hear of your bike crash but glad it wasn't any worse. Must have been scary when it first happened especially since you were alone. Where did you get that sand dollar in that top picture?! I had never seen any lying around any beaches until the time I was on my way up to Big Sur. We stopped at a beach that was covered in them! It was one of the coolest things I'd ever seen. I brought a few of them home and have them on display in a decorative bowl. I hope that the injection did the trick for you and that you'll be able to train the way you want!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I found the sand dollar on the beach this week. They can be pretty elusive!

      The injection helped initially, but the race today really aggravated it. Sigh.

      Delete
  4. I had to take about two months off from running (torn groin muscle) but I continued to swim and bike during this time. I restarted running about 2 weeks ago and my run has NEVER been this strong. EVER. All the drills and hill repeats never got me this sort of strength. Go figure, hah? Sometimes an alternative, whether we desire it or not, is what our bodies actually need... :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have no doubt I can run Big Sur on minimal running, especially since I have no time goal. But it's not ideal! Hey, a runner's gotta do what a runner's gotta do...

      Delete
  5. A tough week for sure but it's behind you. Hopefully things will fall into place as BS gets closer. If not you still have weapons in your alternative training arsenal. There's an Alter-G in Barrington if you wanna go that route. Running long on it would get $$$ though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm thinking I'd like to take you up on the pool running belt, if you'll still lend it to me. I can to to AHPD pool and get it done in the diving well. It will suck, but better than nothing.

      Delete
  6. Sorry to hear about your foot pain and subsequent bike crash... be careful out there! I find it super interesting that you find side-crow to be easier than crow. I just figured out crow in the past few weeks. I'll have to try side-crow sometime soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it's easier for me to balance in side crow--maybe it's holding my legs together? Strength-wise, side crow is more of a challenge for sure.

      Delete
  7. Your posts always make me miss yoga. After my training, I think I'm going to start doing Ashtanga again. Doing yoga on the beach must have been awesome. So bummed to hear about your foot and then the crash. What a week! Kudos to you for running a race on top of all that!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This was a race I've had on my list for a couple of years--so there was no way I wasn't running it!

      Delete
  8. Oh no! I hate to hear about injuries. I hope yours isn't serious! Hope to meet you in December after your successful marathon in Big Sur!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm planning on it, but I haven't mentioned it to my husband yet...

      Delete
  9. I am seriously impressed by your side crow! I'm glad you weren't seriously injured in your bike crash, but I know it had to be so aggravating. The humidity is such a game changer and I don't have to tell you how I feel about it. I know with your grit and determination, you will do whatever it takes to line up at Big Sur. Even if it means the dreaded pool running. My neuroma is still present and I may choose more alcohol injections. The two I had before seemed to help. Darn our stupid feet. Thanks for linking with us Wendy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You know me well! I will get to Big Sur no matter what. I'm definitely looking into pool running. Glad your foot is holding up.

      Delete
  10. Aw man, I'm so sorry about your injuries - talk about a rough week!! Glad you weren't seriously hurt with that bike crash; maybe it's time for some R&R for a few days - and by R&R, I mean no activity at all. Give your poor body a chance to recover from the trauma.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've been doing just that actually, R&R with a little race thrown in! Now back to R&R.

      Delete
  11. Sounds like with the exception of your beautiful Florida trip you need a "do-over". Rest up. I really hope your foot pain starts to get better for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I always find the timing of things very interesting. I don't know that I would have gotten all the time off my feet had I been home. Here, with just my mom and dad, there was nothing but time...

      Delete
  12. I am so very sorry about all the pain you are encountering! I wish Ho HO runs had a way to search her blogs. I am trying to do mostly water jogging before my upcoming halfs due to my stupid foot injury. I would like to hear how others used water jogging to get ready for road races.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think if you just click on her title, you can scroll back through all her posts. She was really diligent about the pool running.

