This morning I met some good friends at a local park for a long run. We had 10 miles on tap, and truthfully, I was feeling a little bit like I would be slacking if I ran “only 10”. Especially considering my miles had already been lower this week.
I took Monday and Tuesday off, my right shin was aching a little so I wanted to give it a rest. I ran pretty hard on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday I gave myself a rest and figured I would run 3-5 miles on Saturday and then a long run on Sunday. Well, Saturday my shin still felt a little sore so I skipped running then. I figured with a 10 mile run on Sunday, that would still put me at 22 miles for the week, which wasn’t terrible. Even if I have been in the 30-35 range for the past several weeks.
But this morning I felt pretty good. It was a slightly brisk morning, in a good way, where you feel chilled as you stand around waiting to start but once you get going it’s just comfortable. So we started running and I felt fine. Maybe a bit of tension in the shin, but nothing bad. We turned a corner, took a moment to walk to let the group all catch up to one another again and BAM. The second I started to walk pain was spiralling through my leg.
We didn’t walk long, only a few seconds, but when I started to run again it didn’t feel comfortable. But I didn’t want to complain, so I just gritted my teeth and pushed on.
But by about 6 miles into the run, I slowed my run, transitioned into a walk and conceded that I couldn’t run anymore. My friend Jimmy asked me if I wanted him to charge ahead and bring back his truck to drive me back to the park. At first I said no, figuring that I could plod along and at least finish my miles. He looked at me and said in a kind voice, “We’ve got about 4 miles left to go. Are you sure?”
However hard it was to admit, I knew that I probably should stop. So he ran ahead and I kept walking forward. I ended up with about 7 miles when he reached me to drive me back in, but the pain was pretty bad. It was making me dizzy and when I tried to run a few more steps I almost vomited from the pain. It’s in my shin, continuing into my knee, all up my IT band and into my hip now.
So as much as I hate to admit it… Jill won’t run this week. I have a 10K on Saturday I’m supposed to do, I’m hoping that I feel better for that.
I have fears swirling through my brain now: What if I have a stress fracture? What if I have to take WEEKS off from running? What will I do to keep myself fit? But that’s thinking too far in advance. So I’m focusing on the moment… and the moment calls for icing my shin and chilling on the couch.
Jill Will Run 
I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of weeks now. Thought I’d introduce myself real quick so I can stop feeling like a stalker. My name’s Alicia and I’m in training for my first marathon. I can totally relate to the “fears swirling” thing. Every time I’m injured I do the same thing and I end up a complete mess. Makes me really fear waking up someday and not being able to run. I don’t know what I’d do!
But experience with injuries tells us that everything will soon be fine and we are always back on our feet again sooner than we expect. Here’s wishing you a speedy recovery!
Nice to meet you Alicia! Thanks for reading and for commenting so I know you’re out there!
Every time you start to get worked up…re-read this post, cause you are right…you have to think in the moment. I definitely think you need to rest it, and see a dr if it gets worse, but it could just be some overuse and need TLC. I hope you are feeling better soon!
Jill, I’m terribly sorry you had such a bad run! I do understand how you are feeling!! I used to run in pain all the time and it SUCKED!!!
I think it’s a great idea to spend the week not running! But I agree, if it is still bothering you and hurting that bad you should go have it looked at! Sooner rather than later!
I do hope the week helps you and your shin feel better!! Try to embrace your rest week!
Oh no!! I’m so sorry you are hurting, Jill. I think this definitely might be a case where it’s better to get your leg checked out sooner rather than later. If it IS a stress fracture, it will be good to know so that you can avoid aggravating it and get yourself onto the road to recovery. Plus, if it’s just an overuse thing, it will be nice to know so you can avoid freaking out and maybe take some steps to alleviate it. Good luck, chica! Hope it feels better soon!!
Oh Jill…I’m so sorry. I’ve had a whole year of that kind of thing. Take it easy and rest. As hard as it is to take a week off from running, it’s way harder to take many weeks off!
I hope it’s just a tweak and heals quickly! You did the smart thing accepting a ride.
Yikes!! I hope this heals up quick for you. Don’t push yourself too hard and take it easy until it gets better!
I read your post, nodding to myself. Yup, been there, felt like that, yep. Sounds familiar. SO! Settle down, and remember there’s nothing else you can do right now except rest, rest, rest. You won’t lose your fitness level. If you’re getting antsy, get in the pool. See a Dr and rule out the stress fracture. Do NOT run on Saturday w/o seeing a Dr, you really don’t want to complicate things.
Thinking of you honey! Hang in there.
Oh, that’s terrible! I hope the week off is all you need.
I am so sorry!!! I agree with everyone…rest, rest, rest. You know what to do. Is it possible your shoes need replacing? I find that my Adrenalines don’t last the prescribed 500 miles and I need to replace them more often.
I hope you feel better!
That’s interesting that you find your Adrenalines don’t last that long… I have been alternating between my Adrenalines and NB 769’s. The Brooks have about 370 miles on them and the NB have about 200 on them. I guess it is possible that I need new shoes!
Rest, Ice, bananas. Are you eating okay? I know my shins flare up when I’ve been eating horridly (which is as of late, but I’m not really running right now either). Take it easy this week and keep positive thoughts for the weekend. I’m praying for you that it’s nothing serious, just some over working of your legs. Eat well and rest and ice! Thinking of you!
You have flare ups when you’re eating poorly? That’s an interesting correlation, thanks for bring that to my attention! A good tip and reminder!
Oooh! Ouch! Hopefully it’s not anything serious. Have you tried icing and stretching? Or seen a doc if the pain has persisted? I hope it all works out in time for your 10k!
oh no!!! i’m glad you stopped, but i’m sorry to hear about the pain (and the dizziness, no fun either!) i know i’m behind, but hopefully it’s doing better with some rest and rice-ing?
hugs and healing thoughts!