Tuesday, July 14, 2009

It Was a Dark and Stormy Run (sort of)

So I am travelling for work and I am in Fayetteville, Arkansas. We are leaving the hotel by 7am this morning, so I had to get up earlier than normal for my run. I got up around 4:3o, and was on the road by 4:45. I ran a total of 6.51 miles through dark, winding, hilly streets. I love running on unknown paths and the sense of discovery during a run in a new place.

I am glad I brought my flashlight, I seriously only saw like 6 streetlights the whole way. It was a nice run, and I am sort of glad I got it in early because yesterday it was 104 degrees here and today is supposed to be hot as well. This morning felt nice, though, with a little bit of a breeze, and throughout the whole run there were lightning flashes in the sky. I couldn't tell how far away the flashes were, or if they were getting closer, but it never did rain. I did cut the run about 1/2 mile short though when I saw something that looked like this picture:


QUESTION: Do you train through pain?

I am still dealing with what I believe to be plantars fasciitis in my left foot. From what I've read it can take months to fully go away. The pain is most severe in the morning or when first getting up froma chair. I am taking it easy on my runs, and my foot doesn't bother me too much after about 2 miles, especially if I've taken some ibuprofen. My question for all you experienced runners out there, who have dealt with such an injury, is--should I continue to train despite the pain? Or should I lay off it altogether for a few weeks? I would appreciate any advice you have. Thanks.


13 comments:

Marlene said...

That is an EARLY run! Good job getting out there. Crazy lightening!

I once had a mild case of PF and ran through it (with advil). As long as it's not getting worse, I think it's okay. Then again, if it's not getting any better either, maybe a little rest would help.

Do you roll it on a tennis ball when you're sitting at your desk?

Unknown said...

depends on the type of pain. i trained last year through knee pain and caused PEMANTNET DAMAGE by not listening to my body. I'm much much much much much more cautious now.

Lauren@ Not Your Average Southern Belle said...

You're in my neck of the woods! Fayetteville is a beautiful place to run.

Jess said...

I've never had PF, but it depends on the severity of it. You may try stretching it first thing in the morning beofre getting out of bed -- use a belt or yoga strap -- and that way teh pain of touching foot to floor may decrease.

Lindsay said...

i've never had pf but i am definitely intimidated by what i have heard about it! my friend had it for over a year, maybe closer to 2? i kept telling her to seriously take some time off but she never would... always doing something physical (running, basketball) and wouldn't wear flat/comfy shoes to work.

anyway, again i've never had it but i am a little more comforted now by marlene's comment! i am often hardheaded and run through pain too, just try to keep a close ear on what your body is saying? good luck and certainly hope it starts feeling better!

TiredMamaRunning said...

If you haven't seen a PT for the PF (how's that for abbreviation central?)because they can help you with exercises specific to your level and type of pain, and see if there's not some other problem that could be causing the pain.

The following is also a good stretch:
http://orthopedics.about.com/od/treatments/ss/stretch_2.htm and I have known several people who have used the Strasburg Sock http://www.thesock.com/to successfully combat PF, but I always think it's good to check with a running-friendly PT before self-treating that way.

Lacy said...

Stretch stretch stretch!!! If it is P.F., that's all the PT/doc will tell you.
I'm stubborn, I run through it all. My case of P.F. seemed to dissolve in a few weeks of stretching and still running. I added a little more cross training, to lighten the load, but I was fine.
If it's super severe, you should see a doc.
I ran through what I thought was a muscle pull and ended up fracturing my pelvis...be careful

Lisa said...

My certification coaches were very specific on this one: if you need ibuprofen to run, then you shouldn't run. I have been guilty of running through the pain with my shin splints. I don't think they improved until I really rested.

Be careful with running after taking Ibuprofen. It can really damage your kidneys. In addition, you won't feel if you make your injury worse or incur a new one.

I agree with other comments that you should see a doctor and/or a physical therapist.

I hope it heals soon!!

RunningLaur said...

I agree with Lisa - if you need the ibuprofen to run, then it's not good. Runner's World had a really interesting article this month of mind over matter. Stretch and ice!

Jenny said...

stretch, stretch, stretch! and i've heard that walking for a ways on your tip-toes can help, too?

i know i'm guilty of pushing too hard sometimes, but i'd rather rest/take it easier for a week or two than sit injured on the sidelines for months because i pushed through the pain.

great job on the run, btw--BOY that's early!

TiredMamaRunning said...

I don't know how I forgot the first time I commented, but here's the link to the PT I have seen once or twice here. He and his wife were former national class runners and he's all about giving runners the tools to get back out on the road. He's got a great website that lets you pinpoint your problem area or injury for advice and specific stretches.

http://injuredrunner.com/

On a totally unrelated note, I found a website that has some K-State tech/performance/moisture wicking shirts! Check it out here and look for the ones marked "performance"
http://www.footballfanatics.com/COLLEGE_Kansas_State_Wildcats_T-Shirts

Aron said...

I think it depends on the pain... injury pain vs. normal soreness/tightness, etc. just listen to your body and dont do too much if you are going to cause more damage... good luck!

Ashley said...

I read an article in Runners World a few months ago that said DO NOT take ibuprofen or any kind of anti inflammatory before/during a run. It tears up your intestines and has sent runners to the hospital with abdominal problems and/or increased blood pressure. The article basically said that the risks far outweighed the benefits and that the meds didn't even reduce the pain that much. Just throwing it out there....cuz I read this article literally 2 days after my first 1/2 marathon, where I took naproxen before the run and paid for the it the rest of the day/night.