Where to from here ?

Spirogyra

Retired after 20 miles of the DCM. There was pain in my knee from mile 3, it spread to my hip, then the other leg as well. The pain became severe, severe from about mile 14. Such a shame as I had reached half-way in 1'47 relatively 'at my ease'. The last 5 or 6 miles were horrible as the pacers first at 3'40 then 3'50 and finally ( I think ) 4 hour pacers passed me. I'm not sure about 4'10 but my time slipped to between 10'30 and 12 minutes per mile.

I think the problem was ultimately my 'I.T. Band'. I had problems with this before. Limping across the Finish-Line in the 'Galway Bay' a few years ago. But it had never 'flared' up to this extent. I didn't really get any 'hip-flexors' in beforehand. Could they have saved me ?. The queues for the 'Loos' were massive,consumed a half an hour of 'potential warm-up' and then with about 10 minutes to go , there was very little space and I was 'boxed' in at the start. I would have gotten away with this in the half, in anything but 'the full'. I do a better warm-up for 'small events' but sometimes it's the 'small things' that catch you out.

Unfortunately in any other event, there would be a chance to 'put it right' in a few weeks time. But not with a marathon. I spent 2 hours at the side of the road being cared for by a steward, cold and waiting for attention. I was unable to walk. It was a bad spot to 'stop at' apparently. 'Ambulances' were 'distant' unable to drive to me when the race was still going on. Presumably had I collapsed or gotten a heart-attack etc they would have but I was not an emergency. I was otherwise quite fresh.

So where to from here ? I always found the long training runs mentally incredibly hard, almost mentally 'destroying'. So why did I enter the DCM ? A sibling had entered as well as several club colleagues. I wanted to be part of the occassion. But I just didn't enjoy the training .

I performed well, very well in XC and shorter Road-Races in the 'lead-up'. I was never really willing to 'sacrifice' them for the marathon. Although I did run 18, 20 and 21 miles on a Sunday. I hated them. It's been suggested that I needed company, company at a similar 'pace' to myself. Maybe.

But do I want to do another marathon or attempt to do another ?. Could I do another in a few months to 'put it right'? To prove to myself that I can ? Maybe but probably not. It just wasn't something I enjoyed .

10 day's on and I'm starting to feel close to 'normal' or as normal as 'it get's. Starting to stretch. I might run or jog in a day or two. There's even a 5K tomorrow night and that does excite me. Much more exciting than the DCM ever was for me. But is it too soon ? and I'm a usual 'specs' wearer, it will be dark and I've fallen in the dark before .

There a few runs around Christmas ? shorter runs that will not require 'extra' preparation and are a lot more social. Where to from here ? Watch this space

Cartman78

Hey - sounds like a bit of bad day out in Dublin.

My own 2 cents? There's no shame in not liking marathons or long distance running.

I haven't run a a marathon since 2012 and not sure when/if I'll do one again....I've been running 10Ks, 5 Milers and 5Ks since (in between bouts of illness and addition of kids :pac:) and enjoy them a lot more....I've had a few bad races for sure but there's always another race around the corner to recover form and pride.

A marathon is a big commitment and a huge investment of time and effort - and as I've found out a couple of times it can all go t1ts up on the day or leading up to the day.

I'm sure there'll be someone along here convincing you to get back on your feet and conquer the marathon and at the end of the day it's all down to what you want to do.

Have a rest for a bit and then maybe look out for some shorter races in the medium term. Listen to your body and then make a call on the marathon.

re: Specs - I'm a spec wearer as well...I use contact lenses for races. Cheap to buy online if you know your prescription but I know not everyone likes them.

Anyway, best of luck with the running

Spirogyra

After 'Cabin Fever' I pilfered lifts and done the 5K last night organised by a local sports-club. Though harder in the dark, my goal was simply to enjoy myself and I did in a time of 23'09. Generally taking it easy,something I'm not used to, I was well within myself for the most part. I passed 2 close to the finish line but right there, almost right on the line, my knee 'went a bit'. Not as badly, or even in the same way as in the marathon. But I would not have been able tp run much further and the 'warm-down' was a limp.

