I’ve been walking around foot loose and fancy free since three days after the marathon. No pain. No exercise. Just doing my thing, catching up on Picky Bars and Believe I Am stuff, and living my life. I had every expectation I’d just start right back up with a fresh, rested body, ready to kick some ass.
First run back was last weekend (8 days ago): an easy 3 miles. Felt like a million bucks. Alright, lets train! The next day I tried to go for my 6 mile loop and my knee flared up (same one from before the marathon). I ended up walking 2 miles home, peeved, worried, and trying to figure out what to do. What happened?
Well, I hadn’t done shizz-all since the race for training OR for rehab, despite being told to do lots of stretching. I stretched my quads and that was about it. I just wanted to disengage from being an athlete for a while; to escape. And it really was lovely to do that.
But then the whole first week “back” was fruitless, unable to make it further than 10 or so minutes before my knee started suddenly yelling at me. I decided to see John Ball in Phoenix, as soon as Thanksgiving was over, and just making that decision lifted a load off my shoulders.
That is, until I started trying to make it happen. Ticket prices were astronomical last minute. In order to make this work, I was going to have to find ways to cut costs. So two days ago I contacted a runner, Kerry, who had offered me a place to stay via my blog next time I came to Phoenix to see Dr. Ball (as an alternative to sleeping in my van like last winter). Despite never having met one another, we made arrangements. Rental car was booked on Hotwire for $9/day. Jesse and I got back from Thanksgiving in Bend, OR yesterday and I unpacked and repacked my bag to leave our house at 6:30am this morning.
After several flight delays and missed connections, I unloaded my bags at Kerry’s house and made my way to see John Ball. When he asked me what the deal was, I stuttered, stumbled. Here I was in Phoenix after all that arranging and moving things around and I could hardly get it out. I just wanted to say, “Here I am. Fix me please.” I didn’t have the energy to explain all the “when I do this, this hurts, but when I do that, this hurts over on this side, and it might be related to this but when I wake up in the morning it doesn’t do that so…” My mind and heart needed a spa massage with a Buddha fountain and that yoga-sounding music, where I could simply melt away. My body, unfortunately, needed Active Release Therapy.
This disconnect between what I wanted and what I needed was illuminated in giant neon lights after a brief conversation with Dr. Ball while he dug into my gritty hamstring.
“It’s obvious you haven’t been getting enough treatment lately.”
“I’ve been on my break. I just wanted to live like a normal person for two weeks.”
“Lauren, I hate to break it to you, but you don’t get to live like a normal person until you retire.”
Dammit, John Ball. Grrrrr.
Lauren, you’re funny.
Yup, you don’t get to live like a normal person. But “normal” people don’t run 5K in less than 15min, or crank out a 2:36 marathon on a hilly course. You’ve got heaps of talent, and apparently you also made the commitment a few decades ago to explore that talent to its fullest.
I’ve recently started a really demanding position (well, it’s all relative; for me it’s demanding!), and whenever the sheer scope of the work involved intimidates me and I momentarily waver, I remind myself what a glorious opportunity it is, and I break down the job into tiny, digestible pieces.
So. One step in front of another. Get some good treatment in Phoenix, resolve to maintain your treatment as fastidiously as you run, and onwards to the next step!
Thanks Ludwig. You totally get my drift, and that’s a great comparison.
It will so be worth it when you can buy that London Calling Kate Spade bangle.
In the mean time, I refer you to Nastia.
Watch this first: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRfoGT4aerk
And then this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGeRSQpNca4&feature=relmfu
Can you please ask this guy if having all of one’s hamstrings is essential? One of mine is just eternally angry and I’m over it. Foam rolling makes it hurt worse, so I stopped. I think I’m going back for ART/Graston sometime soon since just resting is lame and doesn’t work, either.
Good luck. Maybe you can get a tan while you’re there, too!
I think the fact that you don’t get to be a normal person is pretty cool, actually! A lot of times I wonder how fun it would be if my job were running and I didn’t have to put up with this whole corporate crap, sit at a desk for 9+ hours a day and have anxiety attacks on a regular basis. But I think I’d also be like you and explore my other interests too, and think it’s awesome that you don’t focus on all running, all the time.
I’m currently getting the shit kicked out of my IT band with ART and Graston too. Ever since the marathon I haven’t been able to run more than 10 minutes without pain. So frustrating. Happy healing to you!!
Sounds like our legs are singing a similar tune. Lets get our butts back in gear, eh? Every job looks more glamorous from the outside, but I do admit, running really is a pretty sweet gig, even if I can’t have a vacation. Ever.
I read this one to my boyfriend today. He has been dealing with some small but nagging injuries which is frustrating going into a big year. He never reads blogs or running sites and hates stretching/treatment stuff too. This one struck a cord with him though as he only half jokingly screamed at the start of our workout, “I just want to be normal.” He then willingly rolled out and took an ice bath when we got home. Thanks for providing back up, hopefully recovery and rehab will make it into his routine regularly!
