Happy Friday!!! Who has fun weekend plans!? Lol I don’t… Just (hopefully) a CPR class tomorrow afternoon/evening out in the ‘burbs for Girls On the Run. But I’m super excited that GOTR starts Monday!!!!
If any of you are super observant you may have noticed that I haven’t mentioned running all week… Well, that’s because I haven’t been running all week (cue internal shudder). I waited until today because 1) I was overwhelmed with switching over my blog and 2) I didn’t feel like talking about it. Talking about it makes it real.
Here’s the story: on Monday I was doing my 5 mile run on the treadmill (I think it was hot out? Can’t remember why). Anyway, I had just about hit 4 miles and had a sudden, sharp pain in my right IT band and stopped. I tried to stretch it out and start up again. No go.I tried to just stretch, roll and not worry about it. Wednesday morning I was up early and pumped for 9 miles. Since I knew there was a chance it wouldn’t go well (and it was supposed to storm), I also headed to the gym. I made it 0.33 miles.
Soooo I freaked. And mind you, this was the SAME DAY I woke up with my blog not working and freaking out about that. It was a rough day. I immediately called the Novacare Hotline, which is free for CARA Marathon Training Program runners. I scheduled a free injury screening that day in between classes since they had a location very near my school.
He told me my IT band is clearly tight and that I should have been doing strength training all along during training. Well… I was doing it, but after a while I kept getting worried I’d be too sore for runs. I think when I went home and then to Colorado and Boston is when it stopped all together. I knew it was important but I guess it was just at the back of my mind with everything else going on. Lesson learned.
So anyway, I didn’t run my 9 miler Wednesday or my 5 miler yesterday. My plan right now is to attempt a mile today to see how it feels… I still haven’t given up on this 14 miler tomorrow. I know that it wouldn’t hurt to just take off until next week but it PAINS me not to run. I LOVE RUNNING. Yes, I am a crazy person. But that 18 miler last week was FUN. I haven’t run since Monday and I miss it so much! Ahhh I’m getting all worked up just writing about this!
I did feel better, however, reading this morning that Molly is dealing with a similar thing and after taking to her dad has chosen to take off some time from running. We’re following the same training plan so I feel like we’re training together!
So that’s that. On to more exciting things, I wanted to tell you all about my Spibelt!! I can’t remember who it was, but when I was home in Kansas City someone referred to it as a Ninja belt (or was it my brother? anyway, someone) and so now that’s what I’ve been calling it!
If you’ve been looking for one, you can find it at my amazon store!
It’s basically just this supper cool pack that you wear around your waist. Okay, okay, it’s basically a fanny pack. But I love fanny packs, so it works. I got it because at the Chicago Rock N Roll Half Marathon I realized only one GU gel fit into my little pocket in my shorts… I’d never needed more than one! I’ll need at least 5 at the marathon… So I got this as a great way to carry all my stuff!
Let’s breakdown what’s inside. I believe this was for a 12 miler? Something like that. Sorry it’s a smidge blurry.
Inside I could fit my keys, some chapstick, a GU, 3 Clif Shot Blocks (wrapped in saran wrap like a mofo…) and then on long runs I always bring a credit card, a bus pass and a $20 bill wrapped together. That’s so I can get home or get anything I need if I get stuck miles from my apartment.
You can wear it a million different ways, but after trying a few I found that I like to wear it around my waist, pack just off to the side in the front and underneath my shirt. Cool, right? I know.
A girl I run with in my training group wears hers on her back, higher up and on top of her shirt. She has a deep curve in her back which makes it sit perfectly. I tried it there and it kept flopping up and down. But where I put it, I don’t even notice it’s there!
If you’re upping your mileage or need to have a pack to carry things while running or walking, I highly recommend the spibelt! I was surprised how much fit in that little pouch, it expands really well!
For the marathon I hope to carry my phone in there with headphones coming out and up underneath my shirt, rather than wearing it on my arm because the arm band chaffs during longer runs. I have not tested this theory yet… I also plan to bring my emergency money, a few gels (the rest I will give to various family and friends and pray that I come across them during the race), aaaand… that’s it? I’ll take suggestions.