In the marathon it was entirely on the outside of my knee (spreading to the hip then both hops) but last night it was the inside of my knee, the socket area, the inside. I feel it when I 'lunge' and walk is just 'slightly impaired' this morning. There's no pain and I'd be hopeful that with rest it will settle down again soon. But I suppose the lesson is to rest and 'go easy' on the running for several weeks. No 'speed-work' for now.

Had felt better 'resting' than I actually turned out to be.

No regrets, I needed a bit of a 'social-side' and I got that last night. Touching base with friends and 'foes' Of course I had to explain what went wrong in the marathon, not everyone had heard. There was a great deal of sympathy . There was generally two different types of reaction to my 'Dublin Misadventure'. The 'Career ' Marathon runner who urged me to 'rest and go for it again'. Others suggested that like them, that I just enjoy the local runs, of which there are plenty. I never enjoyed Long Sunday Runs', I know which camp I fall into

Still enjoyed my evening

Spirogyra

Most 'ordinary people' are actually pretty 'astounded' that I managed to run 20 miles. Only in a Marathon can one run for 20 miles and for that to be a 'failure'

Rururun

Spirogyra wrote: »

Most 'ordinary people' are actually pretty 'astounded' that I managed to run 20 miles. Only in a Marathon can one run for 20 miles and for that to be a 'failure'

If 20 miles is a failure then I may as well call it a day now!! Amazing achievement

Spirogyra

Might do 2 or 3 miles gentle in the morning. Though not hurting walking and less in bed, I know that I'm still 'tender' under pressure. Trying to do a few core exercises now and then, planks, Russian Twist, a few weights. There's a 'Charity' 5K on Sunday 3rd Dec. . Think I'll do that and by then might be able to 'throw in' some speed

Spirogyra

Went to see a Physio, she said there is some flexibility issues, but that my injury is probably due to too much running. It was a very long season . I ran the half at the end of April. I could probably have run a good marathon in June or July, August even. It was too long, keeping it going . Was given a few stretches to help, 'Hip Flexor' 'Hamstring Stretch' and 'Hip Abduction'. Woke up in the middle of the night, in a lot of pain. A lot of soreness just above the knee and it sometimes spreads.....

The Muppet

Sorry to read that, the best of luck with your recovery .

Spirogyra

Feeling a lot better. I haven't done the 3 stretches recommended by the Physio since, namely Hip Flexor and Hamstring Stretch, also Hip Abduction. Think the latter in particular was a clear irritant. My experience of Physio's isn't great in this respect. It's rare, although does happen , that there's a 'silver-bullet' where one particular stretch provides great relief. Sometimes I feel that one requires above all rest. Hip Abduction may well help, once the injury has settled down, it may help to 'make me stronger'. But not yet.

There's a 'Charity 5K' tomorrow and I'm hoping to do it. There'l be no question of any speed but just by being there, I can at least enjiy the 'Social Side' of the occasion

Spirogyra

After today's (slightly short) 5K I can see that my Knee is improving, but it will be the New Year at least before I'm able for any form of intensive Training. It definitely felt better than a few weeks ago. But still a 'weakness' around the knee socket,enough to know that it still needs a lot of t.l.c. At least I can still 'do a bit though' and enjoy the social side

Spirogyra

Just over 2 miles gently run, no reaction from the knee. There was a few hills and tried to maintain my pace going up those. Was reading about the benefits of hills. Wore my glasses as I feared blinding winter sunshine but it wasn't bad today. 2 miles ordinarily is not much but in the context of rehabilitation it was worthwhile .

Spirogyra

Can anyone recommend stretches before running ?. You'd think I would know at this stage but am never sure of the difference between dynamic and static stretches....Thanks

Spirogyra

4 gentle runs over the last 5 days, think I'm on the way back. While short, all less than 3 miles, there is significant inclines on them all and tried to maintain a degree of pace on these sections. Read about how beneficial hills are . Injury a lot improved but at times I still know it's there

ariana`

Spirogyra wrote: »

Can anyone recommend stretches before running ?. You'd think I would know at this stage but am never sure of the difference between dynamic and static stretches....Thanks

Dynamic before. Static after. If you google or use you tube you will find good examples for each. I have a little routine for before and a longer routine for after but to be honest i'd find it hard to describe them. Kinetic Revolution/James Dunne seems to be a good resource for runners, a lot of people recommend his 30 day challenge which works on mobility and strength and conditioning.

