Well, today was obviously not my day to run!
First off, I think that running in the morning is so much more difficult that running in the late afternoon because your legs are still stiff from sleep and your muscles are not yet awake. My shin was sore when I woke up but it usually is, so I mapped out what I though to be a 2 1/2 mile run on MapMyRun.com and set out on my way. The first mile was really hard and my shin did not get better. My legs felt heavy and it was already in the 90s (and it was only 8:00!). But I still kept going and after I ran about a mile and a half I took the turn that MapMyRun told me to make and soon I found myself in an area I had never been that was definitely NOT on the map. I got all turned around and confused, ended up walking a lot, and my shin hurt with ever stride I took.
It was really not a fun run at all and now I’m just super discouraged again because even though the Doctor gave me the okay to run, I just don’t think it should feel like this! 🙁 If I run my my hand down my leg there’s a certain spot, mid-calf on the inside, that feels like a very very tender sore bruise. Not fun. I don’t think I’ll be running again for a couple days. Anyways, who knows how far I went total this morning…here are my stats:
Duration: 38 minutes
Average Heart Rate: 182
Max Heart Rate: 200
Distance: ???
Calories: 429
Before I left, I had half of a clif bar (sorry no picture–it was early and I was still asleep!!), and when I got back I made a creamy bowl of oatmeal on the stove. I used 1/2 cup Quaker Old Fashioned, 1 cup light vanilla Silk, 1/2 banana and 1 huge spoonful almond butter.
With a cup of organic English Breakfast tea…I then sat, ate my oats (they were suuuuper creamy this morning!!) and iced my shin. Meh.
Our plans are sort of up in the air for the day. We are trying to check the surf because usually when storms go through the gulf we get “big” (haha) waves here in Tampa. I’m sure if we don’t end up surfing, we will still do something outside because it’s gorgeous outside. Not really fall weather though because it’s supposed to be in the high 90s again today!!
Have a great day! 🙂
VeggieGirl
September 13, 2008 at 1:49 pmOh no!! I’m terribly sorry to read about today’s run 🙁 Keep listening to your body, Jenna!! Don’t run too much if your body just isn’t up to it.
On a brighter note, your oats look quite delectable 🙂
High 90s?!?!?!?! It’s in the low 60s here today!!! Enjoy the warm weather!!
Laura
September 13, 2008 at 1:50 pmSorry to hear about your run. 🙁 Definitely listen to your body, which it sounds like you are doing. I didn’t realize the gulf ever had waves big enough to surf!
Laura
September 13, 2008 at 1:53 pmOH, and I thought this said “meth run” at first. Haha!
Melissa S.
September 13, 2008 at 1:59 pmAh jenna, I’m sorry to hear about your legs still causing you problems. like i said before, i know what you mean about it being so frustrating because i have micro-tears in my calves that prevent me from running like i’d love to! but hang in there and like VG said, listen to your body! it’s the best resolution!
Shelby
September 13, 2008 at 2:31 pmI hope your shin gets better soon!
Mmm creamy oatmeal…my favorite
Emlod10
September 13, 2008 at 2:31 pmarg! the same thing happened to me! i have a tender spot on my right shin. I went to to the doc and got the death sentence – no running for 6 months because it’s a stress fracture! i suppose time cures a lot but still it’s so darn frustrating! i just ran through my shin splits and not so great things came of that so listen to your body!! good luck, keep us posted.
BethT
September 13, 2008 at 3:00 pmJenna, it’s something no runner wants to hear but I would suggest taking closer to a week off and see where you get from there. When you return to running try the treadmill or a softer surface first as a test. Hope it heals.
caroline
September 13, 2008 at 3:11 pmJenna, I also went through the same pain, but under that tender spot was a hug knot. Dr sent me to physical therapy and all in all it was about 4 months of no running. trust me I tried but it just caused the pain to reoccur. Give it time. use ellipticals and try hard to avoid running outside for now…
ModelBehavior
September 13, 2008 at 3:21 pmOh no! There is few things more frustrating then wanting to run and your body not letting you 🙁 I would say don’t push it, you’ll just make it worse and discourage yourself. Cross train for a while and then try it again!
Deb
September 13, 2008 at 5:17 pmOh what a bummer- I hate when you try for a good workout and it blows.
I can’t run because I’ll break myself into a million little pieces. As it is I get repetitive motion “niggles” ALL the time just from all the other stuff I do. I admire you for trying to run, but perhaps your body is saying no. I hope not because you love it, but you must respect your body or you’ll be soooo sad in the long run! 🙁
Well, the upside is you burned a bunch of calories 😀
emily
September 13, 2008 at 5:41 pmI’m having a similar problem, but all the suggestions on here are pretty discouraging. It’s hard not to feel like it’s my fault for getting out of shape and now the running gods are punishing me for not running more when I was able!
polly
September 13, 2008 at 6:02 pmJenna,
hugs!! I hope you feel better. I am sad that running is hurting and I hope you can find what works for you soon. It stinks, I know! Maybe a fews of no running will do the trick. No matter, have a happy day with your man!