Well, I will be sure to keep you all updated on running (trying not to have an anxiety attack right now) and I also plan on posting an “eating” update at the beginning of next week, because I realized I haven’t been mentioning anything about my GI issues or emotional/binge eating in a looooong time!
Hope you have a great Friday!
Any suggestions for what to put in my Spibelt for the marathon?
Can someone magically fix my IT band? Or at least pray?
Love the new blog design!
Thank you, Molly!
Oh man, major bummer about the IT band 🙁 Fortunately you’re (exactly!) one month from race day, so as long as you’re smart I imagine you’ll still be all right for the race. Double fortunately, the 20 miler is next week, not this week, and if I were training for a marathon I’d be way more concerned about the race if I missed my 20 miler rather than a 14 miler.
I don’t know, if I were you, I’d make sure I had enough fuel in my belt to get me through the entire marathon. It can be really, really tough to find exactly who you’re looking for, and while it’s one thing to hope you see your family for the sake of seeing your family, I don’t know if I’d leave something as important as fuel up to chance like that. Granted, there will be fuel on the course at aid stations, so I guess worst case scenario you’d be able to pick something up there. Granted I’ve never run a marathon, so maybe I’m not the right person to be giving advice haha…but if I were running a marathon, I’d be hesitant to leave any of my fuel with family.
This is very true, I would freak if I missed the 20 miler! And I’m going to have at least 3 on me, maybe 4… And then there’s 1 aid station with gels. Lol I’ll definitely tell them to have water though!
Hang in there. After my first marathon (in 2010) I didn’t run for 6 weeks because of an IT band/knee pain. But that was after the marathon. It is so frustrating to feel pain! Do you have access to a pool? When I ever I am injured (not call you injured yet of course!!! positive energy over here!) I do a good amount of water jogging and lap swimming.
oh gosh, 6 weeks!? Lol maybe I should take this weekend off… aaaahhhhhh.
I definitely think you need to do lots of stretching and foam rolling and if you do try running this weekend stop once the pain begins. After my first (and only) marathon I had to take off at least 6 weeks for PT just like Emily. My IT band got so tight it effected my form and caused knee pain even when walking. Rest it up so you can do your big 20 miler next weekend.
Also, I’m totally with you on the fact that strength training makes my legs sore and thus the runs less fun. If you find out how people balance the two I’d love to hear tips. Right now I’m focusing on strength training and my running is definitely suffering.
Thanks Sienna! I ran a mile today with no problems so I’m going to take tomorrow off and then attempt the 14 miler on Sunday morning with my cousin. I’m definitely stopping immediately though if it starts to bother me, I’ve got to run this 20 miler! My cousin mentioned she does Jillian Michael’s Buns and Thighs video for strength training, maybe try that? I’m probably going to get it, or steal hers…
I like your new blog design! Very cute! I’m so sorry about your IT band :(. Clearly, I’m not training for a marathon, but my half marathon training is just as disappointing right now. I tried doing jump squats this morning and 10 of them irritated my shins. Not good. I’m just going to keep resting and waiting it out! I hope that you feel better soon, but try not to do too much too soon ;).
I’m sorry to hear about your shins, my cousin is training for the marathon with me and having similar problems. She’s taking off the whole week!
I really hope your mile goes well today!! Remember that missing a 14 miler now is much better than missing the marathon entirely!
That’s what my cousin is telling me… She’s skipping it because of shin splints. It just kills me not to run, I love it so much. Got goggles today though!
Ahhh girl–I am so sorry to hear about your IT band 🙁 Boo. Lessons are hard to learn sometimes, that is for sure. When we do one exercise or workout repeatedly, that def wears on the body–so I wouldn’t worry about doing a bit of cross training. I did tons of cross training during training for my first marathon, and was totally fine. YOU’VE got this! Besides, it all starts in the head anyways, & you’re in the right mindset 🙂
I would keep foam rolling, and try doing other things–elliptical? swim?