4 gentle runs over the last 5 days, think I'm on the way back. While short, all less than 3 miles, there is significant inclines on them all and tried to maintain a degree of pace on these sections. Read about how beneficial hills are . Injury a lot improved but at times I still know it's there

I wouldn't worry about pace on the inclines, it'd be more important to keep good form.

Glad you are on the mend.

Spirogyra

Thanks Ariana, found this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aanS74B4jpM and learned 'a few bits'. Your right too about form being more important than distance

Another 2.5 or so miles today, between the very heavy showers of which there was several today, wearing several layer in case I wasn't so lucky. It's not very comfortable running in multiple 'layers' but I view it as winter and anything done is better than nothing. I enjoy food a lot more if I'm after a run. There's a pleasant 'hunger' when I'm physically active and I feel entitled to eat 'well'. A few days without a 'workout' of some form and I don't enjoy food as much. I enjoy 'being hungry'

Spirogyra

Am up 3 or 4lbs on the scales...Have lost significant amounts of weight 3 or 4 times in my life and do not want to have to go through it again. Don't think I've had so much as a sweet. How easily the pounds pile on...

Spirogyra

Ran Parkrun today, yes on Christmas Day. It's not a time of year I especially like, it's not like in the ads for most people. So I was delighted with the chance to get out today. Don't know my time, probably 24 something and there was lot's of puddles in wet conditions but it was a great way to spend christmas morning. Towards the end of the run my knee, around the socket area again began to feel tender More than 8 weeks on from the DCM I'm still not 'right' but good to meet my friends, my abscence of late had been noticed

Spirogyra

Goals for 2018 ?. Just to be involved,hopefully my knee will settle down, cycling seems to be helping. I've no desire to do another marathon, or even half. There's no particular race or place that I'm dying to do. Maybe, just maybe I might be able to break 21 minutes for 5K , have done 21'10 and 21'07 before, so maybe, just maybe,that might be something to aim for. Doing New Years Day Parkrun tomorrow. Can hopefully 'attack' it a little bit more, if I could be 23 something (as opposed to 24'15 last week) and if my knee could hold up, sort of that would be a good start to the New Year. Just to be involved and active and hopefully healthy,my goals for 2018

Spirogyra

I will also see O40 after my name for the first time in 2018 That will take getting used to but can hopefully embrace it

Spirogyra

Did my New Years Day Parkrun and yes made it to 23'18. Found it incredibly tough, stopped and walked twice in the last mile and was 'caught' on the line for first in my age category. Surprising how fitness does start to go, after just 8 or so weeks of reduced activity. I felt a lot less fit than I was used to. Still my knee feels a lot improved and it was all 'rehabilitative' A nice way to spend New Years Day

Spirogyra

I am one of the poorest performers in 'Bootcamp'. There is some with much worse figures, maybe a lot less 'fit', but they are stronger, better with weights and some have much better co-ordination. Last time I hurt my back slightly with weights. Resumed this morning, in the midst of storm 'Eleanor' (?) , in many cases the weights were omitted altogether or 'downgraded', tried to focus on the pose. Any little bit I can do will benefit me.

Spirogyra

Done about 2.5 miles today, not easy with all my layers and in the strong winter sun, they restrict movement and can feel a bit tight...had to adapt my route slightly and wear glasses as the sun was so strong...about 4 'sprints' , by that I mean 50-80 metres where I went fast,not always literally a sprint but faster than normal...that will make me stronger nice sprinking of hills too...just a faint 'tinge' in my knee at the end, it's nearly better I hope Might be the cycling

Anything done at this time of year is a bonus

Spirogyra

6am HIT class, it's getting easier, a little, my 3rd class back after about 3 months. I'm still one of, if it not the weakest the weakest person in the class, but I'm getting a little bit stronger. Amazing how difficult it can be, after even a modest period of low activity levels.