That story really made me laugh! Tell him I said I feel his pain.
Lauren,
I think Ludwig gave you a good piece of advice “One step in front of another. Get some good treatment in Phoenix, resolve to maintain your treatment as fastidiously as you run, and onwards to the next step!”
You’ve proven that you are human. Many of us have fantasized about being a professional runner, thinking it must be easy to not have to juggle work, family, etc with running. We’d be dedicated to running, stretching, good nutrition, etc. In reality we’d go through cycles. Just as you are, recently going through a much needed down cycle. At my job we call that “vacation.”
After vacation it’s time to begin anew with what allows us perform out jobs well. For me it’s good night’s rest, staying current on what’s happening in my business, communicating with colleagues, meeting deadlines, maintaining my schedule, prioritizing my tasks. It sometimes takes a few days to get back into that cycle.
For you it’s keeping those muscles, tendons, joints healthy, eating well, resting, putting in the miles, working on your speed, maintaining a healthy mental outlook and a balanced life, etc. It’s time for a new cycle for you. It’ll take some time to adjust. But you will and you’ll be stronger for what you did in NY and for the vacation you took.
All the best
Rick
Ah, yes. Vacation. That is what I was craving. And before I did a marathon, I could actually have two weeks to myself to be normal. But not after a marathon. The rules are different. Thanks for the comment Rick. I love what you have to say.
Ludwig is a smart fella. I like what he says. Also will add I was on a run with a fairly fast fella today who debuted with a 2.33 marathon. It has been several weeks and he is still struggling to get the wheels going. I started thinking back and the first marathon was clearly the hardest to recover from. If and when you do more, they get much easier and you learn a bit more about what your body needs to recover. Hope the recovery goes well because I look forward to reading lots of postive vibes from you in the Spring. Happy Holidays!!!
That’s comforting. Thanks. My friend Kim told me something similar today, so hearing it twice means it must be true. Patience is what I need 🙂
Post-race maintenance is kind of like the opposite of flossing. You floss like crazy in the week before you go to the dentist. You do maintenance after Dr. Ball has called you on the carpet. Or after you get seriously injured because you didn’t do the maintenance work. So do the maintenance work! (Please.) Good luck with the knee.
I love that analogy! Hugely funny, yet so true!
I really like this analogy and even wrote it down even though I NEVER floss. Ever.
Hey, I get to be normal my whole life! In fact, I was thinking of writing a book. “Profiles in Mediocrity.” Or perhaps, “Confessions of a Slow (Yet Not Quite as Slow as Some) Guy. No, wait… “I’m Only Fast in My Dreams, and Other Assorted Tales that Would Otherwise Never Draw Attention Were it Not for This Self-Serving Tome.” Maybe it could be a trilogy…
Very clever. It has potential.
I know how you feel completely!!! I don’t know when the last time I ran completely normal for longer than 2-3 weeks. Just know we are all glad you aren’t “normal” because it still means you’re totally kicking -ss on the track/roads. Take time to heal and definitely stretch!!! That’s something I wish I would have done much earlier on and then maybe things would be more “normal.” Good luck on the knee!
Thanks Danielle. Stretching is so HARD. I mean, mile reps are a breeze compared to the attention span required to stretch.
So sorry to hear your knee is being such a pain. You probably already realize this, but to put things in perspective – so many runners would still kill to be in your position. Despite the insane hard work and constant little details you need to care about (such as the extra treatment you need for your knee), thousands of runners would kill for your talent. I would love to run professionally over almost any other career, but unfortunately no matter how much I train I’ll never be fast enough to get the salary that would eequate to a minimum wage full time job. So, although it clearly isn’t any fun, realize that not being normal means you’re incredibly fortunate.
Thanks Sara. I definitely know how lucky I am. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have moments of feeling sorry for myself, just like everyone else. It helps to be reminded of how good we have it during times like these 🙂
I tried being normal once. Bored the heck out of me. (BTW, you are one of the sweetest, most talented non-normal people most of us have ever met. Glad you’re not normal.)
Thanks Lonn. You’re pretty cool yourself.
Normal sucks. Normal wears a suit and tie, and pretends to like what they do, and who they do it with. Boo that. Just sayin.
Yeah ok. I was going more for “I’m on vacation laying around getting fat for two weeks” kind of normal. But i get your point 🙂
Really? You can actually do that? Because when I don’t do any sort of exercise, I just get so…sad!