Tracy
September 13, 2008 at 6:05 pmHi Jenna and others,
I have had the same problem on the inside of my right leg for at least a month now. I have been following you Jenna and went to the running store to get fitted for shoes and insoles. When the pain didn’t go away, I made an appointment with a great specialist. He took an x ray but found nothing, but he thought it was weird my pain was just in one spot when he pressed on it. He had me do an ultrasound, and they found the stress fracture. Now, here is the bad news…I had to be put in a cast! I have to wear this for 3 weeks and if it’s not better then I will do 3 more. At least I got a pink one. Also, he said this is the fastest way for me to get running again. A boot would be at least 12 weeks and if I did nothing it would be months I am sure! I am looking at this a s a blessing in disguise, as I am strength training a lot and I can do the exercise bike, even if people look at me funny!!
Also, I hated it when I would work out an feel terrible. I try to remember that feeling and just be happy that I will be able to have good runs soon!!! Maybe you should go back to the doctor?
Sorry this ended up being long but I wanted to share my story! This all just happened to me Monday!
Robin
September 13, 2008 at 6:39 pmSounds like shin splints (hopefully – the above post is a little worrying) and there are exercises you can do to help. Do you have resistance bands? Looping one around your toes while you are sitting with your legs stretched out flat in front of you, and then slowing just pointing and flexing your foot will help balance the muscles in your lower leg. Good luck 🙂
KC
September 13, 2008 at 7:04 pmI would definitely take a week off before trying to run again. Then, when you do avoid running on pavement. Grass and dirt trails are much easier on you joints and shins.
I hate to say it, but there is a chance that your body prefers activities like yoga that are less jarring. Not everyone is built to run, just like not everyone is built for things like yoga (that would be me). I know that when I was in high school I tried so hard to run fast in cross country and that didn’t really work out but then I tried swim team and I was a natural at it, probably thanks to my strong shoulders. So don’t be discouraged if you end up still having problems with running-you are naturally active anyway and always have yoga to keep you happy.
BethT
September 13, 2008 at 7:10 pmEmily, i don’t think anyone here means to be discouraging – more to ENCOURAGE not to run when it could result in long term injury! Even if someone can’t run there are plenty of other ways to burn calories and get a great workout.
emily
September 13, 2008 at 7:30 pmBethT – no, of course everyone is very supportive. I meant that I was hoping to read a “the same thing happened to me, but the doctor said I was fine and I took one asprin and then went for the bestest run ever” type of post.
Anne P
September 13, 2008 at 7:33 pmaw boo i’m sorry your shin is acting up again 🙁 i had a lame run today too… it’s super hot and humid here in DC and even though i took a rest day yesterday, my legs felt like lead and i just wasn’t feeling it. normally i’m actually the opposite of you — i prefer running in the morning because i have more energy… in the afternoon, i’m usually dead from the rest of the day (especially if i run after work) and not as motivated to go far because i just want to finish! weekend morning runs are the best… not super early, and lots of time 🙂
anyway! i hope your legs are better soon — give them some time to rest and don’t get too discouraged! you may have just tried to do too much, too soon.
Amanda
September 13, 2008 at 7:53 pmToday must be the day of bad runs – hah that sounds a little nasty. Here in Philly it is sooo humid, its like running through soup! I was totally dehydrated and had to stop at one point for about 5 mins to rehydrate and recharge. Although I finished it definitely wasn’t encouraging for my 10K next weekend!!! Gotta take the good ones with the bad ones I guess!!
Meghann
September 13, 2008 at 8:00 pmI usually find running in the morning easier. That really sucks about your shins. I can’t even begin to think of ways to make it better. Besides to jsut keep taking it easy and hee what happens. 🙁
Heather
September 13, 2008 at 8:40 pmI totally agree about the morning run thing. Whenever I run in the morning I feel like it takes me a couple miles to really get into the groove. Other workouts I can easily do early in the AM, but I really have to stretch my legs out during the day to get a nice stride out in my runs. Glad someone else understands this!
kelly
September 13, 2008 at 9:52 pmJenna, such a bummer about your runs…I feel your pain. I fractured my pelvis 18 weeks ago amidst marathon training. I’m JUST getting back to running. I tried coming back at 12 weeks, but the pain was still there. The doctor told me that the waiting it out and listening to my body was the best thing I could do. I know it’s frustrating, but hang in there! Each day is a new beginning, so don’t let the past drag you down!
Christie I.
September 14, 2008 at 12:27 amI’m sorry your run wasn’t that great, hang in there and take care of those shins!