You’re awesome!
I think I’m going to try swimming, I bought some goggles today! We have a pool at my gym but the chlorine is super strong!
I totally hear you on the injury thing and the stress that comes with not running. I’m dealing with a random “general knee strain” (doctor’s diagnosis) now and went to my first PT appointment today for it. Honestly, it’s so much better to scratch a run and move on than try to force something if you’re feeling that much pain. The IT band is so tricky because it’s so large and affects so much. Continue to stretch and foam roll lots. You’ve got this! Don’t freak out too much – you have time!
Thanks, Sarah! And I hope your knee does better!
When I was training for Chicago I developed patellar tendonitis the week after my 20 miler. Turned out my IT band was tight which was causing the knee pain. I got a KILLER sports massage (seriously, that thing hurt like hell) and wore a knee strap. All that to say, you will be fine 🙂 Just keep foam rolling, icing (free water in a dixie cup, tear off the paper from the top half, then use it to massage your IT band) and stretching and you’ll be good as new!
Thanks, Erin!!
Definitely a bummer about your IT band – I hope it feels better soon!
I had very bad IT band issues while training for a marathon (to the point that it made it hard to bend my leg at my knee when walking). I ignored the tightness and aching in my leg for too long and I paid a price for it. It’s a good thing you are taking action now.
Best advice:
foam roll
ice for 30 min
leg presses on a weight machine to strengthen other muscles
a “less is more” training approach
(Cut down on some of your short runs. Keep your long ones and maybe 2 short ones during the week-4 miler for speed and a 6-7 miler for distance)
Electrotherapy at a PT office
Thank you for the advice, Allison! I’m hoping to get my 14 miler in Sunday, take it easy during the week and then I’ve got 20 next Sunday!
I run with an iFitness belt and seriously couldn’t be happier with it. I rock it on my hips like you, but with the pouch in the back (my lower back curves nicely for it).
I’m really, REALLY sorry to hear you’re injured. And with your training going so strongly. However, thank you for sharing. I’m going to be upping my mileage from training for a half (2 weeks!) to training for a full marathon, and was wondering what to do about strength training. Now I KNOW I need to keep it in the schedule. Hope you feel better soon! I used a rolling pin to attack my IT’s when they were tight — I found it spot-shot more than the foam roller…
Ps. LOVING THE NEW DESIGN!!
Definitely keep up with strength training, haha learn from my mistakes! And thanks, I’m glad to hear people like the new look!
Hey Katie!
I don’t know if you remember me–I’ve been following your blog for a bit–and am also a Depaul Law grad (Dec 2011). I’m sorry about your IT band! Injuries suck and I know how frustrating it is when mentally and emotionally you’re pumped and motivated but your body has it’s own agenda. I’m not a hard-core runner–but love high-intensity stuff like Bodyrock-type workouts and high-intensity kickboxing–so I’ve definitely been injured a lot. Actually I feel like I’m constantly getting injured. Last week–I was doing some sprints on the treadmill and experienced really sore calves and ankles for like a week.
I would suggest listening to your body and icing icing icing. Seriously. Ice can be a G-dsend. Take as many ice-packs as you can and just wrap the whole area that is sore with it for like an hour on an hour off until the pain subsides. Also if need be IBUprofen helps. Sending you healing vibes!! And good luck with school. You’re almost done!!
Thank you so much, Yaara!!! I appreciate all your advice, and I love hearing from people who’ve graduated law school, haha, it gives me hope!! Have a great weekend!
Pheww what a day Katie! I am so sorry to hear about your IT band.. I have been there before and oh my word does it hurt! I went for a run one time, while plagued by IT issues (big mistake, but my crazy brain “had to” exercise) and it ended up flaring up when I was about 4 miles from campus. Did I mention it was January and about 25 degrees out? I ended up running/jogging/walking/hobbling back to campus… just all BAD all around. Lesson learned, that’s for sure
Anyway, sorry about that ramble, I am encouraging you to rest rest rest, and do what you need to in order to heal. We both know what happens when you try and push through!