Spirogyra

Had a ran fairly consistent parkrun, by that I mean all w 3 miles were fairly similar, and more importantly I felt strong. Then slipped in the mud on my jog home requiring a trip to a busy A & E and stitches

Spirogyra

https://www.irishtimes.com/…/joanne-o-riordan-all-ireland-g… Quite a good article on the dynamics of an amateur sport-team. Applicable to any sport or sports club really . Joanne is a good writer. I read the 'paper' version . Normally 2 miles means nothing but done a little over 2 miles, 2 days a row in very wet and dark conditions. That feels like an achievement Incorporated 2 or 3 'sprints' into each . A lot of 'cross training' in this weather. I enjoy the 'pleasant' hunger feel

Spirogyra

Just this morning,a lady came up to me in a local 'coffee-shop' and said she had 'helped me' during my 'ill-fated' Dublin Marathon. She wasn't entirely sure of what had happened to me afterwards, as I had stopped and started before finally stopping altogether. But she said that she was worried about me. I was actually just glad to get home that night because it was 'touch and go', took a very long time to get actual treatment and taxi's were not easily available. Marathons in truth have never inspired me. 'Dublin' didn't inspire me. I can't say for sure, because things don't stay the same, but I doubt I'll ever do one again.

But one thing that did 'inspire' me a little bit, in some way, was the kindness of so many random strangers. So many stopped and expressed their concern as I lay 'stretched out' roadside. So many offered me food, clothing, pain killers, people were so kind. And this morning was just another expresssion of that. Really 'heart-warming' .

Spirogyra

Ironically when I completed my first marathon, I wasn't really much of a runner at all. Then last October, being very experienced, it 'goes south'. Probably less 'wear and tear'

6 weeks on and I'm tentatively returning to training, broke 23 minutes in Parkrun and 7 minutes for the mile (once) in a recent 4 Mile and contributed to a 'team victory', getting back

Spirogyra

Cross-post from Parkrun, Ran in Ennis today. Finished in 22.20 which was my best time at this distance since August. More than that though, I got faster as the run went on, ran imiles n 7:28, 7:12 and 7:00, which was positive found myself 'running' up hills in later stages

Also posted in Random Running Questions, how to ensure better balance while doing squats, seemed very poor this morning. Isn't great in general, hence a tendency to injury myself with weights in 'Bootcamp', which I'm on an indefinite sabbatical from

Spirogyra

Skipped 'Collective Training' because Acuweather predicted Thunderstorms for my area, even a few minutes ago it said thunder and there's been no sign of it all day, feeling a bit annoyed and also guilty....Is there a better weather app ?

skyblue46

Spirogyra wrote: »

Skipped 'Collective Training' because Acuweather predicted Thunderstorms for my area, even a few minutes ago it said thunder and there's been no sign of it all day, feeling a bit annoyed and also guilty....Is there a better weather app ?

I find it hard to beat the Met Eireann site. The rainfall radar is brilliant for seeing what's on the way.

Spirogyra

Thanks 'Skyeblue', done my own run but it's never as good as what one does 'collectively'.

Spirogyra

Think I'd like to do a 'half' at some stage this year. Am thinking,maybe Galway Bay,maybe in early October. Was there in 2015. It's the same 3 mile stretch 4 times and 8 for the marathon.But it's an easy commute,from Clare and there's a nice seaview☺

Spirogyra

Anyone else ever get people asking if they are ok when doing their stretches ?. Even today roadside, a car approaching was going very slow, as though at least 'wondering'?

Still full of aches aches after quite a 'steep' 5 mile friday night. But they say a short jog (in my case home from the coffee shop) can alleviate this a little bit, so hoping

Spirogyra

Recovering from an elective procedure, which means probably 6 weeks without running as wounds need to heal. I had reached 35'55 in a 5 Mile race just before. I was on an upwards curve again but I knew this was coming. Parkrun might a good place to return,maybe in 4 or 5 weeks. Hopefully I will 'be back' for XC in September

Spirogyra

Ran 3 miles (nearly) this morning, that's my 4th run since an operation nearly 6 weeks ago. I had been coming along so well, times had improved a lot and without the interruption of an operation, I would probably be running very fast by now. However I knew this was coming and that it seems to have been successful is I suppose the main thing. Actually the night before admission linked up with a running group near the hospital and ran a timed 5k, with a new group which was nice . Slight discomfort when jogging but am 'on my way back' and hoping to make Parkrun saturday .

Spirogyra

Incredible how easy it is to gain weight..up half a stone and despite eating hardly any 'bad' food ..having to loose weight is horrible....