Of course, it’s totally understandable that you want to do that; your body is exhausted after the marathon, and it just wants to settle into “do nothing” mode. I think a good way to approach it isn’t to give in to the whole “time to get fat” thing, but to try going from “professional runner” to “normal, healthy, active person.” Do your personal activities (Believe I Am, Picky Bars, all that good stuff), but take a little time every day or every couple of days to be physical. Try outdoorsy things that you wouldn’t be able to do in a serious training cycle for fear of twisting something and losing a few days of training (or just being too tired from training to enjoy it): ride horses, play kickball, go on long hikes, whatever appeals to you. Normal people do those things, but they often stretch afterward (or would stretch, if someone else were doing it). That way, you get to do your stretching, but you also get to live a different kind of life, and experience more of a “normal person” kind of exercise. You won’t want to at first, because your body’s possibly more tired than it’s ever been, and “a body at rest tends to stay at rest” (the couch is a black hole 😛 ). But once you go out and start experiencing more kinds of physical activity, I think it will fulfill your emotional needs for something different from your normal routine, while also fulfilling your physical need to work through a little of the wear and tear of the marathon.
Just some thoughts for next time you’re feeling this way 🙂 Good luck in your recovery!
i’m a tri geek and the run is not my fave but you’ve inspired me with your honest, funny accounts of the highs and lows of a badass runner. hope dr. ball works some magic for you. btw, i’m in phx (mesa, actually) area too and would be happy to host you and/or jesse if you guys ever need a place to stay. we’ve got great trails right out our front door : ) also, i’m sure you already know about allegiant air but just in case you don’t, they fly direct/cheap into mesa/phx from a few OR cities.
Crystal, be careful about your offer! As you can see, I take people up on them! Thanks. 🙂
Lauren,
Hey, if you want to be normal…go to Safeway, Albertsons, Walmart…look around…you really want to be normal? Watch TV for more than 15 hours a week and then go put your running shoes on (if you can remember where you put them last) and run around the block huffing and puffing! You want to be normal?
I think one of the coolest things about YOU is that you are NOT normal…celebrate like crazy…you have a gift and it’s not normal. I’m not saying you can’t whine a little, you’ve earned that…but go stand in front of a mirror and tell me you don’t love what you see…that’s what we love about you…and you allow us to tag along on this incredible journey of yours.
You are awesome!!
Thanks John B. I do have a wonderful life that I’m grateful for every day (even when I whinge about the little things). Thank you for the kind things that you said.
People on TV love using the phrase “new normal.” Let’s apply that here in headline form:
– It’s Not Just For Yogis Anymore! Stretching Is The New Normal!
– Is Self-Torture The New Normal? Only Your Foam Roller Knows For Sure.
– Hell NO, We Won’t Woe! Athletes Of All Abilities Refuse To Accept Knee Pain As The New Normal.
Okay, that’s all the puns I can muster for today. As usual- thanks so much for sharing your challenges with us. As far as elite athletes go- I hope you represent the new normal. 🙂
I never told you how funny this was. 🙂
It is our duty as Americans to grab every chance to have our cake and eat it too. Tell doctor smarty pants you would do it all over again.
Have you had a scan of your knee Lauren? I’ve been following the progress of your knee and it really sounds like you might have a meniscus injury. A scan should be able to confirm this and then you can get the best management going forward once you get a definite diagnosis. All the best.
All is well with the meniscus. It was purely rectus femorus and IT band issues. Thank goodness it’s nearly in the past now!
Wow, this starting to sound eerily familiar. I had a huge owie in the middle of a run on xmas morning, but my pain is primarily with the patellar tendon (on both knees, now, actually). When I foam roll my quads, it gets a lot better, but the rectus femorus sounds like where my problem may well be. I had a great 14 mile run on Saturday, but had a to cut a 4 miler short yesterday. 🙁
Bummer dude. Active Release Therapy has been the best thing for loosening my rectus femorus. Don’t wait around and let it get worse. Trust me.
The weird thing is I don’t feel any pain or tightness there, it’s all in the knee. But that’s got to be what it is. Shoot, ART is SO expensive! Grrrr….
“Lauren, I hate to break it to you, but you don’t get to live like a normal person until you retire.” Bloody beautiful! Like the ‘wake up tired, go to bed tired’ or Mona’s best training session: the 2/7/52.
Lauren,
You are hilarious. I have never really read so much of a blog, let alone be compelled to write a comment. I have laughed out loud multiple times at your writing, my favorite being the “balls the size of Texas” comment. Still chuckling. I’ve been told that I have balls bigger than most of the boys. Yep, I’m a lady through and through, heh heh.
Now, to the “normal” thing. I have been a professional ski patroller for all of my adult working life and I must say that normalcy is overrated. I work with exceptionally un-normal people and all I have to say about that is you’re in good company. We like to laugh hard, play hard, and work hard all the while trying our best to be good people. From what I can tell you’d fit right in. If you’re ever in Park City Utah come by Canyons Resort we’ll hook you up!
Thanks for being inspiring and real.
Sam, thanks for the comment! I love that you call your co-workers “exceptionally un-normal” and the best part is, they’d all probably consider that the best compliment one could receive! Love it. I would love your people, and when I come to Park City with Jesse, we’ll look you up. Sounds like a blast.