      Delete
  13. Ugh! Sorry to hear about your injuries! I had a scary bike wreck on a wet footbridge last summer and am now petrified of cycling if the path is wet at all. I hope your hip and foot heal quickly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's how I feel about cycling. I kept riding after the crash because I didn't want to be afraid, but I know it will be a while before I get up the courage to ride in the rain again.

      Delete
  14. Sorry to hear about your accident and your pain you've been having. Hope pool running will help.You have just over a mth before the big race so hopefully you can recover well and be ready when the time comes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My foot feels better even this morning! I did some work in the pool after my race and I think that helped a lot.

      Delete
  15. sorry to hear about your continuing foot saga. It must be so hard. Please let us know how the water training goes. I am so curious about it. I don't know if you are taping your foot but if you are not you might want to start.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll see what my doctor says when I get home. Thanks for the advice!

      Delete
  16. Falling off your bike is so scary isn't it?! Glad you are ok. Sucks that your foot is bothering you so much. Amazing you could still do the race yesterday without it hurting too much

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The funny thing about my foot is that it doesn't hurt much when I run, it's when I stop that it hurts! My doctor says its because it running actually stretches the plantar fascia.

      Delete
  17. Ugh! I'm so sorry to hear about your bike accident and your foot being so uncooperative. I had to switch over to biking during the early part of one of my training cycles many years ago, but I was able to run by the time I needed to start building the mileage.

    Sending positive vibes your way!

    ReplyDelete
  18. All your yoga pics at the beach have been great. I hope that your injury ends up being ok very soon...I can't imagine having to do pool running!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know..I'm just dreading the whole idea of giving up road running for pool running! Except that I've got Big Sur as my incentive. It's amazing what we runners will do.

      Delete
  19. Oh Wendy! What a crazy week. At least you had immediate help for your foot and the shot worked...sort of. Also, I did a LOT of pool running last year when I was injured after my spring marathon so you can ask me anything. Most importantly I can tell you that IT WORKS!...it's fantastically boring and I highly recommend getting a waterproof iPod (WaterFi) but it does work!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Allie, for sure I will be picking your brain about pool running! Thank you for that!

      Delete
  20. I am going to have a serious talk with your Plantar Fascia. Like a sit-down, no-holds-barred discussion about its behavior.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I know I'm weaker on my left side--Becky found that when I first started working with her. I thought by now I'd be much stronger. I guess I am, but geez!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wow, you had a tough with Wendy with the foot and then the bike crash. I am so sorry, but congrats on getting through a half marathon. I am in the same boat dealing with a very tight right side with a half marathon (training run only) and then London Marathon on the same day as Big Sur. We will get there!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Looks like we are in this injury thing together. Let's keep each other going!

      Delete
  23. Sometimes life really sucks. But my guess is with PT and some recovery from the crash, you won't need as much alternative training as you think -- but if you do, I know you have the determination to make it happen.

    And don't forget that Big Sur is for the experience, not the time!

    It's always my left side, too. I continue to work on it, but it seems I fix something and then something else breaks. It's the old "why does God think I'm so strong" kind of thing.

    Sending some healing thoughts & prayers your way.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh you know me well! I will line up at Big Sur, one way or another!

      Delete
  24. I hope the shot helped your foot. What a bummer! Looking forward to reading your race recap!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not sure if it did--it felt much better but towards the end of the week it was twinging again. We'll see how things go.

      Delete
  25. Sending lots of love and healing prayers your way!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Oh no! Sorry to hear about the bike crash and your foot. Hope you feel better soon and that right hip pain is gone! Here's to a better week ahead!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hip felt better today already. Hopefully it's just sore from the crash.

      Delete
  27. I hope the shot ends up working for you. I got a cortisone shot a couple years ago and it didn't really work, but the doctor did refer me to that therapy that did work on loosening up my side.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't think it did much, the time off my feet was probably better than anything else!