Spirogyra

Broke my 5k pb at the weekend with 21'03,despite stopping 2 or 3 times in the final mile with 'stomach pain'...Thought I had a chance towards the end of breaking 21, but my watch started a few seconds late. It was still nice though to knock a few seconds off and narrowly missing out on a 'placing'. Hitting 40 soon so it's nice to see that I can 'still do it' Could I break 21 sometime?....I'd like to try although the strain of running 'fast' is really quite considerable.

Seem to have developed a head-cold so not sure about training tomorrow,we shall have to see...

Spirogyra

Was really charging through the exhaustion barrier as I approached the finish line,in an effort to shave a few seconds off my pb,and I took 4 off it in the end Tried to pep talk myself during the race,that I was 'well able for the pain'. I think maybe I was able for the pain of running but my stomach was awful. Went straight for the 'facilities' afterwards. Running fast does 'disrupt' my system a lot. Heard someone else say they felt sick also. But 5 minutes afterwards, I was feeling fine and had the 'reward' of a pb,(plus some nice food),which will last a lot longer than the pain

Spirogyra

12 and a half miles run this morning in just under 2 hours..that's my longest run in close on year. Doing so in company really added another dimension to doing so alone. By myself I'd have been bored and felt every ache and pain...doing the Charleville half in just over 2 weeks and that concludes my preparation.

Could incidentally have done with a sleeveless jacket, it was very wet and my rain coat became heavy and uncomfortable as time went on. Does anyone know where I can get these?.S

Kellygirl

Spirogyra wrote: »

12 and a half miles run this morning in just under 2 hours..that's my longest run in close on year. Doing so in company really added another dimension to doing so alone. By myself I'd have been bored and felt every ache and pain...doing the Charleville half in just over 2 weeks and that concludes my preparation.

Could incidentally have done with a sleeveless jacket, it was very wet and my rain coat became heavy and uncomfortable as time went on. Does anyone know where I can get these?.S

I got one in Decathlon. You can buy from there online.

Spirogyra

http://Thanks Kellygirl,this looks like a good option t's E30 (not sure about postage) and the reviews are mostly positive[IMG]http://[/img]We had such a nice summer that it was actually a shock to wake up to rain this morning. A long time since I'd run in really wet conditions and just wasn't 'prepared'. Core is the main area to keep warm,legs,arms probably,don't really 'matter'.


Incidentally Paced for the first time ever at Parkrun last saturday and it felt like a 'right of passage',been a runner for 9 years now and this was first time I'd occupied that role. It was a different type of challenge,well ahead of 'schedule' for most of it I actually had to sprint at the end to finish in 26:01. Not ideal if there was anyone on my shoulder. There wasn't but a few people approached me and said I helped. Not perfect but I did my best and hopefully better next time

Spirogyra

Turned 40 a few days ago...find myself walking less and taking the bus more...muscles seem to ache more....I wonder how much of that has to do with age?. Went for Sports Massage monday,told my lower back (the site of a problem) was 'a bit tight but no worse than in most people,a tennis ball either side of my spine (just above the waist) was recommended...I wonder how much of this tightness is to do with age?. Is the younger body less tight? less stiff?.

Spirogyra

Received an entry to the Limerick Marathon in May as a surprise 40th birthday present from my sister So I suppose the next year is mapped out So it looks as though I will do another marathon after all My own bed the night before and after should I think help a lot. It will mean probably 'sacrificing' some shorter runs in the spring,but that is a time of year when I'm not usually fast anyway Part of the problem for my 'Dublin failure' was I think,not just taking part in but 'racing' several small races in the lead up, I was simply 'empty' by the time Dublin came around. It is possible to do them but not really to race them. I can still do a few in the spring but for 'distance', not race them. Also try to do my long run in company if I can,would help alleviate boredom
Off to Charleville Sunday for the 'half' ,my first in well over a year

Spirogyra

Better enjoy these '40th birthday presents' because I don't think there will be much for 41 or 43 or 49 even... Will be in an older age category at Parkrun next time,now eligible for O40 prizes My life is nothing like that of a typical 40 year old so it feels strange

Spirogyra

Resting a lot the past week,just 3 miles tuesday and yesterday.