Definitely! I’m hoping adding on today (that’s 5 days with only my 1 mile yesterday pain free) will be enough!
OK. Wow. I definitely need one of these. I usually just stash my keys and my mace in my bra 😛 Not such a good idea when you’re upping mileage! I had some interesting pink marks from that. Lol. Definitely ordering one of these!
Haha yea I put a GU gel in my sports bra for the half marathon and it was so warm when I ate it… ew.
Sending you all the good vibes I can! I’ve been there believe me so I know how tough it is and honestly rest it as much as possible. With my IT bands I kept trying to run a little or a bit on the treadmill and it never recovered until I just stopped. I didn’t even lose that much fitness either so don’t worry about that! Good luck!
Thanks, Laura!
Sorry to hear that 🙁
I am having major knee problems at the moment – so I can’t run 🙁
I love the new blog design! 🙂 to hear that your IT band is acting up. 🙁 I was out with an IT band injury for 2 months and I did intensive physical therapy. I always always foam roll and stretch after I run. I would say give your IT band a rest so you dont injure yourself!
your blog looks so good! i’m sorry you had so many issues but it’s looking awesome!
i can’t wait to hear/read how your 14 miles went!
Hope your knee is feeling better Katie…that’s so no fun! I used to run for years until I screwed up my leg and now am relegated to the Precor at the gym, but that’s ok… still gets the job done, albeit not as fun 🙁
On the other note…glad you like your spibelt. It’s a decent product 🙂 I’ve got something else I use because it’s rather close to my heart (designed & patented this after accidentally dropping my spare tampon on the gym floor and getting mad. LOL! true story, though I have to say it was mighty embarrassing at the time…*gah!*)
anyway… the thing with my PortaPocket is it’s super versatile as you can wear it almost anywhere on your body…thigh, calf, ankle, arm or waist and works under or over your outfit. You can swap the pockets out to fit different things depending on your needs du jour so has a lot of multi-functionality. Even great for the clubs/nightlife and dances since I have some new sparkly *bling!* styles too! check it out if you like at http://www.portapocket.com and best wishes with your law studies and for a speedy recovery 🙂
sounds like a cool product, Kendra!
I just found your blog from HungryRunnerGirl. Sorry about you IT band, I hope it gets better quickly for you. I am running the NYC marathon in two months and am nervous of getting injured before then. I don’t do much strength training so now I’m thinking maybe I need to add some in. Yikes!
I have been thinking about getting a Spi belt for NYC because I want to carry my phone during the race, but don’t like armbands. I’ll have to give it a try now after your review.
Definitely learn from my mistake and add in a little strength training for your legs!
Oh no Katie! I’m so sorry about your IT band. I know how it feels to get freaked out about running pains – the thought of not being able to run sucks! Even just taking a week off is hard. But in the big picture, taking a week off to take care of yourself is so much better than having to take 6 months off because of an injury. And you’re such a kick butt runner that I’m sure taking a week off wouldn’t even have an impact on your training. 😀
Keep us posted on how you’re doing!
Thanks for your support, Chelsea!
Hello, I’ll try to send positive IT band vibes your way. Hope you recover quickly.
Thanks, Meghan!
sorry to hear about the IT band pain, I know that can be painful and frustrating. I had some issues with mine in the past. Foam rolling was a life saver for me and going really slow over the area it hurts the most. Some rest is also going to be good for it too. I remember looking at runnnersworld.com and finding some good stretches, strength moves, and overall advice for IT issues. I hope things feel better soon though!
I have an iFitness belt, which is similar to the spibelt, and I love mine. It is great for holding my phone, money, and chews during long runs.
I keep hearing about the iFitness belt! Sounds like it does the same job!
[…] a lot, but I want to keep them strong to avoid injury. (Thanks for teaching us from experience, Katie! I’m sorry that you got injured, but hopefully sharing will help keep others from injury!!) I […]