      Delete
  28. I've done some pool running during injuries. It can work, but it's really boring. My best advice is to have some way to listen to music or an audiobook - bluetooth headphones and your phone on the side of the pool or a waterproof ipod. It's also a big challenge to get your heart rate up where you need it - a combination of the cool water temp and water pressure keeps it low, so you have to work way harder to get it up there. We have a therapy pool at my rec center (in Elgin btw) that my husband used because the water is very warm, so that helped him a bit with the heart rate, but that pool is small and I can't stand to stay in one place - much prefer doing laps - at least you feel like you're going somewhere!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've heard from a couple people about pool running and music. I'm going to do that. I need to look into what I have to do to get a good workout.

      Delete
  29. Sorry about all the pains!! I hope you're able to find an alternative plan that works well for you. I know how frustrating injury can be (and how tempting it is to try to just "run it off").
    Nice work on that side crow though! I agree side crow is easier than regular crow, which doesn't seem to make any sense. Haha.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Sorry you are having pain and facing a setback in your training. Sure hope you will get it figured out and do what is necessary for healing. Sometimes it is hard to just STOP when we are intent on getting to a particular goal.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Oh no! That sounds awful about your fall! I hope the warm Florida sun helped the healing! and I hope you had a good race!

    I just realized that my marathon is the same day as yours. I'm training for the Gettysburg Marathon.... my first ever.



    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well we will need to celebrate a ton that day!!!!

      Delete
    2. Exactly ! I will be celebrating with a cheeseburger, a beer and a bag of Cheeto Puff... all which I will regret within 20 minutes.

      Delete
  32. Man, what a tough week - but you are so strong! I'm impressed you kept on riding, your yoga poses are crazy tough, AND you ran a race after everything. I'm sending you positive vibes for a speedy recovery.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just don't want to sucumb--I'm going to do everything I can to push through this thing!

      Delete
  33. Glad you're OK from your bike fall. I had my first one last year (I'm still a newbie cyclist) and it was really scary, it happens so fast!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That fall really shook me up! I'm feeling much better now. I don't want to have that happen again.

      Delete
  34. The universe was out to get you this week, huh? You switch to biking to give your foot a rest and then you have a crash. Good grief! I'm glad you were alright.

    I had a pretty rocky week last week and I'm currently home sick from work with what is likely the flu. No good, since this week is supposed to be peak week part 2...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oh no! I hope you feel better. Sick or injured, it's all bad!

      Delete
  35. Oh, I am so sorry to hear about this latest setback. At least it seems that the injection helped? Time to get some rest! Speedy recovery!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I'm sorry about the foot pain and the crash!! I'm glad you were still able to get in your race, though! I hope you heal up quickly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Feeling better every day, thank you. I'm glad I was able to race too.

      Delete
  37. Sorry to hear about the setbacks. :( You have such a positive outlook about all of this though. Hopefully the doctor will have some suggestions for you on how you can keep up with your training. I've never heard of pool running before, but am very intrigued by the idea of it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm intrigued too, but it kind of sucks for this time of year! I want to be outside. But I need to keep myself focused on Big Sur.

      Delete
  38. Sorry to hear about the continuing PF problems and your bike crash. So glad the crash wasn't worse and nice that there was someone there to help you. At least you got to relax some by the beach. Your yoga pics are awesome as usual! Hope your hip is ok and that you find some great alternative training methods for Big Sur!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll get there, even if I have to bike the rest of my training.

      Delete
  39. Oh no! Sorry to hear that you've been having issues :( Hope you get some answers soon and feel better! Thanks for sharing your positive outlook though!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Aww Wendy I'm so sorry about the continuing foot issues and now the bike crash. Hopefully with the PT and some alternative training you'll be able to stay on track for Big Sur.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Florida is a great place for therapy and you sure needed it! I won't lie- the humidity was tough on Sunday and the mist humid I have run in in a while! Safe travels home! Until we meet again.....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wanted to spend more time with you, but my parents...they insisted on coming. And how could I say no? They're my biggest fans!

      Delete
  42. I;m sorry to hear about your crash. On a bike, we tend to do more damage than what we originally think so make sure you are okay before getting back at it hard.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm feeling pretty good, and the bruises are fading. We'll see how it goes.