Half-Marathon is tomorrow. I've done 12 miles in training and posted some good times in 5K's. Only flaw is that I've not done a long run at 'half-marathon pace'. Most of my long runs are closer to 9 minute miles. 1:45 should be realistic, maybe a bit better. But I don't want to go out fast and find I'm not able for it. Will go with the 1:45 pacers I think and see how I'm feeling in the last few miles, hopefully

Just my 4th individual half-marathon (Plus one as part of a relay)
Number came in the post,will have breakfast as early as possible,possibly 5 or 5:30,travel at 8:30 ,bit of a warm up at 9:30 and 'take off' at 10

Kellygirl

Good luck.

Spirogyra

Finished in 1:43:20 net time in Charleville which was a pb by about 30 seconds Stopped 5 or 6 times in the last mile (Don't know why as the discomfort was not that bad) and required medical attention at the end as the paramedics thought I looked a bit faint. 10 minutes later though they were happy with my 'vital signs'. Planned to use,but forgot to take, a gel or 2 and that might have helped. I was also hungrey at the start line,maybe breakfast was too early ? But it was my longest run in nearly a year, the weather was entirely sunny and dry,and I just really enjoyed being out there doing something I love.meeting different people . Just need to mentally work on 'keeping going through the discomfort' a very bad habit,this stopping

Spirogyra

Started out with the 1:45 pacers but they were about a minute ahead of schedule after 3 miles. They were asked to slow down but I remained clear of them from then on

Spirogyra

There's a half-marathon in just over 2 months which actually passes my home,I think I'll aim to break 1:40 in that,which would mean 7:36 per mile,a bit of a 'step-up' from 7:56 yesterday. But November is a quiet month and it would be something to aim for.
Before that booked into see Physio and the Women's Mini-Marathon at the weekend. Might try to do 7:36 splits in that .

Spirogyra

Paste from 'Random Running Questions'. I am entered for the Limerick Marathon,while I have a good level of fitness there is a lot to do to strengthen my body sufficently to do it,if it can be done at all. Going to see someone next week but I believe that this 'diagnosis' is probably fairly accurate.
At least I have 7 months to see if I can 'do something'.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spirogyra View Post
Can a (likely) IT Band problem ever be cured? or is it always just about 'managing it as best one can',with stretches ?. Seeing a physio again next week after a problem developed at around mile 11 in Charleville. IT Band, it's been an issue for years but I get away with it in 5 and 10K's...becomes a problem in longer runs.
That would be a typical example of weak glutes and poor trunk stability as the runs get longer the muscular endurance fails and the hip stabilisation on foot strike is compromised.

1) Make sure you have good hip Range of motion
2) Focus on glute strength
3) Don't do excessive long runs until your body is strong enough to support them
Testosterscone is offline Report Post

Spirogyra

So 'Where to from here?' . Well it's my local 'Women's Mini Marathon' tomorrow. This race actually holds a little 'sentimental' (sort of ) significance for me, as 9 years ago it was my first ever race So I am a runner 9 years It was a very different running world 9 years ago. There was no Parkrun and little opportunity for an 'amatuer' runner to engage in the sport. It was a further 4 or 5 years before I would join a club and really 'develope'.

But anyway in 2009 a (now sadly deceased) friend drove me to the venue and we met again at the finish line. I remember really enjoying the carnival atmosphere and the colour,all on a pretty sunny day,I still enjoy that .My time was 54 something I think for (possibly) 5 miles, it's changed a few times, the distance I mean. That is not by any means a good time but I was happy at the time, and the photos,actually encountered several friends,both male and female afterwards,some of whom took part,others were just there to watch or support family or friends. But I enjoyed it a lot and it encouraged me to 'go again'.

Tomorrow? Well there is no chip timing,actually no times for anyone outside the top 3,so it doesn't really feel like there is much incentive to 'go for it'. After the half-marathon last weekend it probably make's more sense for me not to run too hard anyway.

There's a half-marathon passing my house in 2 months time. I'd like to do that a minute or 2 faster than 'Charleville' last weekend. To do that I would need to run 7'45 minute miles. I think that will be my target tomorrow,to do 7'45 minute miles (and don't stop at any point ) in the 10K event (there is a 5K also) .

Will bring an Avonmore protein milk for afterwards.

Above all though I hope to enjoy it