      Delete
  43. ;( So sorry to hear about your crash and your pains afterward.

    Way to push through and run the half...that is impressive.


    Holly was amazing with her water running and training...that too was impressive. I think it could be a good option.

    Continued fun in FL and safe travels home. I hope you get some relief from your Dr. visit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really don't want to do pool running, but a runner's gotta do...

      Delete
  44. So sorry about your struggles Wendy. I ran on Saturday in Orlando and the heat & humidity were a killer, especially since I never run in conditions like that. I had to drag myself through my run, especially the last part. I have a few knee niggles and I am going to take some time off after my race to recuperate. Even 3 times a week has taken a toll..... glad you are surrounded my competent medical personnel. Sending positive vibes your way.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm hoping that last week was the nadir, and that things will be looking up!

      Delete
  45. Oh NOOOOOO! I knew your PF was giving you attitude, it sounds like it's a full-blown teen tantrum now ;-( Hugs to you...chin UP, Girlfriend! I hope you get some good answers ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha! That's the best way to describe it. I hope it calms down too.

      Delete
  46. Sorry to hear about that accident. Glad you're okay. Hope everything will be okay.
    Love the Yoga pics on the beach. Congrats on your Half-Marathon. Anybody coming to Florida from Up North to race in humidity deserves a medal! Way to Go, Wendy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was shocked by the speedy women in my AG! Clearly training down here has its benefits.

      Delete
  47. Wow, what a week. I am so sorry about your foot and bike crash, I hope you heal quick. I just moved to Florida and when I first ran down her my pace increased by 2-3 minutes a mile. Now that I am acclimating to the weather my pace is steadily dropping.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I knew what I was in for with the race--this is my 3rd Florida half! But ugh. It's always tough. This was my best one yet, tho!

      Delete
  48. I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride reading this Up, yay, down oh no, yay again. I think you are right the bike accident kept you from doing too much before your half, I so hate to hear it but very glad your ok and nothing broken! I can not wait to read your recap on your race, I hope you'll include some of the other things you did while in FL too! Thanks Wendy for your continued support!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That bike crash turned out to be more than I bargained for! Going back to sports med tomorrow. I need a plan for Big Sur.

      Delete
  49. Hope you are feeling better! Looks like you have been enjoying yourself! Can't wait to read your race recap!! Wonderful Yoga pics!!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Oh, I'm sorry about your foot and the rougher week of training! That must be so frustrating and hopefully you do find an alternative. I think a few years ago Hungry Runner Girl trained for a marathon with pool running, if I recall right. Congrats on your half marathon! Running in the Florida heat and humidity is a huge accomplishment!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll figure it out! I sure hope I don't have to do pool running, but if I do, you know I will.

      Delete
  51. Ugh! I'm sorry to hear about your foot and your bike crash. Hope you can get everything rehabbed quickly. I know several people who have used pool running to train, so hopefully that will work for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm surprised about all the pool runners out there. Who knew?

      Delete
  52. I'm so sorry to hear that you were injured twice! I hope you were able to enjoy your time in Florida even with the pain. It's beautiful down here, I never want to move anywhere else.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I kept asking myself why I don't live there! It was wonderful. As it always is!

      Delete
  53. wow! Congrats on a great week, dispute your setbacks. Glad you were okay, after your fall...bike crashes are scary!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Oh no, Wendy. :( I'm so sorry to hear your foot is still bugging you. This is no good.

    My chiro and sports med docs both recommended pool running, Alter-G, or even cycling in lieu of running. When I was cycling instead, I would ride for as long as I was planning on running. It was definitely different but I didn't feel like I missed that much training at all when I was finally back to running.

    Hang in there!! xxoo

    ReplyDelete
  55. So sorry to hear your foot got worse and needed a steroid injection. I hope you enjoyed your mini vacation in Sarasota despite the foot and hip issues. I've never tried pool running but I know a few people who did it while injured - it should help while you give your foot a rest. Saw your recap is posted so will be reading it next!

    ReplyDelete